Posted by Daisym on December 6, 2007, at 1:26:18
In reply to Re: Somatic Experiencing, would like more info ple, posted by rskontos on December 5, 2007, at 8:36:13
My therapist does not touch me. As much as I want to be held, I'd run for cover if he ever tried.
The somatic part is you with you. YOU try to stay present with your body and be aware of things. Is there tightness in your chest? Is your throat tight? are your hands clenched? What is your breathing like? Do you feel tension or excitement in your vagina?
You begin to learn how to consciously relax muscles that are on auto-pilot. That flight/fight mechanism kicks in and our bodies tense up when fear is present. Because of the way our brain works, memories, even those we recognize as "old" can cause fear.
Other ways to access preverbal experiences, especially trauma, include art, and dance or movement therapies. It is the expression of the feelings, not the details of what "really" happened that is important. Banging on a drum can be a great way to express rage or frustration without even knowing why you are mad or frustrated.
poster:Daisym
thread:798687
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20071204/msgs/799047.html