What is Somatic Trauma Coaching?
Somatic trauma coaching is a type of coaching that focuses on helping individuals heal from traumatic experiences by addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of trauma on the body. The word "somatic" refers to the body, and the goal of somatic trauma coaching is to help individuals reconnect with their bodies and release the physical tension and emotional patterns that can result from trauma.
Somatic trauma coaching is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as talk therapy or Brainspotting, to provide a holistic approach to healing from trauma. The goal of somatic trauma coaching is to help individuals move from a state of survival and coping to a state of healing and thriving.
What are common signs of trauma I should pay attention to?
Avoidance: Individuals who have experienced trauma may avoid situations, people, or activities that trigger memories of the traumatic event.
Hypervigilance: Trauma can cause individuals to be on high alert and constantly scanning their environment for potential threats.
Emotional numbing: Trauma can cause individuals to disconnect from their emotions, which may result in a lack of emotional expression or an inability to feel pleasure or joy.
Anxiety and fear: Trauma can cause individuals to experience anxiety, fear, and panic attacks.
Flashbacks: Trauma can cause individuals to experience vivid and intrusive memories of the traumatic event.
Sleep disturbances: Trauma can cause individuals to have difficulty sleeping or nightmares.
Physical symptoms: Trauma can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic pain.
Substance abuse: Trauma can lead to individuals using drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their emotions or numb their feelings.
It's important to note that not all individuals who have experienced trauma will display these signs, and that trauma can manifest differently in different individuals. As a coach, it's important I approach each individual with compassion, empathy, and an open mind, I always create a safe and supportive space for my clients to explore their experiences and heal from trauma.
Somatic trauma coaches use a variety of techniques to help individuals heal from trauma, including:
Body awareness: Somatic trauma coaches help individuals develop body awareness, which involves paying attention to sensations in the body, such as tension, pain, and discomfort.
Breathing exercises: Coaches may teach individuals breathing exercises to help them regulate their nervous system and manage anxiety and stress.
Movement practices: Coaches may use movement practices such as yoga, dance, or tai chi to help individuals release physical tension and connect with their bodies.
Mindfulness: Coaches may teach individuals mindfulness techniques to help them become more aware of their thoughts and emotions and learn to observe them without judgement.
Guided visualizations: Coaches may use guided visualizations to help individuals reframe their experiences and create new patterns of thought and behavior.
Trauma education: Coaches may educate individuals about the nature of trauma and how it can impact the body and mind, helping them gain a better understanding of their own experiences.
Some of the tools I work with are: understanding the Polyvagal Theory, Traffic Lights of Tolerance, EMDR, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Styles, Positive Psychology.
Somatic Trauma Informed Coach - Narcissistic Abuse Specialist*
What is a Narcissistic Abuse Certified Coach?
Whether you are currently in a highly toxic relationship or have just left one, as a Narcissistic Abuse Certified Coach* (soon to be) I am here to support you navigate these difficult times as we take baby steps together to help you on your healing journey.
I work closely with my clients in supporting them to heal from the aftermath of a toxic relationship(s). Together we will delve deeply into the trauma caused as a result of having been in such a relationship, by understanding and validating the experience, working gently in regulating their nervous system, developing self-compassion and self-trust, understanding attachment styles, working and healing the inner child wounds. As well as integrating numerous somatic and cognitive techniques such as:
Brainspotting
EMDR
Internal Family Systems (Parts Therapy) Rapid Transformational Therapy Positive Psychology
Breath Work