Introduction to Trauma and Its Effects
Trauma can result from various distressing experiences, such as accidents, abuse, natural disasters, or prolonged stress. The aftermath often leads to the effects of trauma, characterized by symptoms like intrusive memories, heightened anxiety, avoidance, and mood changes. Effective trauma treatment requires addressing both the psychological and physiological impacts. This article explores how Somatic Experiencing (SE), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Existential Therapy can be integrated to provide a holistic approach to trauma healing.
Somatic Experiencing: Releasing Trauma from the Body
Developed by Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing (SE) is based on the idea that trauma is stored in the body. SE focuses on releasing this trapped energy to restore the body’s natural equilibrium.
- Body Awareness:
- Recognizing Sensations: SE encourages individuals to tune into their bodily sensations, identifying areas of tension, discomfort, or numbness without judgment. This awareness is the first step toward releasing stored trauma.
- Grounding Exercises: Techniques such as focusing on the sensation of feet on the ground or the support from a chair help individuals stay connected to the present moment.
- Pendulation and Titration:
- Pendulation: This involves gently oscillating between states of safety and trauma-related sensations, helping individuals avoid becoming overwhelmed.
- Titration: Breaking down traumatic memories into smaller, manageable parts allows for gradual processing and prevents re-traumatization.
- Completion of Trauma Response:
- Releasing Energy: SE helps individuals complete the fight, flight, or freeze responses that were interrupted during the traumatic event, releasing stored energy and resolving trauma.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Embracing Painful Experiences
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful tool for addressing the psychological aspects of trauma. ACT emphasizes acceptance of painful experiences and commitment to living a meaningful life despite these challenges.
- Acceptance:
- Embracing Pain: ACT encourages individuals to accept their traumatic memories and emotions rather than fighting them. This acceptance reduces the struggle and associated suffering.
- Cognitive Defusion:
- Changing Relationship with Thoughts: ACT helps individuals detach from unhelpful thoughts, seeing them as just thoughts rather than absolute truths. This reduces the power of trauma-related thoughts.
- Values and Committed Action:
- Living According to Values: Clarifying personal values provides a direction for recovery. Committed action involves taking steps towards a valued life, even in the presence of trauma-related symptoms.
Existential Therapy: Finding Meaning in the Face of Trauma
Existential therapy focuses on the individual’s search for meaning and their relationship with the trauma. This approach views trauma as a fundamental challenge to one’s existence and identity.
- Other-Being Perspective:
- Relationship with Trauma: Existential therapy frames trauma as an interaction between the traumatized individual (the “Being”) and the source of trauma (the “Other”). This perspective helps individuals understand their responses to trauma as meaningful.
- Dissociation and Connection:
- Addressing Dissociation: Dissociation is seen as an attempt to create distance from the trauma. Existential therapy aims to reconnect individuals with their experiences, integrating the trauma into their sense of self.
- Therapeutic Relationship:
- New “Other”: The therapist becomes a new “Other,” providing a supportive relationship that helps the individual face and integrate the trauma. This relationship honors the pain and fosters healing.
Integrating SE, ACT, and Existential Therapy
Combining these approaches offers a comprehensive method for addressing trauma and PTSD:
- Body and Mind Connection: SE’s focus on body awareness complements ACT’s acceptance of thoughts and emotions, providing a holistic approach to processing trauma.
- Gradual Healing: Pendulation and titration from SE align with ACT’s acceptance and cognitive defusion, allowing for safe and gradual trauma processing.
- Meaning and Values: Existential therapy’s search for meaning enhances ACT’s values-based approach, helping individuals find purpose and direction in their recovery.
Conclusion
Integrating Somatic Experiencing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Existential Therapy provides a robust framework for trauma treatment. By addressing both the physiological and psychological impacts of trauma, these approaches help individuals heal and reclaim their lives. This holistic method honors the complexity of trauma and empowers individuals to move forward with a sense of agency and purpose. At Nova Rain, we work from all three of these foundational frameworks. If you are struggling with unprocessed trauma and would like some professional help, please click here to book a free consultation.
