Somatic experiencing (SE) provides a unique perspective on trauma, shifting the focus from traumatic incidents towards how the body processes and retains these experiences as autonomic nervous system processes. In this article, I offer some insights about how somatic experiencing views trauma - through a somatic lens that is more integrated and empowering. This shift in perspective allows for a holistic and integrated approach to trauma recovery.
Commonly Accepted Definitions of Trauma
According to the American Psychological Association (2024), trauma is described as "an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more." And in a SAMHSA 2014 review of the literature on trauma-informed care, trauma is defined as "experiences that cause intense physical and psychological stress reactions" and that "results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful... and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being." While these definitions are widely accepted, there is potential for a more profound examination.
The ACE's Research
The research known as the Adverse Childhood Experiences study (ACE's research) is a pioneering investigation that highlighted the significant influence of childhood trauma on future health conditions. It unveiled a strong connection between the severity and recurrence of adverse childhood experiences and the emergence of diverse health problems in later life. These results emphasize the crucial need to address early traumatic incidents to lessen their harmful impacts on individuals' welfare.
The ACE's research findings shed light on the detrimental impact of trauma on individuals, reinforcing our existing understanding of its harmful effects on overall well-being. Through a comprehensive analysis of adverse childhood experiences, the research underscores the profound implications of trauma, both physical and psychological. It delves into the intricate ways in which trauma can disrupt normal development, hinder emotional resilience, and contribute to a range of health issues. By highlighting the long-term consequences of adverse experiences, the ACE's research serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for trauma-informed care and support systems.
Research has shown that the presence of supportive relationships in a child's life can buffer the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences, leading to better outcomes in terms of mental health, academic achievement, and overall health. Relational support, in the form of healthy relationships, plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of adverse childhood experiences on an individual's well-being and development. When individuals have consistent, caring, and supportive relationships with significant figures in their lives, they are better equipped to navigate and cope with the challenges posed by negative experiences they may have encountered.
Some Other Ways to Define Trauma:
Too Much, Too Fast... or Too Little, Not Enough
One definition of trauma is: "too much, too fast, for too long" or "too little, not enough." In those "too much, too fast" moments, our nervous systems could not adequately mobilize or act. For example, there wasn't enough time to protect oneself, to run away, to hide, or to respond appropriately. And in those "too little, not enough" moments, there was an absence of support, human contact, protection, or appropriate stimulation.
In sessions, we identify what was missing or what was needed, and we support the nervous system in present time to mobilize, register a new kind of support, or do something it didn't get to do in the past. Somatic Experiencing recognizes the autonomic nervous system's reaction to previous experiences and aims to facilitate the completion of unresolved processes within the nervous system. The therapy seeks to facilitate the completion of physiological responses that were interrupted or suppressed during the initial event. Ultimately, the goal of Somatic Experiencing is to support individuals in renegotiating their relationship with past traumas, fostering healing, and promoting a greater sense of well-being. This work is incredibly reparative and empowering.
Unintegrated Resource
Another way to define trauma (credit to my first SE teacher, Steve Hoskinson) is as "unintegrated resource." I find this definition particularly insightful as it removes the negative connotations associated with the term and suggests that source energy is embedded within trauma. Consider this: in the event of an accident where there is no opportunity to respond (for instance, not having enough time to brake during a car accident), the body retains this memory in the form of tension, pain, or anxiety. These experiences often intertwine with unwelcome emotions or distressing core beliefs. Over time, individuals may become entrenched in specific behaviors, like being overly reactive or struggling with insomnia or a fear of driving. By using SE, it is possible to uncouple the fight, flight, and freeze responses from difficult emotions or physical sensations, allowing them to be released and enabling the individual to tap into these energies as resource.
Many individuals may feel trapped in negative patterns or experiences, but it's important to understand that these situations do not define us permanently. The human body has an incredible capacity to heal and adapt, allowing us to break free from these limiting cycles. Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a powerful therapeutic approach specifically crafted to tap into this innate potential for transformation. By working with the body's wisdom and intelligence, SE empowers individuals to release past traumas, rewire neural pathways, and cultivate a sense of safety and resilience.
"Unintegrated resource" implies that we can integrate parts of our nervous system that have been previously exiled or suppressed, and in the process, we can start to free up our hearts, bodies, and minds.
Connect with Alisha and Explore SE
Using SE tools, and in the context of a supportive relational container, it is possible to heal some of our deepest wounds. I have seen some remarkable changes in my clients doing this work together. Feel free to reach out and schedule a phone consult. I'd love to get to know you and learn how I might support you in your healing.
Resources
American Psychological Association (APA). (2024). Trauma. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (US)- SAMHSA.(2014). A Review of the Literature. In Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 57. Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207192/
Felitti, V. J., et al. (1998). American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-3797(18)32034-8
The End of Trauma. (2021). A Podcast Series with Steve Hoskinson, Founder of Organic Intelligence. . https://www.endoftrauma.org/
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