Somatoemotional Release
What is Somatoemotional Release?
Somatoemotional release is a trauma informed somatic therapy that facilitates the release of restrictions in the body that have an emotional energy component. The process is focused on growing body awareness of sensations and using dialogue and imagery techniques. Touch may be used but is not required.
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Sometimes a release of emotional energy is necessary to fully discharge a trauma. The body often retains the emotional imprint of physical trauma. These imprints, especially of intense feelings of anger, fear and/or resentment that may have occurred at the time of injury, leave residues in the body called “energy cysts.”
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Although you can adapt to energy cysts over time, your body needs extra energy to continue performing its day-to-day functions. As years pass and the body becomes more stressed, it can lose its ability to adapt. That’s when symptoms and dysfunctions begin to appear and become difficult to suppress or ignore.
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How does Somatoemotional Release work?
What to expect
Through SomatoEmotional Release, a therapist engages in imaging and dialoguing techniques that can guide the patient through an otherwise challenging encounter with long-held emotions. The patient does not need to analyze the problem to release it. Often the body will spontaneously return to the same position it was in when the injury was first sustained. As this occurs, the therapist can feel the tissues of the body relax as the energy is expelled. Then the body is free to return to its optimal levels of functioning.
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What does Somatoemotional Release feel like?
The movements of somatoemotional release treatments feel like a gradual softening of holding. You may experience tissue unwinding, have old or new memories surface, it may feel like a day dream. The following are experiences some of my patients have reported during session:
A deep sense of relaxation
Sensations in the body other than where the therapist is working
Spontaneous unwinding of tissue, limbs moving or jerking movements
Increased digestion and tummy noises
Increased heat or coolness
Redness in the skin
Emotional release such as crying, laughing etc.
In session your body begins a process on the table that will continue for days or weeks after.
I will invite you to continue to support your body through this process by being gentle with yourself and properly hydrating. Physical exertion is not recommended post treatment.
Who can benefit from Somatoemotional Release?
Everyone benefits from the release that comes from Somatoemotional Release. Specifically, people with the following conditions have found relief from Somatoemotional Release sessions with me:
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Physical Trauma
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Emotional Trauma
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Nerve pain
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Repetitive Stress Injury
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Postural Deviations
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TMJ
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Chronic Pain
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Fibromyalgia
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It is highly recommended to have had or currently have the support of a mental heatlh therapist, or have a good support system in your life.