Is EMDR the Same as Somatic Therapy?
When searching for trauma therapy, you have one thing in mind. You want it to work. You have been suffering for such a long time and you are exhausted. You ask around and different people tell you different things. Some people tell you Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) saved their lives. Other people say they didn’t like EMDR. More recently, you have heard about somatic therapy but it's hard to understand what it is all about. It sounds like EMDR might be the same as somatic therapy but it's confusing. If you want to know the similarities and differences between EMDR and somatic therapy, you have come to the right place! In today's blog, we will explore each type of trauma treatment and when to use them. We will also discuss ways they are similar and different!
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy, developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, is a structured trauma therapy. It is designed to help you process traumatic memories and reframe negative beliefs. The core principle of EMDR is that traumatic experiences can become stuck or frozen in the brain. This can lead to symptoms of trauma and PTSD such as flashbacks, anxiety, and hypervigilance. Through a series of standardized procedures, including bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, EMDR aims to reprocess these memories. Once reprocessed, memories are integrated into your life so they are not as stressful.
There is a lot of research on EMDR therapy as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders. Studies have shown reductions in symtoms of trauma following EMDR treatment. A lot of people experience long-lasting relief and improvement in their overall well-being.
Exploring Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is a holistic approach that focuses on the mind-body connection. Traditional talk therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) focus on verbal communication. Somatic therapy is different and focuses on bodily sensations and movements. It recognizes that trauma is stored not only in the brain but also in the body. By engaging in somatic techniques, you can process unresolved trauma held in the body.
Somatic therapy sees the body as a source of wisdom and insight. The body is capable of guiding you towards healing and transformation. When you have greater awareness of your sensations, you can regulate your nervous system better. As a result, symptoms of trauma including those of fight, flight or freeze can be reduced.
Comparing EMDR and Somatic Therapy
The short answer to the question, "Is EMDR the Same as Somatic Therapy?" is no! EMDR and somatic therapy share commonalities in their approach to trauma treatment. However, they differ in their frameworks and specific techniques. Both modalities are bottom up vs. top down therapy approaches. A bottom up treatment approach recognizes the importance of incorporating body-oriented techniques.
EMDR therapy uses an 8 phase approach as well as bilateral stimulation. The eight phases involve the EMDR therapist guiding you through a structured approach to trauma treatment. Phase 1 involves history-taking and treatment planning. Phase 2 focuses on establishing a relationship and teaching stress reduction techniques. Phases 3-6 focus on processing traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation. This facilitates desensitization and reprocessing, while Phase 7 is about closure and reevaluation. Phase 8 is the reevaluation phase. This is how you begin each session after reprocessing to ensure you are doing okay. Bilateral stimulation involves eye movements or tapping. They are used to access and process traumatic memories.
Somatic therapy utilizes body-oriented techniques to help you access and process trauma held in the body. Somatic therapy does not have a structured protocol or use bilateral stimulation. Unlike EMDR, which may target the worst part of the trauma first, somatic therapy works from the outside inward to the core of the trauma. The theory underlying somatic therapy is the Polyvagal Theory developed by Dr. Steven Porges. According to the Polyvagal Theory, the nervous system experiences different responses after trauma. These trauma responses include fight, flight or freeze. The belief is that these trauma responses are "stuck" in your body even after the trauma is over. Somatic therapy uses techniques like titration, pendulation, and orienting to help your body regain a sense of safety.
Combining the Two
Since EMDR and somatic therapy are both trauma treatments, it can be very effective to combine them! In order for EMDR to be effective, you have to be embodied. That means, you have to be in touch with your body and the sensations you experience. Somatic therapy is a great tool to help you befriend your body. By combining EMDR and somatic therapy, you can address both the cognitive and somatic aspects of healing trauma.
Begin Trauma Therapy in Michigan!
Are you ready to learn more about EMDR or somatic therapy? The time is now! At Embodied Wellness, PLCC, our therapists have specialized training in advanced trauma treatments. We are here to support you in your recovery from trauma and answer any questions you may have! Follow these steps to get started with EMDR and Somatic therapy in Ann Arbor or Detroit, MI:
Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation.
Connect with an EMDR or somatic therapist of your choice!
Recover from trauma.
Additional Services at Embodied Wellness in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and throughout Michigan
Are you looking for other services besides EMDR and somatic therapy? Our other services include Empath therapy and Online Therapy. Our specialties include OCD treatment and ERP therapy, DBT, depression treatment, and Internal Family Systems. All these online therapy services are available for teens and adolescents as well as adults. Nosotros tambien ofrecemos terapia en español en Detroit y otras partes de Michigan. Get in touch with our Detroit-based practice today!
About the Author:
Sarah Rollins, LMSW, SEP is the founder of Embodied Wellness, PLLC, a group therapy practice providing online therapy in Michigan. She is passionate about expanding awareness of somatic therapy as way to treat and heal trauma. She incorporates other holistic treatments into her practice including EMDR and IFS.