Understanding Trauma: What Does Soma Mean in Trauma-Informed Training?
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Examining Soma: Its Role and Meaning in Trauma-Informed Training
Understanding Trauma: What Does Soma Mean in Trauma-Informed Training?
In this article, we will delve deep into trauma-informed training and focus particularly on understanding the role and meaning of 'soma.' The term soma takes on a certain significance in trauma work and continuing its comprehension is vital for wellness educators, mental health professionals, and whoever is interested in trauma-informed practice.
Key Points Covered in This Article
- Definition and role of Soma in trauma-informed training
- Connection between mind, body (soma), and Trauma
- How trauma affects soma
- somatic techniques in Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Importance of the soma in healing trauma
So, what does soma mean? Soma, derived from the Greek word 'sōma,' means 'body.' In trauma-informed training, soma refers to a person's experience of their physical body as it pertains to their mental and emotional states.
A traumatic event impacts not just the mind but also the body, and thus soma brings attention to the crucial intersection between the physical, and the psychological.
Connection between Mind, Body, and Trauma
Trauma significantly impacts the mind-body connection. Adverse experiences can lead to physiological alterations, such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and hormone levels—often leading to somatic symptoms.
Blockquote: "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, it is stored in hormonal and neurotransmitter patterns, and finally, it is stored in the body's spiritual energy system," says Bessel van der Kolk, a prominent trauma researcher.
How Trauma Affects Soma
Trauma can manifest itself in physical symptoms, collectively known as somatic symptoms. Common somatic symptoms of trauma can include headaches, chronic pain, nausea, and gastrointestinal problems. Here, the Greek etymology of the term becomes essential—soma, the body, experiences the trauma as vividly as the mind does.
Somatic Techniques in Trauma-Informed Therapy
Given the intrinsic connection between trauma and soma, somatic-based techniques in therapy have gained traction. These techniques create a safe environment for the patient to reconnect with their bodies post-trauma—effectively making the body an ally in the healing process. These therapies could include Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and more.
The Importance of Soma in Healing Trauma
Recognizing and appreciating the role soma plays in trauma can lead to more nuanced, effective therapeutic strategies—ultimately leading to more encompassing healing.
By understanding that trauma resides not just in the mind but also in the body, we can begin to approach therapies that treat the whole individual—holistic healing that includes both mind and the 'soma.'
At the [Aura Institute], we offer professional training in trauma-informed practices that recognize the vital role 'soma' plays in understanding and healing trauma.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does soma mean in trauma-informed training?In trauma-informed training, soma means a person's experience of their physical body in relation to their mental and emotional states.
2. How does trauma affect soma?Trauma can cause the body to have physical reactions, often called somatic symptoms, which can include headaches, chronic pain, nausea, and gastrointestinal problems.
3. What are some somatic-based therapies used in trauma recovery?Therapies such as Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy are used to assist patients in reconnecting with their bodies and using them as allies in the healing process.
For more information or to begin trauma-informed training, explore our [educational programs] at the Aura Institute.
[Credits and References]
This article is based on information from the Aura Institute’s various courses and training programs, including our [Trauma Informed Practice Program].
Your mental health, well-being, and professional development are important to us at the Aura Institute. We invite you to [contact us] to learn more on how you can become trauma-informed in your practice and personal life.
Thanks for reading, if you found this article helpful, please share it with others in your field and those who might benefit from understanding trauma and soma.
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.