Somatic Transformation is a developmental, phenomenological, and neurobiological approach to the healing of trauma. This model focuses on restoring regulation of intense affect as the foundation for further healing in the body, mind and psyche.
Somatic transformation of trauma seeks to restore the aliveness of embodiment with a deep sense of resilience and meaning. The primary context for the work is a carefully developed intersubjective, somatic, empathic relationship. Working primarily in the right hemisphere of the brain, the physiological substrate of trauma, the disrupted autonomic nervous system, is gently invited and guided into regulation through somatic awareness, inquiry, interventions and reflection.
In the work of Somatic Transformation, acute and chronic stress and trauma are understood to be aspects of development throughout the life span, including interactive relational experiences of the unborn fetus, infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Other sources of acute and chronic stress, such as medical procedures, falls, accidents, assaults, natural disasters, terrorism and culturally sanctioned stresses such as poverty are addressed.
Recent theories and research on brain-body physiology and memory mechanisms have expanded our understanding of the possibilities of somatic transformative processes in the resolution of conditioned reflexes of trauma. Specific processes of Somatic Transformation are utilized with individuals who present with emotional and physical symptoms. Basic therapeutic processes are combined in specific patterns to address complex forms of trauma, shifting the conditioned pattern of adaptation to a higher level of resilience.
The therapeutic process used in Somatic Transformation balances the arousal and fear of recovered memories with felt experiences of self-regulation of the emotional and physiological systems. Subtle gestures and movements of the body are utilized to access sensory data and result in shifts in the brain-body continuum. Somatic Transformation moves beyond therapeutic technique to an interactive art of restoration, healing and empowerment.
In the two year training, we develop the dynamics necessary for renegotiation of neurological patterns of trauma, then move into intriguing aspects of the psyche, including emotions, imagination, archetypes and reflection. Somatic awareness of symbolic forms allows for the integration of the body with the mind and spirit. In each person, and for each trauma, these elements emerge in creative, life-giving ways within the containment of an attuned, resonant and empathic intersubjective relationship. We will explore these topics over eight weekends with pertinent research, group processes, demonstrations, personal experience, clinical applications and reflection.
Professional Somatic Education
Experienced psychotherapists and other qualified mental health practitioners are invited to enter into a multi-dimensional, small group, learning processes to embody the principles and practices of Somatic Transformation.
Two Year Certification Course: Somatic Transformation: A Lifespan Approach to healing stress and trauma for psychotherapists.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE UP-COMING COURSES:Victoria, BCBainbridge Island, WA
