Are you suffering from trauma and its after effects?
I am trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE), a type of therapy that works with the mind-body connection to heal trauma.
Trauma categories I work with:
- Acute trauma: This is a single, overwhelming event, such as a car accident, an animal attack, a natural disaster, rape or assault.
- Chronic trauma: This is repeated exposure to stressful events, such as childhood abuse or neglect, domestic violence, long-term sexual abuse or war.
- Developmental trauma: This is a disruption in the early relationships that are necessary for healthy development.
- Global High Intensity Activation (GHIA): Pre- and perinatal Trauma (fetal distress, birth trauma, early surgeries), Near Death Experiences (NDEs) and Anesthesia Trauma, suffocation, drowning, choking, high fevers.
- Emotional Trauma
- Relational Trauma
- Transgenerational Trauma
- Collective Trauma
SE can help people who are experiencing a variety of symptoms related to trauma, including:
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
Physical symptoms: These can include auto-immune disease, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, headaches, digestive problems and sleep disturbances.
Emotional symptoms: These can include anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, and shame.
Cognitive symptoms: These can include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, ADHD/ADD, and nightmares.
Behavioral symptoms: These can include substance abuse, self-harm, and social isolation.
Here are some additional points to consider about Somatic Experiencing and the trauma it can address:
- SE is not a quick fix, and it may take a little time to see results.
- SE is a gentle approach that does not require people to retell their trauma stories in detail.
- SE can be used in conjunction with other types of therapy, such as talk therapy and bodywork.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is an individualized therapeutic approach, and the timeline of the process can vary depending on the individual's unique needs, history, and progress. It is important to remember that SE is not a linear step-by-step process, but rather an ongoing exploration and integration of experiences.
Here is a general overview of the stages that may be encountered in Somatic Experiencing Sessions:
Assessment and Stabilization: The initial stage involves gathering information about the client's history, trauma, and current symptoms. The therapist establishes safety and stabilization techniques to help the client regulate their nervous system and develop resources for coping with stress.
Orientation and Education: The therapist provides education about the effects of trauma on the body and nervous system. Clients learn to recognize their own physiological and emotional responses to stress and trauma, and how these responses may be impacting their well-being.
Titration and Pendulation: This stage focuses on gradually exploring traumatic material in manageable doses, known as titration. Pendulation techniques are used to help the client shift attention between sensations of safety and stress to support nervous system regulation.
Working with Somatic Sensations: Clients learn to track and work with somatic sensations, such as tension, discomfort, or constriction in the body. This stage involves developing body awareness and exploring the connections between physical sensations and emotional experiences.
Completing Incomplete Actions: Traumatic experiences often involve incomplete actions or frozen physiological responses. In this stage, the therapist facilitates the completion of these actions in a safe and supported manner, allowing the body to discharge stored energy and move towards resolution.
Integration and Resilience: As the client progresses through the previous stages, they begin to integrate their experiences and develop resilience. The focus shifts towards building resources, cultivating self-regulation skills, and fostering a sense of empowerment and safety.
It's important to note that the timeline for each stage can vary greatly depending on the individual's unique circumstances and needs. Some clients may progress through the stages relatively quickly, while others may require more time and support. The duration and pace of the therapy will be determined by the client's readiness, capacity for processing, and the complexity of their trauma history. The therapist will work collaboratively with the client to determine the appropriate pace and direction of the therapeutic process.
Need help?
Email me: pamela@makelifegr8.com or contact me via Instagram
I speak Luxembourgish, English, French and German fluently.