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What is Trauma?
From a holistic perspective, trauma is not just an event but a disruption that overwhelms our body and mind’s ability to adapt, thrive, and flourish.
Trauma can arise when:
- There is too much too soon
- There is too much for too long
- There is not enough for too long
- Personal power and agency have been taken away from the person or collective
- The stressors outweigh the resources available to navigate them
- When our primal protective instincts, intuitions, and responses are thwarted
- There is not enough time, space, or permission to heal
To fully understand an individual’s trauma history, it is crucial to consider social, developmental, and cultural factors. Ignoring these aspects can lead to an incomplete understanding of their experience.
Symptoms of trauma can manifest immediately or develop over time as the body and mind work to cope with and resolve stress. These symptoms signal the body’s attempt to process traumatic experiences.
Trauma can evoke feelings of powerlessness, helplessness, and disconnection. It disrupts our sense of self and our presence in the moment. However, as Dr. Peter Levine, creator of Somatic Experiencing, says, “Trauma is a fact of life. It does not have to be a life sentence.”
Healing from trauma involves:
- Recognizing symptoms as pathways to healing
- Listening to and understanding the body’s signals and wisdom
Somatic Therapy benefits include:
- Restoring the body as a safe space and enhancing the ability to process nonverbal memory
- Processing unexpressed emotions
- Completing unresolved stress responses
- Re-establishing a healthy relationship with oneself and the world
Somatic trauma therapy equips clients with techniques to sense and regulate their physiological states. This involves building internal and external resources, forming trusting relationships, practicing self-compassion, and allowing time and space for processing trauma. These techniques help unwind trauma and restore well-being.
