How does Somatic Therapy work with Trauma?

We all have childhood wounds, even if we may not realize it. And trauma has many forms, usually put into a category of "big T" or "little t" trauma. "Big T" trauma is the one that is typically spoken about - physical abuse, sexual violence, and/or life threatening events. These would be most commonly associated with a PTSD diagnosis. "Little t" trauma has a more subtle impact - growing up with emotionally immature and/or distant parents, bullying experiences, significant losses, and/or non-life threatening injuries. "Little t" traumas are still impactful and can be highly distressing to our nervous systems. 
​Somatic work gets to the center of those traumatic wounds to heal them at a deeper level. Part of the trauma work I provide includes education and awareness about your specific nervous system and how it operates. This is done through experiential work with the support, guidance and presence of a specialist (me!). Peter Levine says "Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness." It is through this therapeutic relationship that trauma can be healed.

Big T and Little t Trauma Article

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How does Somatic Therapy work with anxiety?

When a client comes in to therapy with anxiety, there are multiple ways we can work with it. One of those ways is inner child work. 

Why You Can't Think Your Way Out of Trauma

Article on Inner Child work

Article on imagery work

Did you know that according to the brain, our imagination feels a lot like reality? (Check out this study.) Guided imagery work uses our imagination to help reduce overwhelm, anxiety, panic, fears, among many other issues. Our typical imagery work starts with building a "safe space" in our mind and some boundary making, if needed.