Embodiment as a Necessity for Healing Trauma
Embodiment as a Necessity for Healing Trauma
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Issue Date
2024-05
Authors
Rowe, Jennifer
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
Trauma and its ubiquitous impacts invite an embodied approach to healing that integrates self, mind, and body. The prevalence of traumatic experiences and its impacts on individuals, communities, institutions, and societies underscores the urgent need for effective and long-lasting therapeutic interventions. Trauma disrupts physiological and psychological states and identity, leading to a fragmented sense of self and pervasive symptoms such as anxiety, depression, dissociation, and disembodiment. Traditional cognitive, “talk therapies” may fall short in addressing these complexities, highlighting the importance of somatic approaches that reconnect all aspects of the self, including the body, mind, and relational connection. Embodied practices may offer promising avenues for healing when verbal approaches falter. These modalities emphasize the importance of body awareness, self-regulation, and interoception, enabling individuals to process trauma through physical sensations and movements. The holistic integration of mind and body is crucial for long-term recovery and well-being. Embodiment not only aids in the processing of traumatic memories but also empowers individuals to reclaim agency over their bodies and their lives. By addressing the physiological, emotional, psychological, and relational dimensions of trauma, embodied practices provide a comprehensive framework for healing. Adjunctive body-based approaches foster resilience, support the development of healthy relationships, and enhance overall life satisfaction, underscoring the necessity of embodiment in trauma therapy and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.
Description
Keywords
complex trauma , embodiment , dissociation , disembodiment , somatic practices , trauma
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess