Somatic Experiencing Therapy For Healing and Recovery
Processing The Joint Effects of Trauma and Substance Use and Their Impact on the Body, Mind, and Soul
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Traumatic experiences leave a mark that penetrates the body, mind, and soul. Addressing only part of this recovery triangle will prove ineffective and unsustainable. Somatic Experiencing Therapy understands the toll trauma takes on you as a whole person, from pain and PTSD to substance use and anxiety, and proposes that these are all symptoms of something deeper. We can safely explore this world together.
At Crestone Wellness, we know the treatment and recovery process isn’t easy. But we can make it more positive and simple. Our goal is to improve your life, your future, and your overall well-being with holistic, comprehensive treatment options that suit your unique needs. We have curated the path to healing; come and walk it safely with us.
What is Somatic Experiencing Therapy?
Unlike more traditional talk therapy modalities, Somatic Experiencing Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that addresses the physical effects of trauma that get “trapped” in the body. This approach was developed by Dr. Peter Levine, Ph.D., and focuses on identifying and understanding internal physical sensations and a heightened awareness of body positions (interoception vs. proprioception).[1]
Somatic therapy sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes on a weekly basis for 3 to 20 weeks, depending on your individualized treatment plan, and are administered by trained therapists and certified somatic experiencing practitioners.[2]
Crestone Wellness specializes in trauma-informed approaches to recovery that incorporate interventions for both mental health and wellness and substance use disorder. We’re committed to fostering respect and joy throughout treatment and work hard to ensure that each session is a safe space where you can thrive. We’re eager to walk alongside your recovery journey and support you in every possible way.
How (and Why) Somatic Experiencing Therapy Works
Somatic therapy techniques work to resolve incomplete stress responses left behind by a traumatic experience. By inwardly directing attention and pairing these efforts with synesthetic and interoceptive images, the patient can learn to resolve the symptoms of chronic and traumatic stress.[3]
According to the core elements of trauma therapy and somatic experiencing, trauma causes dysregulation in the central nervous system. Evidence-based SE interventions restore the balance by tracking bodily sensations and resolving those incomplete stress responses (like the fight or flight or freeze response).[4] This method improves body awareness and reduces natural stress responses.
Working with a certified SE practitioner, you will develop more self-regulation skills and resilience. Healing trauma and reducing panic attacks or physical symptoms can finally improve. As you cultivate this self-efficacy, your quality of life improves, and you can focus on other areas of growth and personal development.
Crestone Wellness specializes in wellness-focused interventions for both mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Our goal is to help you cultivate healing from a 360-degree perspective and overcome negative emotional experiences that may complicate recovery.
Substance Abuse Therapies
Efficacy of Somatic Experiencing Therapy
The efficacy of somatic experiencing for post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder has been positive. Multiple studies revealed powerful outcomes across a range of participants. One study recorded a 90% reduction in symptoms, and another recorded an 80% reduction in trauma-related symptoms.[5][6] Additionally, a third study showed symptom improvement to range from 75% and somewhat better to 85% and completely well and two follow-up benchmarks, 1 month and 8 months.[7]
What to Expect from Somatic Experiencing Therapy
Individual sessions are customized to meet the needs of each person involved, but in most cases, the structure of an SE session will include some version of the following components:[8]
Resolution:
The focus of Somatic Experiencing Therapy sessions will be to first resolve any incomplete stress responses
Interoception and Proprioception In The Present Moment:
In a safe environment, the SE practitioner will help you focus on present sensations in your body and your posture.
Regulation Techniques:
Using techniques like pendulation and grounding, you will build a toolbox of resources to help you navigate stress responses.
Somatic Experiencing Therapy at Crestone Wellness
Substance abuse and trauma commonly coexist together. Studies show that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is present in 40% of those with co-occurring substance use disorder.[9] In the adolescent demographic, between 20% and 54% who struggle with substance use disorder also present with PTSD. [10] Crestone Wellness is equipped with industry-leading trauma-informed interventions, like Somatic Experiencing Therapy, to combat these statistics from the inside out.
After a comprehensive assessment, each patient receives a fully customized treatment plan to determine exactly what they need. We aim to create a positive treatment experience that promotes comfort, community, and joy.
Serving the greater Austin area and the world, our treatment center features state-of-the-art amenities and a serene environment ideal for healing. We’re proud to leverage an alternative focus and include other modalities beyond traditional therapies, like mindfulness, yoga, and more, to elevate your recovery experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Somatic Experiencing Therapy
Does body awareness training have an impact?
Absolutely! Your body is affected by trauma in different ways than your mind and soul. By exploring and releasing those effects, you improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
How does Somatic Experiencing therapy differ from traditional talk therapy?
Talk therapy focuses more on abstract and thought-based internal processes through discussion and query. Somatic experiences focus on physical interventions to alleviate the physical experience.
How long does it take to see results from Somatic Experiencing therapy?
This is impossible to tell outside of a comprehensive assessment and will be different for each person. At Crestone Wellness, our inpatient detox and rehab run on average for 2 weeks, during which you establish channels for ongoing, lifetime support as needed.
Sources
[1][2][4][5]Leitch, M. L. (2017). Somatic experiencing – effectiveness and key factors of a body-oriented trauma therapy: a scoping literature review. Frontiers in Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8276649/
[3][7][8]Almeida, A. K., de Melo Macêdo, S. C. G., & de Sousa, M. B. C. (2019). A systematic review of somatic intervention treatments in PTSD: Does Somatic Experiencing® (SE®) have the potential to be a suitable choice? Estudos de Psicologia. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340789686_A_systematic_review_of_somatic_intervention_treatments_in_PTSD_Does_Somatic_ExperiencingR_SER_have_the_potential_to_be_a_suitable_choice
[6]Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4316402/
[9]Flanagan, J. C., Korte, K. J., Killeen, T. K., & Back, S. E. (2016). Concurrent treatment of substance use and PTSD. Current Psychiatry Reports. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928573/
[10]Basedow, L. A., Kuitunen-Paul, S., Roessner, V., & Golub, Y. (2020). Traumatic events and substance use disorders in adolescents. Frontiers in Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7314975/
