trauma therapY
Trauma Informed Somatic Therapy with Claire Connors
‘Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence’ -Dr Peter Levine
Trauma results from exposure to an incident OR a series of events that are emotionally disturbing, maybe even life-threatening with lasting adverse effects on the individual's functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional and/or spiritual well-being.
Connecting body and mind, the aim of somatic therapy is to help people release stored trauma and regulate their nervous system. Somatic therapy explores how the body expresses deeply painful experiences, applying mind body healing to aid with trauma recovery. It is a body centered approach which rather than focusing solely on thoughts or emotions associated with trauma, expands to include the natural bodily (somatic) responses. Recognizing that the body, not just the brain stores traumatic experience enables targeted therapy that addresses both physical and mental health impacts. We will work together to release damaging, pent up emotions in the body.
Nervous System Regulation.
Our nervous system is the primary center of our bodies, it regulates all our programs and controls how we experience the world around us. When our nervous system feels safe and secure, we feel safe and secure. When our nervous system feels unsafe or insecure we may struggle with anxiety, unpleasant emotional and physical symptoms. In this modern world it is safe to say our nervous systems go through a lot. Many of us are perpetually operating with high stress levels due to work demands, health problems, financial challenges, care giving along with many other chronic stressors. When the nervous system becomes dysregulated due to distress, trauma or prolonged feelings of stress it can lead to a prolonged state of anxiety, worry, trouble sleeping and various other problematic responses.
Therefore the nervous system health is extremely important to maintain good mental health and nervous system regulation is a key component to healing. We will work together to adapt nervous system regulation techniques into your daily habits, effectively calming the nervous system. Bringing clients from the sympathetic nervous system into the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is where natural healing and cellular regeneration and renewal takes place, and is known as the "rest and digest" branch of the nervous system. Many people do not spend much time in this relaxed part of the nervous system: instead due to stresses of daily life, it is common for clients to reside primarily in the sympathetic nervous system. In the sympathetic nervous system, stress hormones flood the body and the body's natural healing mechanisms are suppressed.
By applying Polyvagal Theory, which was developed by Steven Porges in 1997, I can support you through our sessions to begin to integrate easy techniques into your daily routine that will allow you to regulate your own nervous system easily and effectively.
As an integrative therapist I employ a number of approaches and principles on the cutting edge of trauma treatment including:
Applied Polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation
Inner child and parts therapy work
Bi-lateral processing
Diagnostic tapping
Psychological somatics and body based trauma release
Medicinal Movement
Working closely and with compassion we will move between techniques during sessions as and when the client and the clients body is ready. If you are interested in therapy appointments with me please complete the contact form.
