Expanding Trauma Care: Somatic Experiencing for Anxiety Outside PTSD
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Authors
Pirouz, Sara
Issue Date
2025-09
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
Polyvagal Theory , Somatic Experiencing , anxious attachment , trauma , anxiety
Alternative Title
Abstract
This capstone explores the potential application of Somatic Experiencing (SE), a body-oriented therapeutic method, for treating anxiety disorders that do not meet the diagnostic threshold for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The literature review examines the neurobiological and psychophysiological impacts of trauma, highlighting how unresolved trauma can manifest as anxiety through chronic nervous system dysregulation, especially if chronic trauma was experienced in childhood. This capstone posits four purpose statements, which includes (1) what the essence of trauma is and its impact on an individual’s nervous system, (2) how trauma can manifest into an anxiety disorder, (3) is SE efficacious for individuals with trauma-related anxiety disorders, and lastly (4) I will discuss a potential framework regarding the use of SE for anxiety disorders for mental health professionals to utilize in therapy sessions with clients. Additionally, the framework presented, the RESTORE Model, is based on the current research in the mental health field regarding SE, trauma, anxiety, and the nervous system. With that said, since the framework is completely conceptual, there are no research findings. However, based on the research presented, SE has been shown to be an effective treatment option to regulate one's nervous system when exposed to trauma. The implications of this capstone and the framework presented aims to expand trauma care and inform mental health practitioners about the potential benefits of integrating SE practices into their sessions with clients struggling with trauma-related anxiety disorders.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess