#emdr and somatic therapy

[bottle-cap-baby]

the most visceral expression of sadness through words, that i've ever heard, was spoken by my english teacher, on a particularly difficult day. she said, i feel sad in my body. as someone who is currently working through years of emotional trauma with somatic therapy, this phrase hit me very hard. i feel sad in my body today. in my body.

[clickntreat]

When my husband left me, one of the things he said was that I "deserve better"

At the time it didn't make any sense, and it makes even less with time. I mean, he was correct. I did, and do, deserve better. But it doesn't make sense as a reason to leave someone you love. Like. Be better then? Unless you're leaving to be alone and work on yourself, but even then, most relationship issues can only be worked on while in a relationship.

But they don't do that anyways, of course. They run right to another girl. So what's the plan? Settle for someone who deserves less? Or con someone who doesn't realize they deserve better, someone like who I was when we first got together?

[def-talent-gold]

outline

just for my own benefit, I’m going to list the help I’ve received and what actually worked.

State 1:

psychodynamic which did not help me. I know somebody said later, if you had good grounding and understanding of how different events can affect people, then maybe psychodynamic isn’t really necessary.

exposure and response prevention which made it worse

regular CBT

trauma focused CBT*

art therapy group*

solution focused brief therapy*

State 2:

Somatic experience*

EMDR*

hypnosis which was more like inner child*

cancer caregiver group with mom*

generic med challenges group /

MB-SR group /

biofeedback which did not help me

DBT group /

Grad support group /

understanding self and others group racial diversity theme *

IFS *

ACT *

Bereavement counseling with mom /

Retreat program which was not therapy /

this is where I saw other people’s issues:

-coming out of addiction and substance use disorders

-people leaving a bad relationship.

-infidelity where the woman cheated. None of those relationships lasted. For one of them her older sister ended up committing suicide. I remember her being very anxious in the program. She remarried and moved to Arizona for a fresh start.

-trauma affecting relationships. Both of those have lasted.

RAD self defense class which was also not therapy /

Clarity free module which was led by a therapist but is not therapy *

Prozac

State 3: Coherence /

Multicultural counseling *

Did grad group but this one was not helpful

Prozac again

returned to EMDR and IFS and ACT with DBT informed and trauma focused *

RRT/ART which is short for rapid or accelerated resolution of trauma. TBD.

blind and visually impaired resources: TLOS, DBVI, Lime connect, APHA disability, and blind academics both the listserv and actual people. * and damn I wish I had had this earlier. My whole life would have been different.

I haven’t had AEDP or full relational therapy. I probably need it. I know there are offshoots of IFS that wind up being used in relational therapy and I think I would do well with that.

I’m not sure lifespan integration is needed, but I could see where it might help if ART isn’t an option. I feel the same way about CPT. Perhaps “some CPT” and “some RO-DBT” would be the best way forward on the behavioral side.

[wisterianwoman]

How to Find the Right Therapist - From a Therapy Regular

Have you decided to go to therapy, but struggling to find the right therapist? Or maybe you're in therapy, and not sure if it's time to go your separate ways. This comprehensive guide was designed to help you wherever you are on your therapy journey.

Have you decided to go to therapy, but you’re struggling to find the right therapist? Or maybe you’re in therapy, and not sure if it’s time to go your separate ways. This comprehensive guide was designed to help you make the right choices for your mental health journey. Choosing the Right Therapist can be… tricky So you’ve finally decided it’s time to see a therapist. This is a great step…

[sensitiveaangel]

reading through my emdr journals from a couple years ago is like 😮 i had ptsd for real and am actually living such a better life now…who knew!!

[domemescountaspoetry]

When the EMDR session is too intense…

Gif source: scene from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971); gif made for this post by @domemescountaspoetry

Image sources: Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma: A qualitative

analysis of clients’ experiences. Natalie Louise Brotherton http://eprints.lincoln.ac.uk/id/eprint/18975/1/__network.uni_staff_S2_jpartridge_DCP_0809_RES_06060030_4059120%20v2.pdf//

@chuanming-ong

@samxcamargo

[theambitiouswoman]

Trauma is embedded within the body and ingrained in the brain. For lasting change, create strategies that address both the physical and mental aspects of trauma.

Physical Therapies:

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Leverages bodily sensations to navigate through trauma.

Yoga: Boosts bodily mindfulness and alleviates stress.

Somatic Experiencing: Helps discharge trauma-induced physical tension.

Tai Chi: Enhances equilibrium through deliberate movements.

Massage Therapy: Facilitates emotional liberation through easing muscle tightness.

Acupuncture: Activates the body's healing spots.

Craniosacral Therapy: Eases stress through soft manipulations of the skull and spine.

Breathwork: Employs breathing techniques for better physical and psychological well-being.

Dance Movement Therapy: Merges emotional expression with physical activity.

Mental Therapies:

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Bridges the gap between mental impacts and bodily reactions.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Aids in memory processing through eye movements.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Aims to transform harmful thought patterns.

IFS (Internal Family Systems): Promotes healing within different parts of the psyche.

NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming): Modifies behavior via language and thought patterns.

Neurofeedback: Boosts brain activity for better function.

MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy): Combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapeutic techniques.

Psychodynamic Therapy: Investigates the influence of past experiences.

Narrative Therapy: Helps individuals reframe their life stories.

Please remember that I am not a therapist. Speaking to a professional will help you figure out what course of action is better for you.

[thebibliosphere]

just wanted to wish you luck with the emdr! it worked great for me despite being self-administered (not recommended, but nhs waiting lists)

Thank you. I've done EMDR for the Other Horrors in my life, and it works well for me (even if it's harrowing to begin with).

I'm pairing it with somatic movement therapy because part of my trauma/masking response is to completely freeze up internally while pretending to be completely fine outwardly.

(can't show emotion! my emotions are Too Big, and that makes me Annoying for others to be around, so I will simply not experience them. I'm sure this is totally fine and will have no lasting repercussions on my mental and physical health ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ… oh what's this? it's multiple immune disorders coming in with steel chairs!!!)

So, I'm learning to flail around to give my body something to do with all the adrenaline after EMDR sessions. Weirdly, that's almost harder than the actual EMDR.

There's something weirdly visceral about Kermit flailing to music in front of your therapist 😅

[cat-eye-nebula]

Tips & Tools for Releasing Stored Trauma in Your Body

���Somatic Experiencing: Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing can release trauma locked in the body. This method is the result of a combination of stress physiology, psychology, neuroscience, medical biophysics and indigenous healing practices. (Videos on youtube)

🌻Mindfulness and Movements: going for a walk, bike ride, Boxing, Martial arts, yoga (or trauma-informed yoga), or dancing. People who get into martial arts or boxing are often those who were traumatized in the past. They’re carrying a lot of anger and fighting is a great release for them. Exercise helps your body burn off adrenaline, release endorphins, calm your nervous system, and relieve stress.

Release Trapped Emotions: 🍀How to release anger from the body - somatic healing tool 🍀Somatic Exercises for ANGER: Release Anger in Under 5 Minutes 🍀Youtube Playlist: Trauma Healing, Somatic Therapy, Self Havening, Nervous system regulation

🌻 Havening Technique is a somatosensory self-comforting therapy to change the brain to de-traumatize the memory and remove its negative effects from our psyche and body. It has a calming effect on the Amygdala and the Limbic system. 🌼Exercise: Havening Technique for Rapid Stress & Anxiety Relief 🌼Exercise: Self-Havening with nature ambience to let go of painful feelings 🌼Video: Using Havening Techniques to rapidly erase a traumatic memory (Certified Practitioner guides them through a healing session)

🌻Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique often used to treat anxiety and PTSD. It incorporates rhythmic eye movements while recalling traumatic experiences. This combo changes how the memory is stored in the brain and allow you to process the trauma fully.

🌻Sound & Vibrational Healing: Sound healing has become all the rage in the health and wellness world. It involves using the power of vibration – from tuning forks, singing bowls, or gongs – to relax the mind and body.

🌻Breathwork is an intentional method of breathing that helps your body relax by bypassing your conscious mind. Trauma can overstimulate the body’s sympathetic nervous system (aka your body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response). Breathwork settles it down.

Informative videos & Experts on Attachment style healing: 🌼Dr Kim Sage, licensed psychologist  🌼Dr. Nicole LePera (theholisticpsychologist) 🌼Briana MacWilliam 🌼Candace van Dell 🌼Heidi Priebe 

Other informative Videos on Trauma: 🌻Small traumas in a "normal" family and attachment: Gabor Maté - The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture 🌻Uncovering Triggers and Pattern for Healing: Dr Gabor Maté  🌻Understanding trapped emotions in the body and footage of how wild animals release trauma

Article: How Trauma Is Stored in the Body (+ How to Release It)

Article: 20 self-care practices for complex trauma survivors

[queeringpsychology]

Checking In - A New Chapter

Checking In – A New Chapter

Hey, long time no see! For those of y’all who are not also following me on other sites/social media apps, I had taken a writing break because life got real. After 2020 and the 1st half of 2021, I was feeling stagnant in my clinical work. Basically, I reached a plateau and realized that I needed to shed some skin like a snake and grow from a professional perspective. I re-focused my clinical…

[shinigami-social]

Somatization, Somatic Symptoms, and Somatic Disorders. And Variayr.

Somatization is a fairly simple concept. It refers to any type of physical manifestation of symptoms originating from a mental health condition. Notably, somatization is not neurological, and the conflation of these two things comes from somatization originally being considered part of conversion disorder (which was later split into somatoform and functional neurological disorders). The difference between these two presentations is very important. FND is diagnosed by a neurologist, SSD is diagnosed by a psychiatrist, as it is a mental disorder.

Secondary somatization, or what I’ll just call somatic symptoms, are physical symptoms caused by non-somatic disorders. Examples of somatic symptoms include GI involvement in severe anxiety disorders or soreness and numbness in depression. Most often, somatic symptoms related to non-somatic disorders tend to have similar presentations across different patients. Feeling stomach or chest pain are incredibly common manifestations in people with anxiety, and even occur in people without anxiety disorders when they experience anxiety. This symptom is very well-established in its link to anxiety as a condition, so there isn’t much discourse for it to be considered anything more than a somatic symptom of anxiety. In a disorder where somatization has been less studied, like dysphoria, it can be harder to identify a more “universal” set of somatic symptoms that someone might develop, but physical symptoms related to dysphoria, such as psychogenic pain of the sex characteristics, would be in this category of somatization.

Somatic disorders, however, are primary somatization. This is somatization as the first a foremost symptom (although I’m going to touch on some cases where it isn’t exactly). Somatic disorders are a type of structural dissociative disorder, which means that, unlike other conditions with somatic symptoms, somatic disorders are inherently trauma-related. Dr. Onno van der Hart, known for his work on CDDs, also outlined that simple somatoform disorders (the preceding diagnosis of SSD) are a type of primary structural dissociation, one ANP and one EP, although more complex cases could exist. He posited that the existence of somatic symptoms could be a greater indicator of PTSD and complex dissociative disorders than many of our current tests at the time, and he highly favored the somatoform dissociation questionnaire (created by Dr. Nijenhuis, who also writes quite a bit on this topic). Manifestations of somatic symptoms in people with SDDs or a dissociative disorder that subsumes SDD (which is to say, much like how someone with DID is not also diagnosed with DPDR, an SDD diagnosis is generally considered unnecessary), these symptoms are highly individual. Patients with these disorders experience an extremely wide array of physical symptoms that are, most often, manifestations of physical trauma their body has endured (such as an SA survivor feeling pain in their genitalia), or are metaphorically representative of it (a DID alter that doesn’t see because it intends to protect itself by not witnessing the trauma). These types of disorders are, although ranging in complexity, nearly always going to be more complex than the cookie cutter standard somatic symptoms of well-established conditions. Treating somatic disorders generally requires trauma integrative therapies or EMDR, whereas somatic symptoms in other conditions can be more easily treated with generalized programs like eight week CBT.

All of this to get to the thing that inspired this post, the “variayr” thing going around. Even if you truly had a somatic disorder which resulted in hormonal changes (which, yes, actually has been studied, although only one study on a patient with DID, so not exactly universally compelling evidence), it would not result in a “neurological sex difference,” because that is not what the term neurological means, and it isn’t how the somatization of simpler disorders like dysphoria works. And if it did? Why on earth would a spontaneous hormonal change not just be fucking intersex

[nvc-nonviolent-communication]

The HIDDEN TREASURE OF NVC IS SELF COMPASSION...

For me, I needed to experience several months of trauma therapy before I had the capacity to be mindful of opportunities for NVC. In fact, as I create this post I am 🥹tearing up feelings of grief, sadness,and joy, relief...anticipating another level of integrated self care... 🥲

Knowing that I've been exposed to similar communication models several times over my 30-40's and never really sticking, it brings up sad 😢 feelings of shame and guilt.

However, I now have several months (2022-2024) of EMDR trauma therapy that has paved the way for me now in my mid 50's to foster the ability for mindfulness to constantly observe my thoughts, feelings and words.

Unfortunately, I was conditioned as a child and continued into adulthood to react emotionally and easily get highjacked by emotional flashbacks, trauma triggers... via the 4F's, toxic shame, and the inner and external critic...explained in a very detailed way by Pete Walker -CPTSD Surviving to Thriving.

No matter how hard I tried... I didn't have the capacity to be present in the moment in any relationship.

I had no capacity to be vulnerable because I didn't know how to process feelings from thoughts. Trauma therapy has created a new foundation to finally accept my feelings and distinguish them from thoughts so I can create space to be aware and in tune with my body (somatic experiences) and accept myself if parts are still triggered.

Founder of NON-VIOLENT COMMUNICATION

Marshall Rosenberg

Part 2 of Dr. Rosenberg's workshop @ minute 47:22, he describes the state of being necessary to foster a healthy connection.

Behind every feeling is a need.

-Anger: judgement on others

-Depression, Guilt, Shame: judgement on self

[philosophersystem]

Healing Trauma Bonds with DID: A Comprehensive Guide for Your Journey

by Mono & Sayuri

The link to the guide is at the bottom of this post.

Edit: V2 released since I forgot to add the 15 steps that you need to take to work through the trauma bond. Now it covers nearly everything. Feedback is always welcome :)

I took it offline for now, since the errors it contains are serious.

Trauma can leave deep, lasting effects on our minds and bodies, and for those living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), the healing process can be especially complex. Whether you're dealing with a traumatic bond or seeking deeper self-understanding, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive guide tailored to those navigating the challenging intersection of trauma bonds and DID. This guide is grounded in modern therapeutic approaches and draws from the books of leading experts in trauma recovery, including insights from Bessel van der Kolk, Janina Fisher, Richard Schwartz, and more. Whether you're just starting your healing journey or looking for advanced trauma-processing techniques, this guide has you covered.

What's Inside the Guide?

We’ve broken down the guide into 50 sections that walk you through everything from recognizing trauma bonds to fostering internal communication among alters. Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll find:

Understanding Trauma Bonds and DID: Learn how emotional bonds form through cycles of abuse and how DID systems develop as a coping mechanism during childhood.

Breaking Free from Trauma Bonds: Explore practical steps for recognizing abusive patterns and how to navigate the complex emotions DID systems face when different alters have conflicting feelings toward the abuser.

Fostering Internal Communication: Discover how to create safe spaces for internal communication, fostering cooperation and understanding among alters—a process heavily informed by Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS).

Managing Dissociation and Trauma Triggers: Use modern therapeutic approaches like EMDR, somatic healing, and self-regulation techniques to reprocess trauma without overwhelming the system.

Empowering the System for Long-Term Healing: Learn how to reclaim your independence, break harmful cycles, and build emotional resilience for a fulfilling life after trauma.

Why This Guide Works

Our guide isn’t just theory—it’s based on the latest research and state-of-the-art practices from experts like Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score (2014), and Janina Fisher, whose work in Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors (2017) emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and internal cooperation in DID systems.

Each section of the guide aligns with proven therapeutic models, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Experiencing, and Complex PTSD recovery techniques. Whether you're working with a trauma-informed therapist or exploring self-healing strategies, this guide will provide practical, evidence-based steps you can start implementing today.

Who Is This Guide For?

This guide is for anyone dealing with the effects of trauma bonds—whether you're currently in an abusive relationship or healing from one—and especially for those who experience Dissociative Identity Disorder. It’s also a valuable resource for therapists, loved ones, and supporters of those with DID who want to better understand the unique challenges of navigating trauma recovery.

Start Your Healing Journey

Healing is a long and challenging road, but with the right tools and support, you can break free from trauma bonds and reclaim your sense of self. Our comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step approach to help you:

Recognize unhealthy dynamics

Build emotional resilience

Foster internal harmony between alters

Set boundaries and reprocess trauma safely

No matter where you are in your healing journey, this guide can help you find the strength to move forward.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. We are not licensed mental health professionals, therapists, or counselors. The content in this guide is based on knowledge, resources, and techniques that we have researched and applied in our own journeys. While we hope the guide is helpful and supportive, it should not be considered medical advice, and it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional for diagnosis, treatment, or therapeutic guidance specific to your needs.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek immediate assistance from a licensed professional or contact emergency services.

[strawberrydykke]

the recreating thing from a position of power is sooooo real though. i recreate meals that my mom cooked a lot when i was growing up. i want to get a dog the same breed as my last one. and i want to get a cat that looks like my dead cat. also, for a few months i lived in a city where i went on a family vacation once. i had the strongest urge to retrace our steps, do everything and go everywhere, in the same order. i did not do it but i really wanted to.

it's weird because i know why i do it but i also don't know why. like, yes, logically, i know i'm recreating my trauma as a way to gain control over what happened, and that it's a relatively common coping mechanism. but if i step outside of the logical, intellectualizing part of my brain and just focus on the emotional, i cannot name a reason why i want to do this. i just know that i want to do it and i have a really strong drive to.

other weird thing i've noticed recently: I also tend to forget traumatic memories. which i didn't know until like 2 years ago, when I remembered something. about a year ago, something else traumatic happened to me. a couple days ago i started thinking about it, and i can actually feel the memory of it slipping away. I remembered what happened but I couldn't recall the details of it until I really focused on remembering. Even now, I think I can remember it but things are fuzzy. I'm not sure if I should try to remember what happened or just let it go away? it is like. traumatic. after all. i don't know! i'll ask my therapist.

i'm going to stop seeing my therapist in september which is scary. i've been seeing her since i was 15. but i feel really ready to take a bit of a break from therapy. i've been doing it a long time. after my break, i would like to see a therapist who specializes in some of the things that my current therapist does not have experience with. emdr, somatic experiencing, dbt, i feel like there's something else i'm forgetting.... but it seems like a lot to see a whole new person. i know what to expect from my therapist. we have a routine. she has also known me for so long and remembers things that i don't, and can relate things i'm going through now to things i've forgotten from years ago. it is frightening to lose that depth of knowledge.

[goosegoblin]

If therapy is an option and you haven’t already tried it, maybe finding a therapist trained in Somatic Experiencing Therapy? I also had a therapist friend recommend EMDR to help my anxiety once. I thought it was just for people with PTSD or C-PTSD but she said it’s really versatile and can help with desensitization.

Mm, I've been looking into it. I had also assumed those were mostly trauma-only/ trauma-focused therapies, so that's good to know.

I struggle with finding a therapy modality I like, to be honest. I've had many, many therapists over the years, but after a few months I always just end up frustrated and unhappy. My loved ones are like "therapy was so helpful today!" or "I'm really looking forward to therapy", and that confuses me so much. I anticipate sessions with the kind of dread and dismay normally reserved for dental appointments or unwanted social engagements.

CBT often feels surface-level and useless. DBT feels the same, plus some basic coping skills I already have. EMDR is interesting (purple hat/ the eye movement stuff aside)- but at that point, perhaps plain prolonged exposure therapy is better (which I am kind of interested in, ngl).

I can't picture things in my head so anything with guided imagery is useless to me. Polyvagal theory is pseudoscience and I can't fuck with it. My therapist has done some IFS with me, which was interesting at first, but I... kind of feel like I started thinking in those ways naturally during my anorexia recovery, just by the way that my brain works. That's not supposed to be a brag (lmao that would be the most pathetic flex ever)- just that 'viewing my brain as different parts and being kind to them' was already something I was doing, and it hasn't helped for this.

I'm interested in some somatic stuff, but I know lots of it involves like... moving or beahving in certain ways in front of the therapist, and I'd honestly rather die? I do so badly with requests I perceive as 'cringey' that I got politely asked to not return to art therapy when I was inpatient lmao

Anyway, I've spent 5+ years going to therapists and saying "Hello, can we try ACT?", and every time they agree and then make me do a different therapy. I do not know why this keeps happening to me.