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Somatic Therapy & Counselling in Surrey, BC & Online

Trauma Healing in the Lens of Somatics

Somatic perspectives of trauma therapy, and how we approach trauma through the lens of somatic therapy.

Andree Patenaude

7/27/20242 min read

time lapse photography of bubble above rock formation
time lapse photography of bubble above rock formation

"Our bodies hold everything that has ever happened to us, and they also carry the instructions for returning to our innate wholeness."

This profound statement, often shared by my first teacher in Relational Somatic Therapy, Mariah Moser of Opening to Grace Somatic Therapy, encapsulates the essence of somatic healing.

Contemporary somatics were originally developed as an effective approach to trauma therapy, particularly for those experiencing PTSD. My practice is deeply influenced by a variety of fields, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, Attachment Theory, systems analysis (especially in terms of anti-oppression work), spirituality, nature, and metaphysics.

Somatic therapy invites us to turn our attention inward, fostering a compassionate relationship with our own experiences. Through this exploration, we can uncover our inner resources and renegotiate the impacts of trauma.

Just think about a moment when a scent or sound unexpectedly triggers a memory—a whiff of smoke that takes you back to a childhood campfire, or a familiar song that brings forth feelings you thought were long buried.

These memories remind us that our bodies are not just vessels; they are keepers of our stories, echoing the emotions and experiences we’ve lived through.

The somatic process includes techniques rooted in mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and re-patterning. These methods not only offer relief from long-standing discomfort and emotional pain stemming from both acute and developmental trauma but also facilitate a deeper connection to our bodies and emotions.

Trauma is something that was too much, too soon, and too fast.

Understanding trauma through a somatic lens acknowledges that traumatic experiences are not just psychological events; they are physical experiences that become embedded in our bodies.

Perhaps you’ve noticed that when you think of a difficult moment, your chest tightens or your stomach knots. That’s your body communicating – holding onto a history that’s yearning to be acknowledged and processed.

When we experience trauma, our nervous systems become dysregulated, leading to chronic patterns of fight, flight, or freeze. Somatic therapy provides a pathway to regulate the nervous system, helping us to return to a state of balance and safety.

In our sessions, we’ll take things slowly and gently. You are under no obligation to recount every story—unless you wish to do so. It’s perfectly okay if specific details elude your memory.

Perhaps some memories come to you like fragmented images—faces, places, or feelings—but no clear narrative. That’s part of the process. We’re here to create a safe space, often just allowing the body to express what it needs to, piece by piece, moment by moment.

Seeking trauma therapy can feel like a significant step, and I honor your courage in taking it. It requires strength to reach out and seek support when grappling with intense emotions and difficult memories.

This transformative approach to trauma therapy invites your system to absorb new messages, communicating to your body that 'it’s over now.'

By connecting with the body and fostering a supportive environment, we can work together to help you reclaim your sense of wholeness and well-being, allowing you to move forward with renewed strength and resilience.