Somatic PTSD: Understanding and Healing Trauma with a Trauma-Informed Approach
Welcome to the Aura Institute, where we offer advanced trauma-informed training so that you can have the tools to transform the lives of those affected by trauma.
Our curriculum is accredited for continuing education by prestigious organizations like the APA and Board of Nurses, ensuring practitioners receive top-notch training and credentials.
Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.
Somatic PTSD: Grasping and Mend the Impact of Trauma through a Trauma-Knowledgeable Method
Key Points:
- Understanding Somatic PTSD
- Difference between Traditional PTSD and Somatic PTSD
- Healing Trauma through A Trauma-Informed Approach
- Training in Somatic PTSD Healing
- Frequently Asked Questions about Somatic PTSD and related topics
Somatic PTSD is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder that encompasses not only the psychological effects of trauma but also the physical manifestations within our bodies. This form of PTSD takes a broader approach to understand and treat the complexity of trauma, and its effects on individuals.
Traditional PTSD focuses heavily on psychological symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety attacks. However, somatic PTSD expands on this by acknowledging that trauma can become embodied, impacting our physical health and well-being.
"The body keeps the score. If the memory of trauma is encoded in the viscera, in heartbreaking and gut-wrenching emotions, in autoimmune disorders and skeletal/muscular problems, and if mind/brain/visceral communication is the royal road to emotion regulation, this demands a radical shift in our therapeutic assumptions." - Bessel Van der Kolk
Understanding Somatic PTSD
Somatic PTSD acknowledges the role of the body in storing and reacting to traumatic experiences. Many people experiencing somatic PTSD encounter physical symptoms such as chronic pain, tension in the body, fatigue, and issues with digestion among others. These physiological symptoms often persist even after psychological symptoms have been addressed, suggesting that trauma fundamentally changes the body's response system.
Difference Between Traditional PTSD and Somatic PTSD
The primary difference between Somatic PTSD and traditional PTSD is the emphasis on physical symptoms. While traditional PTSD tends to concentrate primarily on the mental and emotional after-effects of traumatic experiences, Somatic PTSD looks at how these experiences physically alter the body's functioning. This mind-body connection is an essential focus in understanding and healing from Somatic PTSD.
Healing Trauma: A Trauma-Informed Approach
When it comes to healing from somatic PTSD, a trauma-informed approach can be highly effective. This approach is based on understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of trauma. This method emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety and helps individuals rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.
Some of the healing therapies adopted under this approach may include Somatic Experiencing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), neurofeedback, and mindfulness practices. These methods help to create new, healthier neural pathways, shift the body's physiological response to stress, and assist the individual in releasing the physical and emotional grip of trauma.
Training in Somatic PTSD Healing
There are comprehensive training programs for those seeking to learn about healing from somatic PTSD. This includes healthcare professionals, therapists, and anyone interested in understanding how to help those battling with the consequences of traumatic experiences.
At Aura Institute, we offer in-depth training in various trauma-informed therapeutic techniques that can be used to support individuals with somatic PTSD. We provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises to empower our students to apply these transformative healing methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is somatic PTSD?Somatic PTSD is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder that acknowledges the physical symptoms and body memory in addition to the psychological effects of trauma.
How does the somatic approach differ from traditional PTSD therapy?The somatic approach includes the body in the healing process while traditional therapy focuses mainly on the psychological aspects.
What is a trauma-informed approach?A trauma-informed approach is a therapeutic method that is based on understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of trauma. It emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety and helps individuals regain a sense of control and empowerment.
What therapies are used to heal trauma in somatic PTSD?Therapies can include Somatic Experiencing, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), neurofeedback, and mindfulness practices.
Do you offer training in trauma healing?Yes, at Aura Institute, we offer comprehensive training courses in various trauma-informed therapeutic techniques.
Somatic PTSD can be impactful, not only mentally but also physically. However, with a trauma-informed approaches, the healing journey can become less overwhelming. Though it is a process that demands patience and perseverance, overcoming Somatic PTSD is our ultimate aim at Aura Institute, either through personal therapy or training others in the field to maximize the healing reach.
Ready to start your career as a trauma informed care practitioner? Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.