Somatic EMDR [Eye, Movement, Desensitization, Reprocessing]

What is Somatic EMDR:  Somatic EMDR integrates the principles of traditional EMDR with somatic therapy techniques. This approach not only addresses the emotional and cognitive aspects of trauma but also focuses on how trauma is stored in the body, promoting a more comprehensive healing process.

Somatic EMDR integrates traditional EMDR with body-centered techniques to address both the mind and the body in trauma healing. While traditional EMDR focuses on processing traumatic memories cognitively and emotionally through bilateral stimulation, Somatic EMDR adds mindfulness, breathing, and body-awareness exercises to release trauma stored physically. This approach reduces the risk of overwhelm by working in manageable increments so the nervous system can integrate changes safely. Benefits include not only emotional relief but improved body awareness, regulation, and reduced physical symptoms, making it ideal for clients who feel disconnected from their bodies or experience trauma physically.

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Somatic EMDR in Trauma Recovery: Somatic EMDR is especially helpful when trauma shows up in the body as physical symptoms, such as chronic pain, muscle tension, headaches, or numbness. It’s designed for individuals who feel disconnected from their emotions, have difficulty identifying or expressing their feelings, or notice that stress and trauma consistently manifest physically. By combining traditional EMDR techniques with body-centered practices, like mindfulness, breathwork, and somatic awareness, this approach helps release trauma stored in the nervous system, restore emotional connection, and improve overall regulation. Clients often find that they not only process difficult memories safely but also experience relief from the physical manifestations of trauma, gaining a deeper sense of integration between mind and body.

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Are you a good candidate for Somatic EMDR?