Somatic Experiencing: Healing Trauma Through the Body

Trauma often leaves lasting imprints on both the mind and body, affecting our thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being. For individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, unprocessed trauma can create a vicious cycle that perpetuates emotional distress and addictive behaviors. At Recovery Centers of Montana, we use evidence-based approaches like Somatic Experiencing® to help clients release trauma stored in the body, empowering them to rebuild a sense of safety and control.
​​​​​​​

What Is Somatic Experiencing?

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-focused therapeutic approach designed to address the physiological effects of trauma. SE operates on the understanding that trauma is stored not just in our minds but also in our nervous systems. When we experience a traumatic event, our body may get "stuck" in a heightened state of fight, flight, or freeze. This unresolved stress can manifest as chronic tension, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or even physical pain.

The goal of SE is to gently guide clients toward releasing this trapped energy by reconnecting them with their body’s natural ability to self-regulate. Through awareness of physical sensations, grounding exercises, and mindful processing, clients can begin to release trauma without feeling overwhelmed.

How Somatic Experiencing Aids Trauma Recovery

One of the most powerful aspects of Somatic Experiencing is its ability to restore a sense of safety and control. Trauma often leaves individuals feeling disconnected from their bodies and trapped in a cycle of hypervigilance or emotional numbness. By focusing on the body's sensations, SE helps clients gradually process their experiences in a way that feels manageable and safe.

This process can reduce symptoms of PTSD, including intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and emotional dysregulation. For individuals in addiction recovery, addressing underlying trauma is crucial, as unresolved pain often serves as a trigger for substance use. Somatic Experiencing offers a pathway to healing that integrates both mind and body, fostering resilience and self-awareness.

Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues

Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression frequently co-occur with substance use disorders. These conditions are often exacerbated by past trauma and can make the recovery process more challenging. Somatic Experiencing is uniquely suited to help clients manage these issues by calming the nervous system and reducing the physiological symptoms of anxiety and stress.

For example, clients with anxiety often experience physical symptoms such as tightness in the chest, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing. Through SE, they learn to notice these sensations without judgment and use body-based tools to regulate their emotional state. Similarly, clients with depression may feel disconnected from their bodies or trapped in a state of freeze. SE techniques can help reawaken a sense of vitality and presence.

The Role of Somatic Experiencing in Addiction Recovery

At Recovery Centers of Montana, we recognize that addiction recovery is not just about overcoming substance use but also about addressing the root causes of addiction. For many clients, unresolved trauma lies at the heart of their struggles. By incorporating Somatic Experiencing into our treatment plans, we provide a holistic approach that addresses both the mental and physical aspects of healing.

Through SE, clients gain tools to:

• Release trauma stored in the body

• Regain a sense of safety and control

• Develop healthier coping mechanisms

• Address co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD
  
  

If you or a loved one is ready to take the first step toward healing, contact Recovery Centers of Montana to learn more about our trauma-informed approach to recovery. Together, we can create a path to wellness and resilience.