The purpose of this site is to introduce my approach to the treatment of Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My more than twenty-five years of experience in both chairs -- as therapist and as client --, as well as years of in-depth study, therapeutic work, supervision, consultation and teaching have helped me to consolidate my own beliefs as to what is helpful and what is hurtful in treating survivors of traumatic events. Trauma therapy tends to be more precarious than other types of psychotherapy -- risks of decompensation are greater --, so caution must be greater.

I have found it safest to approach trauma therapy in a similar way that I approach driving an automobile. My logic stems from the observation that both driving and trauma therapy involve controlling something that can easily go out of control. It is not a good idea to proceed with directly addressing a traumatic incident -- accelerating trauma processes in the mind and body -- unless both therapist and client know how to find and apply the brakes: stop the process if it becomes too uncomfortable or destabilizing.

It is clear that traumatic events exact a toll on the body as well as the mind. The DSM IV include several somatic symptoms along side the psychological symptoms in its definition of PTSD. However, the body is often missed in trauma treatment. On the other hand, some body-approaches neglect the importance of psychological integration. Neither aspect can be neglected. Trauma treatment must regard the whole person and integrate trauma's impact on both body and mind.

Somatic Trauma Therapy is an attempt to fill this gap in the trauma field: Treat trauma and PTSD through integration of body and mind within a cautious and respectful relationship between client and therapist.

Finding your way around this website:

• Following this letter you will find my professional biography which sketches my education and teaching experiences. When you are ready to move on to the other pages on this site you will also find:
• The Somatic Trauma Therapy page offers a description of how I address the treatment of trauma.
• The Professional Trainings page outlines my European and US training programs and courses.
• The Publications page lists my books and several of my published articles that will give you a more in-depth look at the theory and practice of Somatic Trauma Therapy. Each article and an overview of each book is accessible from that page.

Please feel free to contact me with your questions; I try to answer each inquiry. You are also welcome to contact me to discuss engagement in a course of treatment, make an appointment for professional supervision or consultation -- in person, by phone or through email --, or to inquire about a workshop or training program. I also welcome feedback on the usability of this website -- let me know how it is to negotiate and locate what you need. Thank you for your interest in visiting this site.

Babette Rothschild
 

BABETTE ROTHSCHILD has been a practicing psychotherapist and body-psychotherapist since 1976 and a California Licensed clinical Social Worker since 1978. She is a member of the International and European Societies for Traumatic Stress Studies, the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists and the National Association of Social Workers. Babette has trained extensively in Transactional Analysis, Gestalt Therapy, Psychodrama, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Somatic Experiencing, and is a certified Bodynamic Analyst and certified Radix Teacher.

After living nine years in Denmark, she returned to Los Angeles (her home town) where she continues a private therapy and supervision practice as well as teaching professional courses. She continues to travel the world several times a year, providing professional training, consultation and supervision.

Institutions sponsoring her trainings have included: counseling, hospital, battered women's, family therapy, rehabilitation, refugee, dance, athletic, children and psychotherapy centers all over the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

This website provides an overview of Ms. Rothschild's  work through numerous articles and gives a schedule of her workshops. For additional information, contact Ms. Rothschild through email.