Do you struggle with the effects of trauma, even years after the trauma occurred?
Are you looking for answers and to find help?
Living with trauma can feel like there is a disconnect between yourself and the world around you.
Fortunately, there are several techniques and trauma therapies for resolving trauma that focus on the mind, the traumatic event, and even the body available to you
Transpersonal PTSD Trauma Therapy
One strategy for resolving past trauma is transpersonal PTSD trauma therapy. This technique focuses on the building of your skills and resources for coping with the trauma, as well as discussing the event (or events) that caused the trauma in the first place.
Transpersonal therapy focuses more on looking at trauma from a position of strength, rather than weakness. It also addresses the connection of trauma between the mind and body. Being able to have more resources to rely upon can help clients feel more empowered to face their trauma.
Somatic Experiencing Therapy
Another of the trauma therapies available to you is called somatic experiencing. The idea behind somatic experiencing, as with transpersonal therapy, is that the connection between the mind and the body may be used as a tool to help people resolve trauma. The Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute notes that animals in nature experience acts of trauma, such as the potential for death, but are seldom traumatized by these events. This is because animals use body movement as a way to release energy and to regain balance. These “involuntary movements” include:
- Trembling
- Shaking
- Deep breathing.
Humans are more prone to trauma because we mentally internalize it but don’t do anything physically to release it. This does not give the body a chance to “reset” itself. This can have a negative impact on us physically and emotionally. Somatic experiencing allows us to use our bodies to be free of this energy.
Sensorimotor Therapy
A third form of trauma therapy is related to somatic experiencing, called sensorimotor psychotherapy. According to the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, this technique combines an awareness of the physical body with traditional psychotherapy. When people experience trauma, there can be a disconnect between themselves and their bodies. Sensorimotor therapy tries to heal that disconnect by using:
- Attachment theory
- Cognitive therapy
- Neuroscience
- The Hakomi Method
The Hakomi Method
As explained by the Hakomi Institute, this method works to help you change, “core material.” These include:
- Images
- Memories
- Beliefs
- Emotional frame of mind.
- Neural patterns.
The general approach for the Hakomi Method is to create a relationship between the practitioner and the client and then help the client create a state of mindfulness, specifically dynamic mindfulness. The concept of mindfulness is derived from eastern traditions of spirituality. This process involves working with the client’s experiences as they come up in the present. The eventual goal of Hakomi is to foster healing of the “core material.”
When looking for options to address your trauma, there are many therapies available for consideration. These techniques allow you to harness the power, not just of your mind, but also your body, as a way to resolve past trauma and find healing. With your therapist, you can find the closure you need to move forward in your life, and to be free of the trauma that burdens you.
"Igor is well trained in cutting-edge, research-based therapies. With his compassionate heart and presence, Igor is gifted at helping clients find resources to face even the most difficult challenges and develop healthier cognitive patterns and behaviors. Clients love Igor's warmth, openness and innovation." Tasha Medley MA, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, RPT -- Psychotherapist, Boulder, CO
"Igor Giusti is a profoundly gifted healer and spiritual guide. His deep knowledge of different styles of therapy is balanced by an equally deep knowledge of spiritual practice and literature. He really does practice what he teaches - integrating the mind, heart, and body together in a life dedicated to spiritual realization. He has studied extensively and done lengthy retreats. I know personally from working with him and observing him that his clinical perception is extremely precise and his responses very accurate and effective. He has clarity and intelligence, is heartful, caring, and also dedicated, strong, and incisive when needed. I can't think of a better guide in the process of getting
to know one's inner nature and bringing it into the world." Josh Medley MA, NCC, LPC -- Psychotherapist, Boulder, CO
"Igor is, first and foremost, a fine, sensitive human being, with a heightened self-awareness as well as a deep sense of compassion for other people. There is also a deep inner quiet about him, perhaps developed in his meditation practice. In addition to these aspects of emotional intelligence, empathy, self-awareness, and presence, he has a fine sense of humor." Deepesh Faucheux -- Adjunct Professor and Psychotherapist, Boulder, CO
"Igor’s greatest gifts are his somatic intelligence and compassionate heart. He is surprisingly attuned to the inner realm of sensations and feelings. He relates to the world from a spiritual and somatic felt sense, rather than from his mind alone. This makes him highly capable in guiding clients to become more embodied, in touch with their feelings, and grounded in their spiritual experiences while living in the world." Les McAllan PhD -- Retired Professor and Psychologist, Prescott AZ
Igor has a warm, open, and attentive presence. His warm listening capacity, keen curiosity, psychological depth, and insight are palpable. Igor is a transpersonally trained psychotherapist with group and individual experience, as well as a participant-explorer in other types of contemplative and psychological intra- and inter-personal work. He has great value for and emphasis on the body and his adept somatic awareness is evident by the way he can articulate—and help others get in touch with and articulate—bodily, emotional, and mental experiences. In general I would say Igor is a
grateful and joyful person. His affectionate and joyful nature make him desirable and delightful to be around. Jason Appt -- Assistant Professor and Psychotherapist, Boulder CO
