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Somatic Therapy & EMDR

No matter the Challenge

The Sun will rise.

What is Somatic, Trauma Informed Therapy?

Somatic, trauma informed therapy is a holistic approach that focuses on the connection between mind and body to understand and address the impacts of trauma. Trauma, whether from a single event, or ongoing experience can become stored in the body, leading to physical tension, emotional distress and cognitive challenges. At Solace Therapeutic Services, we use various methods of understanding and working with trauma such as somatic therapy, mindfulness techniques and Polyvagal theory.

Key Principles of Somatic Therapy


1. Embodiment

Somatic therapy emphasizes the importance of being present and aware of one’s body. Through somatic therapy, we work to cultivate awareness of bodily sensations, movements and reactions. By reconnecting with our bodies, individuals can gain insights into the ways that trauma has/is affecting them both physically and emotionally. You and your clinician may explore how past experiences are impacting or resurfacing in present day areas and challenges.


2. Resourcing

One of the most important pieces of trauma therapy is helping clients develop a sense of safety and stability. This may look like building self-regulation skills, identifying internal or external resources to manage distress, or focusing on positive sensory and nervous system experiences.


3. Release and Regulation

Somatic therapy focuses on the release of physical tension and emotional energy associated with traumatic experiences. Clients may be guided through exercises that encourage the body to let go of stored stress and trauma through movement or increased tolerance of sensations in order to promote a sense of relief and relaxation. The goal is to slowly increase your capacity to experience difficult emotions, while providing you the tools and resources to regulate throughout.


4. Integration

The ultimate goal of somatic therapy is to integrate fragmented aspects of the self that may have been dissociated or repressed by the effects of trauma. Through the integration of mind, body and emotions, clients can expect to regain a more cohesive sense of self, increased ability to turn off their over or under active alarm systems and lean into post-traumatic growth and recovery.

"All emotions, even those that are suppressed and unexpressed, have physical effects."- M. Derbur

EMDR


Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a transformative approach designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories and other challenging life experiences. Grounded in the understanding that many psychological difficulties stem from unprocessed memories, EMDR helps individuals reprocess these memories so that they no longer cause distress.


During EMDR sessions, clients are guided by a trained therapist through a series of structured protocols that include bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. This bilateral stimulation is believed to activate the brain’s innate healing processes, allowing it to reprocess traumatic memories and integrate them into a more adaptive and less distressing form.


The therapy process typically involves several phases, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation of positive cognition, and closure. Throughout these phases, clients work collaboratively with their therapist to identify and target specific memories or experiences that are causing distress. By doing so, they can reduce the emotional charge associated with these memories and develop healthier ways of coping from past wounds to build a foundation for a more fulfilling future.


EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and is recognized as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, and other conditions where distressing memories or experiences contribute to psychological symptoms. It is particularly noted for its ability to bring about significant improvements in a relatively short amount of time compared to traditional talk therapies.

Contact us today to learn more about how Somatic Trauma informed care can be a revolutionary part of your healing journey, or how you can integrate it into your professional practice.

What It Can Address
We Value The Therapeutic Relationship

The greatest predictor of meaningful change in clients with complex PTSD is the quality of the therapeutic alliance.” Courtois & Pearlman, 2005