Compassion in Therapy Training Series: Embodied Healing and Somatic Approaches to Trauma Recovery

Presenter

• Raymond Rodriguez
  • Clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience
  • Trauma specialist, certified in EMDR and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
  • Interests include immigration, diversity, LGBTQAI+ empowerment

Main Topics

Mindfulness in Psychotherapy

• Definition of Mindfulness
  • Capacity to witness and be with an experience, not just in it
• Benefits of Mindfulness
  • Encourages curiosity and compassion
  • Positive health and mental health impacts
  • Central to many therapeutic modalities (e.g., MBSR, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy)
• Mindfulness Practices
  • Practiced in small, accessible ways
  • Encourages reflection over reactivity

Window of Tolerance

• Concept by Dan Siegel
  • Tool for understanding inner experiences
• Regulated vs. Dysregulated Arousal
  • Regulated Arousal: Within window, state of balance
  • Dysregulated Arousal: Beyond window, includes hyperarousal (fight/flight) and hypoarousal (freeze)
• Therapeutic Application
  • Helps in understanding client states
  • Example exploration questions: "What's happening right now?", "Where do you feel that in your body?"

Body as an Ally in Healing

• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Approach
  • Body as an entry-point for healing
  • Focus on body sensations as information
• Developing Somatic Awareness
  • Importance of understanding body sensations
  • Encourages a compassionate relationship with the body

Practical Exercises

Present Moment Experience

• Checking in with body and emotions
• Exploring sensations with curiosity

Grounding Techniques

• Feel feet on the ground: Press and release technique
• Body patting: Gentle tapping to increase embodiment
• Self-hugging: Bringing attention to bodily support

Centering

• Alignment Exercise: Roll shoulders back and down
• Encourages alignment and free energy flow

Integration in Therapy

• Use mindfulness practices to assess and understand client's state
• Employ techniques to help clients regulate emotional and physiological states
• Recognize limits and apply exercises gently and mindfully

Conclusion

• Mindfulness and body awareness as tools for trauma recovery
• Practices serve as a toolbox for therapists to support clients
• Encourages personal practice of techniques by therapists to embody skills

Recommended Actions

• Explore literature on mindfulness and psychotherapy
• Practice exercises personally before introducing to clients
• Gradually integrate mindfulness into therapeutic sessions