• Somatic Trauma Therapy, developed by Babette Rothschild, MSW, is an integrated treatment model that draws from the most relevant theory and the most suitable techniques for the understanding and treatment of trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In development since 1992, Somatic Trauma Therapy is not a single method, but an integrated system of psychotherapy and body-psychotherapy that continues to evolve as new theory and techniques emerge in the field. Somatic Trauma Therapy addresses all aspects of trauma's impact -- on thinking, emotions and bodily sensations -- bringing them into sync, and relegating trauma to it's rightful place in the past.

What is traumatic stress?

• Traumatic stress is normal reaction of the mind and body to an overwhelming event that threatens life and/or limb: your own, someone close to you, or that you witness. The kinds of events that can lead to traumatic stress include (but are not limited to): assault, rape, molestation, incest, abuse, car accident, war, capture, torture, disaster, invasive medical procedures. Someone with traumatic stress may be reacting to recent events, or to events from childhood.

How does traumatic stress affect the mind and body?

• During a traumatic event the brain tells the nervous system to prepare the body for defensive action: quick flight or powerful fight. When those actions are not possible, the brain tells the nervous system to freeze the muscles; to go slack - like a mouse 'going dead' when caught by a cat -; or stiff - like a deer caught in headlights. Such defensive states are the culmination of dramatic changes in heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, digestion and internal temperature control. These changes are normal responses to an abnormal event. After the event is over, the nervous system will usually return these body systems to a normal level of functioning with a few hours, days or weeks.

When does traumatic stress become a chronic problem?

• Sometimes the mind is unable to make sense of the threatening event. It doesn't get the message that the traumatic even is over and the body has survived. The mind continues to signal the nervous system to prepare the body to fight, flee or freeze. This continued preparation for defensive action is at the core of the disturbing physical and psychological symptoms associated with traumatic stress, and the debilitating condition known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Physical symptoms include: sleep disturbance, concentration difficulty, panic attacks, extreme startle reflex, rapid or irregular heartbeat, cold sweats, hyper energy, exhaustion. Psychological symptoms include: anxiety, feeling unsafe, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of situations, thoughts and feelings that carry reminders of the traumatic event, feeling detached from oneself or others.

How can Somatic Trauma Therapy help?

• It is not necessary to remember a traumatic event in full, or even at all, to get help. What is important is to gain control over and reduce disturbing symptoms, improve quality of life and to re/establish a good relationship to the self. First steps of Somatic Trauma Therapy include gaining control over symptoms and re/establishing a sense of safety. Later steps involve restoring emotional resources, physical reflexes and nervous system balance. If the traumatic event is remembered, there will be further steps to help make sense of what happened and to recognize it is over. Duration of Somatic Trauma Therapy can range from a few sessions to several years depending on: the nature of the trauma(s); age at the time of the trauma(s); if the trauma(s) is isolated, intertwined with other trauma(s) or continuous; and current resources and strengths.

For more information, or to find out if Somatic Trauma Therapy can be of help to you or someone close to you, contact Babette at:

PO Box 241783, Los Angeles, California 90024 USA
Phone: (1) 310 281 9646