The SIBAM model, developed by Peter Levine, the founder of Somatic Experiencing, describes how we create a complete experience. Through his work, he identified the channels or component pieces that build a complete experience. When we experience trauma our relationship to the experience fragments. Some parts of the experience get over-emphasized (like a sound or a smell) and others become under-emphasized (like bodily sensation during the event).
Developmental trauma occurs when a person experiences intense stress, adverse or traumatic events over a period of time during their childhood or teenage years. This can include events such as physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect, poverty, family dysfunction, bullying, being exposed to violence or other catastrophic events. In many cases this kind of trauma is systemic or intergenerational in nature. The effects of these experiences are cumulative, meaning that each experience adds up until the individual reaches their breaking point.In most cases the effects of developmental trauma persist into adulthood, often resulting in complex post traumatic stress disorder. The physical effects of developmental trauma include increased heart rate, high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, chronic fatigue, headaches, digestive issues and chronic tension or pain. On the mental and emotional side, it can lead to feelings of intense fear and existential terror as well as depression, anxiety, anger outbursts, flashbacks to traumatic memories, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, low self-esteem, social isolation or withdrawal from relationships and difficulty feeling joy or pleasure (anhedonia).
According to Peter Levine, the creator of somatic experiencing, embodiment is the practice of creating a relationship with our body, by developing awareness of and attending to physical sensations and prompts, and connecting to the world through our body in a healthy way.
I am thrilled to announce that I am joining the team at Red Beard Somatic Therapy as a new online practitioner. I warmly welcome you to join me in exploring the transformative practices of Compassionate Inquiry and Ancestral Medicine. With my expertise in these modalities, I bring a unique approach to our services, enhancing our commitment to holistic well-being. Let me share more about the modalities I offer.
Have you ever been so immersed in an activity that you felt like time had stopped? Chances are, you were experiencing a flow state. Flow is defined as an optimal state of consciousness in which we feel and perform our best. It refers to those moments in the zone, when focus becomes so intense that everything else seems to disappear. Action and mindfulness begin to merge. Our sense of self disappears. So does our sense of time. And while that is happening, all aspects of mental and physical performance go through the roof.Flow is often accompanied by intense feelings of joy, aliveness and spontaneous creative inspiration or insights. It is that elusive, magical moment, where everything just seems to click and fall into place. But how do we reach this state, and how do we – as Jason Silva once famously asked – “stabilize ekstasis?”According to the latest findings in neuroscience, deep embodiment is probably the most potent of all flow triggers which can lead to deep flow states, which border on ecstasy.
Embodiment is a tool used in therapy and coaching settings to help people reconnect with their bodies and minds. It includes awareness of sensations, feelings and thoughts and brings mindfulness into our movements. It offers individuals a chance to reconnect with themselves on a deeper level while gaining insight into how they think, act, and feel – ultimately leading them down the path of increased self-confidence.
Embodied cognition is an emerging field of study that challenges traditional views of cognition by emphasizing the inseparable connection between the mind, body, and environment. It recognizes that our cognitive processes don’t solely occur in the brain, but rather emerge from the dynamic interactions between our body, brain, and the world around us. In this blog, we will dive into the definition and significance of embodied cognition, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of its fundamental aspects.
Visceral Manipulation (VM) is a manual therapy modality that helps to improve the body’s mobility, circulation, and organ function. It works by manipulating the connective tissues that surround organs and other structures within the body. Designed to heal and alleviate symptoms of abdominal pain, constipation, cramps, and indigestion, Visceral Manipulation views the body as a complex web of interconnected tissues, holding the organs securely in place.
DARe (Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning Experience) is a relatively new somatic attachment approach created by Diane Poole Heller. The method combines attachment theory with neuroscience and trauma-informed therapy to help clients create healthier relationships. It empowers individuals to enhance crucial proficiencies, fostering robust and secure attachment patterns, which paves the way for thriving adult connections. Through insightful exploration of early childhood experiences and subsequent attachment behaviors, clients are equipped with pragmatic solutions and proven tactics to mend past attachment wounds and steer towards secure attachments in present relationships.
