Grief and Somatic Therapy

EMDR, SE, Breathwork - what they are and how they heal...

The grief experienced following loss can be kaleidoscopic: it impacts cognitive functioning and also has a profound effect on our bodies, where trauma is often stored.  Even after we have mentally processed grief, our nervous systems can retain an imprint of the experience, impacting our ability to operate in our daily lives. 

This might feel like you are on high alert, on edge, or in a constant state of fight or flight. You might notice that you can feel overwhelmed more easily, or that it is more difficult to focus. These are some signs that the amygdala, the area of the brain that processes perceived threats, is activated. Talk therapy helps us to understand and make sense of our grief. Somatic therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) can be helpful in reconnecting to our bodies and healing the nervous system. Unlike traditional talk therapy, these somatic techniques work from the “bottom-up,” working with the body to heal the nervous system. Somatic techniques guide us back into our bodies, where we notice sensations, tension, pain, and ease. In working with our physiology, rather than ignoring it, we are reuniting our brains with our bodies to soothe the nervous system and help recalibrate our stress hormones. 

What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing?

EMDR was designed by Dr. Francine Shapiro and incorporates bilateral eye movements while processing and discussing challenging memories. The bilateral movement of the eyes simulates REM sleep which synchronizes the amygdala with the rest of the brain. This technique enhances communication between the two hemispheres of the brain, integrating our memories through our various brain structures. Over multiple sessions, EMDR helps mitigate the pain that certain memories have caused, reducing our stress activation responses. EMDR incorporates the “talk” aspect of traditional therapy yet utilizes bilateral stimulation to improve memory processing.

What is Somatic Experiencing?

Created by Peter A. Levine, a renowned trauma author and researcher, Somatic Experiencing resolves accumulated symptoms of stress, shock, and trauma in the body.  This therapy focuses on perceived bodily sensations. SE addresses nervous system dysregulation and is built on the premise that we have an innate resiliency in our bodies and an internal capacity for regulation. It is a holistic treatment that puts the participant in touch with sensations felt in the body. SE integrates elements of talk therapy (though participants are not required to tell their stories) with a focus on body awareness.