What are body-oriented, relational and integrated trauma therapies?
Body oriented
Body-oriented trauma therapy, also known as somatic trauma therapy, is an approach to trauma treatment that emphasises the connection between the mind and body in processing traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on verbal processing of trauma, body-oriented trauma therapy recognises that trauma impacts our entire system and not just the brain and mind. This approach acknowledges the physiological and sensory effects of trauma and seeks to address them through a variety of somatic (body-based) techniques. Here are some key aspects of body-oriented trauma therapy:
Somatic Awareness: Body-oriented trauma therapy places a strong emphasis on developing awareness of bodily sensations, movements, and patterns of tension or relaxation. Clients are encouraged to notice physical sensations as they arise in response to thoughts, emotions, or memories related to trauma.
Embodied Presence: Therapists guide clients in developing a greater sense of embodiment, or feeling grounded and present in the body. Techniques such as mindfulness, breathwork, and body scans may be used to foster a deeper connection with bodily experiences and promote relaxation.
Body-Based Interventions: Body-oriented trauma therapy incorporates a variety of somatic interventions to help clients process and integrate body-based responses and adaptations to trauma. These techniques exist in therapies such as Somatic Experiencing (SE), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, EMDR and adapted somatic movement practices like yoga or dance therapy.
Regulation and Resourcing: Therapists can help clients build skills for regulating their nervous systems and managing arousal levels and/or increasing capacities to be with arousal. This may involve learning self-soothing techniques, grounding exercises, or utilising physical resources such as holding objects or engaging in comforting activities.
Trauma Resolution: Through somatic exploration and gentle experimentation, clients are supported in gradually processing and releasing tension patterns associated with trauma in the body. This may involve accessing and expressing unconscious emotions, renegotiating traumatic memories, and restoring a sense of safety and empowerment.
Integration and Healing: Body-oriented trauma therapy aims to facilitate the integration of traumatic experiences on all levels—cognitive, emotional, and physiological. By addressing the somatic aspects of trauma, clients can experience a more comprehensive and lasting healing process.
Overall, body-oriented trauma therapy offers a holistic and embodied approach to trauma treatment, recognising the interconnectedness of mind and body in the experience and resolution of trauma. By engaging with the body's innate capacity for self-regulation and healing, clients can develop greater resilience, self-awareness, and well-being in their recovery journey.
Integrated
Holistic therapy approaches aim to address the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. For individuals with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), holistic therapy can offer a comprehensive and integrative approach to treatment that considers the multifaceted nature of trauma and its impact on various aspects of one's life. Here are several benefits of accessing holistic therapy for CPTSD:
Comprehensive Healing: Holistic therapy recognises that trauma affects not only the mind but also the body and spirit. By addressing all aspects of a person's being, including emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, holistic therapy promotes comprehensive healing and recovery from CPTSD.
Understanding that trauma impacts the whole person in their environment: Holistic therapy incorporates a variety of mind-body techniques and practices, such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, breathwork, and somatic experiencing. We also consider how health and nutrition and our environment and relationships impact on and can support our recovery from CPTSD.
Supporting Spiritual Exploration and Growth: For some individuals with CPTSD, trauma can impact their sense of spirituality or connection to a higher power. Holistic therapy provides a space for exploring existential questions, finding meaning and purpose in life, and reconnecting with one's spiritual beliefs or values, if desired.
Promoting Long-Term Well-Being: Holistic therapy emphasises sustainable lifestyle changes and self-care practices that support long-term well-being beyond the therapy session. By integrating holistic approaches into their daily lives, individuals with CPTSD can cultivate greater balance, vitality, and overall health in the long run.
Overall, holistic therapy offers a holistic and integrative approach to healing for individuals with CPTSD, addressing the complex interplay of environmental, relational, psychological, physiological, and spiritual factors in the recovery process. By tapping into the body's natural healing mechanisms and promoting self-awareness and self-compassion, holistic therapy supports individuals in achieving greater wholeness, resilience, and well-being.
Relational
Relational therapy focuses on the therapeutic relationship as a central healing factor. For individuals with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), relational therapy can be particularly important as the trauma they have experienced has often occurred in trusted relationships themselves.
Safety and Trust Building: Relational therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals with CPTSD can develop trust in the therapist and the therapeutic process. Establishing a secure therapeutic relationship is essential for addressing issues of attachment, trust, and interpersonal boundaries often affected by CPTSD.
Exploration of Relationship Patterns: CPTSD often stems from repeated interpersonal trauma, leading to complex relationship patterns and difficulties in forming healthy connections. Relational therapy explores these relational dynamics, helping clients gain insight into how past experiences influence their current relationships and interactions.
Repairing Attachment Wounds: Many individuals with CPTSD have experienced attachment wounds, such as neglect, abandonment, or betrayal, which impact their ability to trust and form secure attachments. Relational therapy provides an opportunity to repair these attachment wounds by offering a corrective emotional experience within the therapeutic relationship.
Integration of Parts and Identities: CPTSD can result in fragmented self-experiences and a sense of disconnection from oneself. Relational therapy helps clients integrate fragmented parts of themselves and develop a cohesive sense of identity by exploring how they relate to themselves and others in the therapeutic relationship.
Healing Shame and Self-Blame: Shame and self-blame are common features of CPTSD, often stemming from internalized messages of worthlessness or responsibility for the trauma. Relational therapy addresses shame and self-blame by fostering a compassionate and non-judgmental therapeutic relationship where clients can challenge negative self-perceptions and cultivate self-compassion.
Building Resilient Relationships: Through the relational dynamics of therapy, clients with CPTSD learn new ways of relating to others based on authenticity, mutual respect, and healthy boundaries. Relational therapy serves as a training ground for developing relational skills and building resilient, supportive connections outside of therapy.
