Levine began to develop Somatic Experiencing following his observations of animals in the wild. He noticed that, when facing threat, animals display a range of threat responses similar to humans – fight, flight, and freeze. Unlike humans, however, Levine noticed that animals were adept at releasing the physical energy charged up by the threat response, able to recover quickly and return to a state of internal homeostasis. Humans, unfortunately, have a much harder time releasing this energy.

Even though we may be safe now, our nervous system can become ‘stuck’ in its threat response. When we live our day to day lives with a frozen threat response, we continue to sense danger in the environment, are on high alert and in a state of high reactivity. Alternatively, we become numb and apathetic, unable to live fully in the present.

Somatic Experiencing helps to restore clients to health by assisting them in releasing their frozen energy and gaining a visceral understanding of safety.

Trauma and the Brain

Let’s simplify the brain into two basic primary modes; ‘safe’ and ‘survival’. Safe mode allows us to relax, engage with others, and learn new information. When we are safe, we are healthy, open, and sociable.

In safe mode, the branch of the Autonomic Nervous System^[1] (responsible for regulation of physiologic processes) activated is the Parasympathetic Nervous System, responsible for rest and digestion.

In survival mode, we are on high alert, constantly surveying our environment for threat, and highly reactive to stimuli. Or we are emotionally shut down, numb and apathetic to our surroundings. Decisions in survival mode are often fear-based. In survival mode, it is the Sympathetic Nervous System (responsible for the fight/flight response) that is activated.

In the face of threat, we enter survival mode, which ensures our safety. When the threat has passed, we may still be in survival mode, because the threat was overwhelming that we froze. While our threat responses aim to ensure our survival, they can be detrimental to our health if they are prolonged. Prolonged activation of our threat response leads to a range of physical and psychological health issues^[2], including anxiety, depression, poor concentration, strained interpersonal relationships, flashbacks, and other mood and personality disorders.

How does Somatic Experiencing work in Practice?

 To release the grip of our frozen threat responses on our well-being and functionality, the accumulated energy from the response must be discharged. A trained SE therapist guides the client in becoming aware of their physical sensations when talking about their past experiences. The client’s narrative of the experience is not the centre of focus in therapy, Instead, focus is placed on the physical, inner sensations that arise when the experience is revisited.

Unlike traditional talk therapies, which take a ‘top-down’ approach, focusing on cognitive processing, Somatic Experiencing uses a ‘bottom-up’ approach, where focus is given the bodily sensations linked to traumatic memories.

In the early stages of SE therapy, clients are educated on the nervous system and how it is affected by a traumatic event. This serves to dispel any confusion as to why a person is experiencing difficult trauma-related symptoms.

Before visiting the traumatic memories, therapists help clients to resource their own innate strength, peace and resilience by discussing positive aspects of the client’s life, perhaps people or places that bring them a sense of peace and calm.

Once the resources for strength and resilience have been identified, a gradual revisiting of the traumatic memories can take place. This stage of the process, known as titration, allows clients to slowly accept the memory and the associated feelings. The process is gradual to prevent overwhelm and retraumatization.

As the memories are revisited, the trained SE therapist will witness and track the clients sensations and physicality, such as a change in breathing, postural shifts, or a change in tone of voice. The client collaborates with the therapist by informing them about invisible sensations, like a change in body temperature or a dizzy feeling.^[3]

When sensations arise, clients may respond by shaking, trembling, or crying. There may be muscular tightening, clenching of hands, clenching of the jaw. These phenomena are considered to be a release of the frozen energy, and are encouraged. At the same time, the therapist will help the client come to a calmer state by encouraging the use of the cultivated resources at the beginning of therapy^[4]. Over time, the movement from activation to calm becomes a lot smoother, and further exploration can take place.

What are the Benefits of Somatic Experiencing?

 Somatic Experiencing offers a range of benefits to clients who have experienced trauma, such as child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, violence, natural disasters, or motor vehicle accidents.

Following a course of SE therapy, clients may experience^[5]:

• A greater sense of self
• Increased confidence
• Reduction in PTSD symptoms
• Improved concentration
• Improved relationship with one’s body

Unresolved trauma permeates into all aspects of our lives. It can lead to a host of disruptive and inhibitive physical and psychological symptoms that get in the way of us being able to fully live our lives. With Somatic Experiencing, clients can find that healthy functioning is restored, and maladaptive behaviours, or survival strategies, can be reduced. Ultimately, Somatic Experiencing helps clients find balance and regulation in their nervous system, which is integral to leading a healthy life.

If you have a client, or know of someone who is struggling and could benefit from participating in treatment modalities such as somatic experiencing, reach out to us at Khiron Clinics. We believe that we can improve therapeutic outcomes and avoid misdiagnosis by providing an effective residential program and out-patient therapies addressing underlying psychological trauma. Allow us to help you find the path to realistic, long lasting recovery. For information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).

Sources:

^[1] McCorry, Laurie Kelly. “Physiology of the autonomic nervous system.” American journal of pharmaceutical education vol. 71,4 (2007): 78. doi:10.5688/aj710478

^[2] Selye H. The Stress of Life. New York: McGraw-Hill; 1956.

^[3] Healthline. n.d. Somatic Experiencing: How It Can Help You. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/somatic-experiencing#considerations> [Accessed 25 June 2020].

^[4] Healthline. n.d. Somatic Experiencing: How It Can Help You. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/somatic-experiencing#considerations> [Accessed 25 June 2020].

^[5] Khan, K., 2018. How Somatic Therapy Can Help Patients Suffering From Psychological Trauma. [online] World of Psychology. Available at: <https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-somatic-therapy-can-help-patients-suffering-from-psychological-trauma/#:~:text=Somatic%20therapy%20offers%20a%20variety,a%20heightened%20ability%20to%20concentrate.> [Accessed 5 August 2020].

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A 2016 study published in the journal Addictive Behaviors sought to explore the effects of inpatient and outpatient treatment on completion by individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). A total of 318,924 cases were analyzed by researchers, finding that residential treatment programs saw approximately 65% completion rate and 52% completion rate for outpatient treatment programs. A variety of factors influenced these completion rates, including:

• Age

• Gender

• Race/ethnicity

• Drug of choice

The study’s findings suggested that for addictions involving opioids, residential treatment programs have been found to provide greater protection from environmental and social triggers that could lead a person to relapse. The factors listed above aren’t the only ones, however; a study conducted by researchers from Norway found several other factors that could lead to dropout:

• Cognitive deficits – the study showed that individuals with lower cognitive functioning experienced higher dropout rates

• Low treatment alliance – many individuals left their treatment program because they didn’t feel a good connection with their treatment center

• Personality disorder – many personality disorders involve mood swings with different thinking and perspective capabilities, making it difficult for people with this type of disorder to achieve stability in treatment. This is ultimately why it’s important to be in a treatment center that provide inclusive, intensive care – people who will really listen to your concerns and guide you throughout the recovery process.

• Younger age – although shown as a small risk factor, the study found that the younger in age a person was, the greater the likelihood they would experience impulsivity and risky behavior – making them more likely to drop out.

In some cases, dropping out of a particular treatment program is logical. But in many, it’s often due to misunderstandings. If you’ve been struggling with addiction, speak with a professional from a reputable treatment center to learn more about several types of programs and which one may be right for you. It’s never too late to seek the help you need.

Stop the cycle of merry-go-round treatment and find the solution you’re looking for in trauma treatment. Through effective residential treatment, Khiron House helps you find the path you need toward health and wellness in recovery. For information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).

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The Rolling Stone states that it wasn’t until the 1960’s that drugs and alcohol became really central to music played. Artists such as Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, AC/DC, Future, and many more have sung or rapped about substances such as alcohol, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and more. In fact, a study published in Science Daily found that music not only affects our mood, but can change the way we perceive the world. What does this mean for us? Perhaps all of this music that we’ve heard on the radio and seen in music videos has indeed caused us as a society to become laxer about drinking and using drugs, ultimately leading us to behave in line with the way we think.

Advertisers have certainly found their way in the music industry, with many artists getting paid to mention their beverages in their songs. The Drug Foundation highlights the song “Pass the Courvoisier”, Busta Rhymes’ hit song that allegedly helped the company Allied Domecq receive a major surge in purchases. As a society, how can we take back the control regarding our perceptions of the world? Well, there are a number of things you can do on a daily basis:

• Analyze what you’re listening to. What do the lyrics say? What message does this send? Determine whether this falls in line or not with the way you want to view life.
• Listen to music that promotes recovery, sobriety, equality, whatever positive aspects you’d like your life to consist of.
• Remember that, in a sense, “you are what you listen to”. Since music has a major impact on our mood and perceptions of the world, it’s important that you choose to listen to music that benefits you.

Stop the cycle of merry-go-round treatment and find the solution you’re looking for in trauma treatment. Through effective residential treatment, Khiron House helps you find the path you need toward health and wellness in recovery. For information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).

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Psychedelic drugs work specifically by acting on neurons that use serotonin – particularly in the brain’s region of the prefrontal cortex. This region is responsible for a person’s mood, cognition, and perception, which explains why all of these areas become altered when the drugs are taken. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes that while short term effects such as intensified sensory experiences, increased heart rate and nausea can occur, long-term effects such as persistent psychosis and hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) may arise.

As with any drug, psychedelic drugs can also become addictive as a person takes them more and more over time, increasing their dependence to the drug and consuming in larger doses and more frequently in order to achieve the desired effect. According to Live Science, psychedelic drugs may have the propensity to alter neuronal structure – possibly changing brain structure for the better in individuals with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and other mood-related disorders. Psychedelic drugs are illegal, and for a good reason – scientists are still determining whether they are completely safe to use or not, and in what capacities. Stay tuned as research becomes more evident of the exact effects psychedelics can have on the human brain.

Stop the cycle of merry-go-round treatment and find the solution you’re looking for in trauma treatment. Through effective residential treatment, Khiron House helps you find the path you need toward health and wellness in recovery. For information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).

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Methadone is known as an opioid (narcotic) analgesic. Medication-assisted therapy often involves the use of a medication, such as methadone, in place of a person’s drug of choice in order to help wean them off of drugs and/or lessen the pain associated with detoxification. A person’s addiction is not replaced with methadone addiction, as maintenance is closely monitored in a safe environment. As the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states, methadone produces gradual onsets, and significantly reduces a person’s desire to use opioids. Chapter 7 of a book titled, “Drug Addiction” stated that in 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed methadone (along with the drug buprenorphine) as an essential drug for the treatment of opioid dependence.

Ultimately, methadone is a maintenance medication; it helps individuals find stability while trying to adapt to their mind and body’s responses to detoxification. When methadone is prescribed, it is tailored to your current needs – for example, a shorter term of detoxification would typically require smaller doses of methadone, while longer detoxification terms would potentially require higher doses of methadone, especially if the drug addiction is more severe. Overall, it’s important that you follow exact directives given by your healthcare team, and make them aware of any symptoms or side effects that cause you concern.

If you haven’t already, speak with a someone today to learn more about treatment options that may best suit your needs. Recovery is possible.

Stop the cycle of merry-go-round treatment and find the solution you’re looking for in trauma treatment. Through effective residential treatment, Khiron House helps you find the path you need toward health and wellness in recovery. For information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).

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New Year’s is considered a time to celebrate with friends, and your children may be tempted at parties to smoke marijuana or use other illicit drugs. While you can’t always control the friends your child hangs out with or the places they go, you can provide them with information that they can use in evaluating whether or not to utilize drugs if they become available. Just Think Twice, a government program, provides information on various drugs so that teens get the real facts – and you can, too. Take a look at some facts about marijuana that you may not know:

• Like tobacco, marijuana contains a mixture of gasses and particles that are harmful to your lungs
• Marijuana can make it difficult to drive, judge distances, and react to signals and sounds
• Marijuana can affect memory, and, since there is often no perception of time, your teen may stay out later or get into dangerous situations more easily

While talking with your child, be sure to tell them not only the facts about marijuana and other drugs, but be sure to inform them about peer pressure and how to say “no”. Healthy Living offers some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while speaking with your teen:

• DO offer suggestions about how they should handle a suggestion
• DON’T try to tell them what to do – teens often do not comply with this, sometimes it may even backfire
• DO make your child aware of the choices they have
• DON’T set a bad example by smoking marijuana or using drugs in front of them

Try to stay as involved as you can in your child’s life. If you can emphasize open communication and honesty, you’ll likely be able to get through to them the dangers of drugs, especially at their age with a developing brain.

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