Healing Trauma: A Somatic Approach with Anxiety Therapy San Francisco

Many times, people with anxiety find that they cannot sit still. “I need to be productive. I just like doings things.” There is an inability to rest or relax which often permeates through everything. That restlessness and inability to be alone without DOING something can often be the result of psychological trauma. Fortunately, anxiety therapy can help.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on the Body and Brain.

Trauma makes the world feel unsafe and as a way to cope, the nervous system remains in high alert. The body gives the brain signals that everything is dangerous. Consequently, the brain sends persistent negative thoughts and may loop into endless worst case scenarios. So when people present, with restlessness and an inability to be alone with their thoughts from anxiety, often trauma is to blame.

The Body's Wisdom: Exploring Somatic Therapy San Francisco

Since psychological trauma can be stored in the body, using somatic therapy methods can help to heal trauma. A somatic therapy can be defined as any therapy that uses the body to help address psychological problems. For instance, in my practice, I use dance therapy to help heal trauma.

At times verbal therapy alone cannot help heal trauma, since traumatic memories are often stored as sensations or can occur as flashbacks. Dance therapy works to help clients feel safe and grounded in their respective bodies—which helps people heal. Feeling safe in the body and being able to process trauma that is not stored just in the brain are two of the advantages that dance therapy offers.

When healing begins and the body starts to feel safe, the mind stops overworking and the client can actually feel emotions. Being able to feel emotions (even “negative” ones) is key in allowing a person to let go of trauma and move forward.

Collaborative Healing: The Role of Therapist-Client Partnership in Anxiety Therapy San Francisco

A good anxiety therapist that works with underlying trauma knows that healing trauma takes time. This is where the therapeutic relationship is key. The therapist should take the time to establish trust and get to know you before delving into trauma. A trauma-informed therapist who uses a somatic approach will give you time to get to know what emotions feel like in your body (e.g. sensations, good or bad) in a safe and measured way. The therapist will give you coping skills for your anxiety and once you both feel ready, help you start to process and make sense of your trauma.

Taking the First Step Towards Anxiety Therapy with A Somatic Approach

Anxiety and trauma con cause you to feel stuck in life. If you are ready to start to unraveling your trauma and anxiety, please contact me at lisa@lisamanca.com.