Somatic Therapies For Trauma Healing
Trauma imprints itself on our body and nervous system. Dr. Peter Levine recommends somatic therapies to slowly and gently release trauma symptoms from the body.
“Traumatic events are almost impossible to put into words.” - Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
Words can seldom fully capture the experiences of our clients in therapy.
This is because during trauma recall, Broca's area of the brain - responsible for speech production - tends to shut down.
This can compromise our ability to describe our emotions and experiences (van der Kolk, 2014; Werbalowsky, 2019).
In addition, verbal forms of therapy that rely on recounting traumatic events may cause retraumatization which can hinder the process of healing (van der Kolk, 2014).
This explains why talk therapy doesn't always offer meaningful help. For therapists, this means finding other ways to assist and support clients on their trauma healing journey.
Thankfully, according to Dr. Peter Levine, somatic therapies and techniques can work directly with the trauma-affected nervous system to help safely release trauma from the body.
This enhanced connection can help us to reintegrate our minds and bodies, which can support us in moving toward a state of being where we can fully trust that we are safe within ourselves (Grabbe & Miller-Karas, 2018; Warren, 2022; Weber, 2009).
These somatic techniques can offer a range of benefits, including:
- Improved self-agency and self-empowerment (Madeson, 2021; Werbalowsky, 2019)
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Enhanced ability to connect with ourselves and others (Werbalowsky, 2019)
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The reduction of symptoms of PTSD (Andersen et al., 2017)
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Diminished physical pain (Andersen et al., 2017)
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The calming of the mind (Madeson, 2021)
- An appreciation of the pleasure of movement (van der Kolk, 2014)
Our Somatic Therapies For Healing Trauma program offers you an experiential learning guide of body-based techniques to enrich your sense of awareness, connection, trust, and agency as a therapist, and equip you to help your clients do so as well.
Determined to make body-based modalities and techniques more accessible, Rewire Trauma Therapy has brought together experts in the field of somatic therapies to assemble on expert-guided do-it-from-home course.
You will have access to 10-minute techniques - such as pendulation, meditation, and breathwork - for gradual and gentle bodily trauma-release.
You'll also gain access to six theory modules where you can discover more about the effects of trauma on the body and how somatic therapies can be used for trauma-release.
These approaches intend to remind us all that "we have the power to heal, and that this power comes from within" (Hartley, 2004).
Introducing The Somatic Therapies For Trauma Program: 10-Minute Somatic Techniques To Heal From Trauma
Including Seven Somatic Movement Techniques:
Technique 1: Orienting
As caged animals without tails, we have lost our natural tools for locating danger. Orienting uses our five senses to become in tune with our environments so that we can find a sense of security.
Technique 2: Dissociation
Feeling disconnected from our bodies and minds is a sign that we are stuck in survival mode. Although this is a protective mechanism, it is not a sustainable state to live in. Accordingly, through this exercise, we will explore tools for reconnection.
Technique 3: Flashback Protocol
Shift traumatic memories using the flashback protocol technique to quell intrusive triggers. It is essential to develop skills for when flashbacks present themselves, as these resources can be called upon when our trauma overwhelms us.
Technique 4: The Autonomic Nervous System
Using a visual representation, this simple psycho-educational description can be the start of a healing journey.
Technique 5: Understanding Somatic Techniques
Learn how somatic techniques can help repair and rebalance the nervous system. It is not a quick fix. Healing from trauma is not a process that can be rushed.
Technique 6: Neuro-Linguistics in Trauma Healing Sessions
Become aware of words' power and their capacity to trigger distress. Small and seemingly subtle differences in how something is expressed can determine whether a space is safe or not.
Technique 7: Assisting The Immune System With Four Body Healing Techniques
Using four simple techniques, learn to shift your immune systems and feel more grounded. These easy-to-do, scientifically researched techniques help the pain body and mind repair and flourish.
7 Bonus Techniques
Receive seven additional expert-guided Somatic techniques:
- Body Layers
- Pendulation
- Furling and unfurling for bringing out your energy
- Calling in your support team
- Swaying meditation for checking into your body
- Somatic guided breath exercise
- Touch exercises to support yourself
+ 6 Expert Integration Modules:
Theory Module 1: An Introduction To Somatic Techniques For Trauma With Dr. Barbara Wade (44-min)
- Somatic therapy and the autonomic nervous system
- Understanding the steps in trauma response
- Exploring the process of fragmentation
- Utilizing the nervous system to create a sense of safety
- Working to expand resilience and the window of tolerance
- Exploring skills to become more in-tune with body sensations
Theory Module 2: The Do's And Don'ts Of Somatic Work And Extra Practice With Dr. Barbara Wade (33-min)
- The don'ts of somatic work
- The do’s of somatic work
- Examples of somatic work exercises you can practice
Theory Module 3: Understanding Somatic Work And Its Role In Healing Trauma With Ilene Smith (26-min)
- What is trauma?
- Understanding the effects of trauma on the body.
- What is somatic work and how does it differ?
- Understanding the role of the autonomic nervous system.
- Benefits of a bottom-up approach.
Theory Module 4: Understanding The Benefits Of Somatic Techniques And How They Are Practiced With Ilene Smith (27-min)
- Understanding how somatic work is practiced.
- The importance of creating a presence for a therapist and client.
- Benefits of somatic work.
- Exploring somatic techniques to create safety in the body.
Theory Module 5: Understanding the Benefits of Somatic Work With Keara Mangham (32-min)
- What is somatic work and why is it so effective?
- Benefits of somatic techniques
- Exploring somatic techniques to help calm the nervous system
Theory Module 6: The Effect Of Trauma On The Body And How Somatic Techniques Help With Keara Mangham (33-min)
- Western culture as a disembodied culture
- Understanding trauma energy in the body
- Post-traumatic growth
- Understanding the role of the nervous system
- The importance of self-attunement as a survivor, therapist, and client
- How and why trauma gets stored in the body?
Our Programs Come With:
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A private supportive community
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Lifetime access to the program and all future updates
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Technical support via email and messenger
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Start at any time at your own pace
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A 72-hour money-back guarantee
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A 30-day program exchange policy
Register Here for $240
By joining the Somatic Therapy Program you can access 6 theory modules, 7 somatic therapy techniques, 7 bonus techniques, learning tools, plus bonuses you can immediately integrate into your trauma toolbox to help you work more effectively with a dysregulated nervous system.
Meaningful Feedback
“Thank you so much for creating and sharing such a helpful and inspiring program and for making it affordable as well.”
Tracie Jones, Survivor
"Rewire was perfect for us. It allows us to use the program when we are able and has been a wonderful addition to our daily lives. We both struggle with anxiety and need to work through releasing trauma stored in our bodies."
Renee Boos, Survivor
"I would think if someone was new to therapy, these exercises would help calm their mind and body so they could be more vulnerable and become more conscious and aware of their thoughts and feelings. This is a great program and I hope people take advantage of it."
Matt Domyancic, Medically Retired Cop
"It helps me to feel the body and everything that happens in it, to slow down, and be focused. I found the tools of Rewire Therapy very practical and it suits me."
Milena Blankman, Survivor
"I notice that I am 'tolerating' more feelings and exploring them as being transient, also to see if they are information for the here and now or something else. The approach is so gentle that I forget the power of that. I am grateful and get that this is ongoing."
Liz Gow, Survivor
"The course was presented in a very fresh, interesting, and informative way. The panel was extremely caring, professional, and engaging. The theory, exercises, and bonus program exercises were a beautiful way to present such rich information."
Rita Ehrman, Survivor
“The tools I learned in your program helped me to feel less anxious, more connected to my body, helped me to sleep better, and have a little less pain. I will come back to these tools throughout my day and look forward to re-watching the videos.”
Tracie Jones, Survivor
Register Here for $240
By joining the Somatic Therapy Program you can access 6 theory modules, 7 somatic therapy techniques, 7 bonus techniques, learning tools, plus bonuses you can immediately integrate into your trauma toolbox to help you work more effectively with a dysregulated nervous system.
Meet The Experts
Tanya Zajdel
RN, PSYCHIATRIC NURSE, FOUNDER OF REWIRE TRAUMA THERAPY
Tanya’s work with trauma healing and survivorship has been featured at the Tribeca Film Festival, CBC News, Vox Tablet and Iheart Radio.
Tanya is a mental health worker, a women’s health nurse, and a published feminist author. Tanya focuses primarily on creating programs that facilitate trauma healing through creating new neural connections in the brain called 'neuroplasticity exercises'.
Her techniques combine various proven therapies to repair and reset the nervous system after trauma including somatic therapy, yoga, drama therapy, dance therapy, CBT, qigong, EMDR, vagal toning, authentic movement, and a combination of expressive, creative art therapies.
Dr. Kim DiRe’ LPC, MEd, SEP, DBH
DOCTORATE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, SOMATIC TRAINER AND AUTHOR, ADVISOR, ADMANITY
Dr. Kim DiRe’ is trained, practiced, and certified in multiple disciplinary treatments for trauma healing. Her trauma healing response model has grown in popularity by referring physicians, psychiatrists, and psychologists. She is certified as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner®, has a Masters in Education as well as a Masters in Counseling. She received her Doctorate of Behavioral Health from Arizona State University Certified as a clinical hypnotherapist. By helping people heal and balance their nervous system, our community becomes surrounded by more individuals feeling a sense of well-being and purpose. The feeling of self-regulation and self-care is stabilizing and benefits each person’s mental and physical health.
Keara Mangham
SOMATIC EXPERIENCING PRACTITIONER®
Keara is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner®, Expressive Arts Practitioner, Theta Healer, and Mindfulness teacher. Keara offers a safe space to remember the feeling of deep connection with oneself. Her passion is in helping to guide clients back to their soul’s calling by coming home to their bodies.
She's found that by learning to feel at home in our bodies, we can heal and feel able to fully arrive at each chapter of life. We hold the keys to our body, mind, and spirit, and with that reconnection comes a remembrance of the innate wisdom and joy to guide our journey. Keara integrates elements of somatic experiencing. expressive arts therapy, movement, and touch into sessions. She's passionate about supporting client's in their healing journey!
Dr. Barbara Wade
BSC (PHYSIOTHERAPY) D PHIL (SOCIAL WORK). MSC (PSYCHOLOGY)
I am a social worker in private practice and offer counseling for a variety of emotional and relationship difficulties. I am committed to seeing positive change in my clients’ lives. I hold a degree in physiotherapy, a master’s degree in psychology, and a doctorate in social work. In addition. I have training in Somatic experiencing, polyvagal theory (with Deb Dana), and emotionally focused couples therapy. I strive to have a deep empathic understanding of those with whom I work. I enjoy seeing others grow and I present courses to colleagues. I love what I do and am grateful for the satisfaction and privilege of sharing my clients’ journeys to healing.
Ilene Smith
SOMATIC EXPERIENCING PRACTITIONER®
Ilene Smith is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner® (SEP) whose work helps clients resolve trauma and develop a deeper sense of personal safety and capacity for resilience and joy. She is the author of Moving Beyond Trauma: The Roadmap to Healing from Your Past and Living with Ease and Vitality, an Amazon Bestseller, and her writing on psychology and wellness has appeared on Spirituality and Health, PsychCentral, and Brooke Burke’s ModernMom. Ilene holds master’s degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Exercise Physiology. Ilene makes her home in Arizona and loves to travel, collect art, cycle, and practice yoga in her spare time.
Register Here for $240
By joining the Somatic Therapy Program you can access 6 theory modules, 7 somatic therapy techniques, 7 bonus techniques, learning tools, plus bonuses you can immediately integrate into your trauma toolbox to help you work more effectively with a dysregulated nervous system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I get access to the program?
What is your refund policy?
Are the educators in this program licensed to guide me?
If I am not traumatized by any one experience but I’m looking to improve my overall mood and mental health, is this course still for me?
Can I use this course to support my loved one who struggles with mental health?
Is it better to combine various therapy techniques (as suggested in your program) to heal from my trauma, or is it better to stick with just one form of therapy?
Will I receive recognition of completion?
Do your programs contain only video content?
Can children participate in your programs?
Do you offer payment plans or scholarships?
Do you offer in-person sessions?
Sources
Andersen, T., Lahav, Y., Ellegaard, H., & Manniche, C. (2017). A randomized controlled trial of brief somatic experiencing for chronic low back pain and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. European Journal Of Psychotraumatology, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2017.1331108
