Somatic Resourcing
A somatic approach to trauma resolution that is grounded in a psychobiological understanding of trauma (explained more in the next module) incorporates the identification and development of specific somatic resources to support the nervous system and emotional regulation.
A resource is anything grounded in the felt sense that helps a client to achieve a sense of connection, safety, and control. A resource can be purely somatic or using bilateral oscillatory movements. Health professional participate with clients, demonstrating and practicing the resource together which harnesses co-regulation while activating mirror neurons that communicate one’s accompaniment into optimal arousal states.
Resources may also be derived from conscious embodiment of positive or pleasant cognitive associations—for example through recalling a person, animal, place, or spiritual figure that evokes a sense of refuge, connection, or security—and then exploring it using embodied inquiry.
It is useful to identify at least three reliable somatic resources that can be called upon if and when a client begins to move outside of their window of tolerance to assist with modulating dysregulation. Health professional should assist clients to anchor resources in the felt sense by naming the resource and using interoception to hone in on a few key sensations, movements, and postures that capture the feeling of it.
Reflection
Try to anchor three reliable somatic resources of your own. Reflect on the sensations that you feel when you focus on these somatic resources.