Therapy Choices: Somatic vs. EMDR, Find What Suits You Best

Therapy Choices: Somatic vs. EMDR, Find What Suits You Best

Choosing the right therapy can be a challenge when navigating treatments like somatic therapy and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), two powerful methods for addressing trauma and emotional healing. While both treatments focus on the connection of mind and body, they differ in technique and approach. Let's dive deep into the basics of these two types of trauma therapy and understand their key differences.

Somatic Therapy: Get To the Core

Somatic therapy is the art of healing trauma by addressing it in the body. It offers a unique approach to processing stored emotions and trauma by focusing on body awareness. This type of therapy has been found to be beneficial for PTSD and other types of trauma[1].

Through somatic interventions, you'll process any unresolved trauma that's stored within your body. You'll be guided to focus on sensations and release energy that might negatively impact your life and relationships. Somatic therapy is ideal for individuals who feel disconnected from their body or those who experience physical symptoms of trauma such as chronic pain, tension, or numbness[1].

The core principles of somatic therapy revolve around identifying and releasing trauma through the body instead of focusing on cognitive processes like thoughts and emotions[1]. You can tap into the trauma and release it by focusing on the physical sensation it creates. One of the well-known models to understand and regulate trauma's emotional and physiological responses is the SIBAM model[1][2].

1. Sensation: This stage involves introspection and paying attention to the physical sensations in the body.
2. Imagery: Explore mental images that arise during therapy.
3. Behavior: Observe any bodily movements or actions related to your trauma.
4. Affect: Identify emotions associated with the trauma.
5. Meaning: Understand the personal significance that trauma has played in your life.

Enter the Realm of EMDR: A New Perspective

Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured form of psychotherapy that alleviates stress caused by traumatic experiences and memories. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a healthier way, lessening their impact on daily life[2].

Research shows that EMDR is effective for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and various other trauma-related conditions. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require diving deep into the specifics of a traumatic experience. Instead, the focus is on how memories are stored in the brain and how they can be altered to diminish the emotional reaction associated with them[2].

Unlike somatic therapy, EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase approach for processing trauma. Each phase serves a specific purpose in helping you process traumatic memories, promoting a safer empathetic environment.

1. History Taking: Gathering life history, significant events, and trauma-related symptoms.
2. Preparation: Explanation of the EMDR process, addressing questions, teaching self-soothing techniques.
3. Assessment: Identify a specific traumatic memory, connected negative beliefs or emotions, and establish a clear target for reprocessing work.4-7. Desensitization, Installation, Body scan, and Closure: Similarly elaborated as in the original article.
4. Re-evaluation: Assessing progress after each session, adjusting treatment based on healing progress.

The Differences: Somatic vs. EMDR

Though both somatic therapy and EMDR are powerful methods for healing trauma, they differ in focus, techniques, trauma processing, and ideal use cases.

Focus

• Somatic Therapy: The body and its physical sensations.
• EMDR: The brain, its memory processing, and emotional responses.

Technique

• Somatic Therapy: Methods such as breathwork, gentle movement, and mindfulness to facilitate awareness and release of physical sensations linked to trauma.
• EMDR: Structured eight-phase approach using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, sounds) to help the brain integrate and neutralize stored memories.

Trauma Processing

• Somatic Therapy: Addresses trauma through the body by recognizing physical responses and working to release stored trauma through mindful attention and therapy practices.
• EMDR: Alters the emotional reaction associated with stored memories in the brain through bilateral stimulation and memory reprocessing.

Ideal Use Cases

• Somatic Therapy: Beneficial for individuals with chronic physical symptoms such as pain, tension, or numbness due to trauma, or those who are disconnected from their emotions.
• EMDR: Effective for people dealing with specific traumatic memories or conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or phobias.

"Choosing between somatic therapy and EMDR can be a matter of individual needs and personal connection with each therapy. Somatic therapy helps to heal trauma at the physical level, focusing on the body's sensations and emotional awareness[1][2]. EMDR concentrates on reprocessing traumatic memories at the cognitive level, aiming to reduce the emotional impact of stored memories[2]. Finding a therapist trained in both techniques could provide a well-rounded approach to healing from trauma."

1. Mongan, M. (2019). Trauma Therapies and their Evidence Base. Scientific American Mind. Retrieved October 16, 2024, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trauma-therapies-and-their-evidence-base/
2. Hoffman, L.R. (2008). The Oregon Model of trauma treatment. American Family Physician. 77(7),683-688. DOI:10.1370/afp.1307
3. Vogel, N. (2015). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in the Treatment of Trauma and Stress. Retrieved October 16, 2024, from https://www.arlg.org/education/articles.aspx?did=503
4. Golbery, J. M. (2014). Somatic Experiencing: Working with Trauma & Disassociation - A Literature Review. International Journal of Applied Psychology, 7(2), 106-114. doi:10.5897/IJAP2014.0089

• Mental health treatments like somatic therapy and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are beneficial for addressing trauma and promoting emotional healing, and understanding their key differences can aid in choosing the right therapy. while both therapies focus on the connection of mind and body, they differ in technique and approach.
• Somatic therapy, which focuses on the body and its physical sensations, offers a unique approach to processing stored emotions and trauma by focusing on body awareness, potentially beneficial for those with chronic physical symptoms or disconnected from their emotions.
• On the other hand, EMDR is a structured form of psychotherapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, effectively addressing conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, making it ideal for those dealing with specific traumatic memories or conditions.

Read also: