Current research is showing major breakthroughs in what happens in the brain following trauma, indicating that insight and understanding may have only a limited influence on the operation of subcortical processes. A body-oriented approach is called for that facilitates new actions and addresses dissociative symptoms, including somatic components of traumatic memories (e.g., pain, analgesia, and motor inhibitions), and avoidance-related symptoms such as bodily anesthesia.

In this workshop, the presenter will address the role of developing "somatic resources"; physical competencies that help clients achieve mastery over past traumatic experience. The theory and practice of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a clinical approach that integrates cognitive and somatic interventions in the treatment of trauma, will be taught, emphasizing practicing actions that mitigate symptoms and develop a new way of "living" in the body. Somatic resources will be illustrated through videotaped excerpts of sessions with traumatized individuals, and brief experiential exercises.

Learning Objectives:

1. Apply simple somatic techniques to facilitate clients' self regulation

2. Summarize phase oriented treatment approach to the treatment of trauma

3. Observe video demonstrations of somatic resources technique

4. Explain the window of tolerance in terms of trauma-related dysregulation