I first got into this work as I was struggling with chronic pain. Being diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at age 10, years of joint and muscle pain which resulted in joint damage and a double hip replacement at 32.
Pain is no stranger in my life and I have had to find holistic ways to help manage the pain. This practice has been significant in easing my chronic pain and helping me regulate my nervous system from years of being on high alert and dysregulated. I have heard many other stories of people discovering the same when they used this tool regularly.
Firstly; What exactly is Somatic Trauma Release?
For those that are not familiar with somatic modalities, The term somatic comes from the Greek word soma, meaning "body." Somatic approaches emphasise tuning into the body's sensations, movements, and internal signals as a way to promote healing, self-regulation, and overall well-being.
Somatic trauma release is a way to move energy and emotion through the body without having to talk about the past. What I share is based on the work of David Bercelli and Vessel Van Der Kolk and the idea that the body keeps the score and what we don't express we suppress and this gets stored somewhere in the body which can then manifest as pain, tension or anxiety.
Based on these principles and I blend movement, shaking and therapeutic tremoring to encourage people to connect with and build trust with their bodies and tune into the inate wisdom within.
So how exactly does it help ease chronic pain?
This helps to ease chronic pain by addressing the root cause of pain (unless it is a physical injury) which often stems from unresolved trauma stored in the body.
Here’s a further break down of how it works:
1. Releases Stored Tension
Trauma can cause the body to remain in a state of hyper vigilance, leading to chronic muscle tension and tightness in the fascia. Somatic practices, such as therapeutic tremoring and gentle movements, help release this stored tension, reducing pain.
2. Calms the Nervous System
Chronic pain is often linked to an over activated sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight). Somatic trauma release helps shift the body into parasympathetic dominance (rest-and-digest), promoting relaxation and reducing pain sensitivity.
3. Improves Emotional Processing
Unprocessed trauma can manifest as physical pain. Somatic practices encourage the safe release of trapped emotions, preventing them from contributing to chronic pain syndromes.
4. Enhances Body Awareness
Somatic trauma release increases interoception (awareness of internal sensations), helping individuals identify pain triggers and patterns. This awareness empowers them to respond proactively and reduce pain.
5. Restores Movement and Flexibility
Trauma and injury can lead to stiffness and reduced mobility. Gentle somatic practices restore natural movement, improving joint and muscle function, and alleviating pain.
6. Supports Neuroplasticity
Somatic practices can retrain the brain to respond differently to pain signals, reducing chronic pain over time by creating healthier patterns in the nervous system.
In summary, somatic trauma release treats chronic pain holistically, addressing the physical, emotional, and neurological aspects all at once. For me personally it has meant I can walk and move with more ease and it has helped tremendously with anxiety and sleep.
If you would like to experience a session here are some ways you can do so:
I run monthly 90 minute classes in Christchurch. You can book here: https://tidycal.com/natashagodetz/somatic-trauma-release-sessions
I regularly travel around New Zealand sharing this modality. My next offering is in Auckland in March 2025. You can book here: https://tidycal.com/natashagodetz/somatic-trauma-release-session-auckland
I also offer 1:1s in person or online so you can live anywhere and still experience this work. To find out more or book a session please visit: https://www.natashagodetz.com/trauma-release
Feel free to reach out to natashagodetz@gmail.com with any other enquiries.
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