Healing from Trauma: Understanding Somatic Therapy and How It Helps (compared to CBT)

Trauma affects millions of people worldwide, yet many find it difficult to articulate the impact it has on their daily lives. Trauma isn’t just about what happened to you in the past — it’s also about how your body and mind hold onto that experience in the present. If you’ve been searching for effective trauma healing in Dublin or online therapy that truly addresses the root of your pain, somatic therapy could be the transformative approach you need.

At D9 Therapy in Dublin 9, we specialize in trauma-informed care that integrates cutting-edge, body-focused techniques such as Somatic Experiencing, Integral Somatic Psychology, and Polyvagal Theory. In this blog, we’ll explore what trauma is, how it affects your nervous system, and why somatic therapy is uniquely positioned to help you heal.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma can result from a single distressing event, such as an accident or abuse, or from prolonged stressors like domestic abuse, neglect, or growing up in a dysfunctional family environment. Trauma isn’t only psychological — it’s deeply physical.

When trauma occurs, your body’s natural “fight, flight, or freeze” response can become stuck. This means your nervous system remains on high alert even when you’re no longer in danger. This dysregulation can lead to symptoms like:

• Chronic anxiety and stress
• Difficulty regulating emotions
• Feeling disconnected from your body
• Intrusive memories or flashbacks
• Shame and self-blame

Why Traditional Talk Therapy Isn’t Enough

While talking therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful, trauma is often held in the body and nervous system in ways words alone can’t fully reach. This is where somatic therapy comes in — it works with the body’s wisdom to release trauma, calm the nervous system, and restore balance.

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It uses techniques to help you become aware of bodily sensations, emotions, and physical responses that are linked to trauma and stress.

Some key approaches we use at D9 Therapy include:

• Somatic Experiencing (SE): Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE helps you track physical sensations to discharge trapped energy from trauma and reset your nervous system.
• Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP): Combines body awareness with psychological insight to process trauma at a deeper level.
• Somatic Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills: These help regulate intense emotions and increase mindfulness of physical experiences.
• Polyvagal Theory: Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory explains how the vagus nerve controls your physiological state and offers tools to shift into safety and connection.

How Somatic Therapy Supports Trauma Healing

1. Reconnecting with Your Body: Trauma can make you feel numb or disconnected. Somatic therapy gently guides you to notice your body’s sensations, restoring a sense of safety and presence.

2. Regulating the Nervous System: By recognizing signs of stress or freeze responses, you learn techniques to calm your nervous system and build resilience.

3. Releasing Stored Trauma: Trauma often manifests as tension, pain, or restriction. Somatic therapy supports releasing this stored energy, freeing you from physical and emotional blocks.

4. Building Emotional Awareness: By tuning into bodily sensations, you develop greater emotional insight and self-compassion.

5. Creating Safety and Trust: Therapy becomes a safe place to explore difficult feelings and experiences, helping repair trust in yourself and others.

Who Can Benefit from Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy is helpful for anyone dealing with:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Complex or childhood trauma
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Depression linked to unresolved trauma
• Chronic stress and burnout
• Emotional dysregulation
• ADHD and related nervous system challenges
• Perinatal and postpartum trauma

At D9 Therapy, we tailor our approach to your unique history and needs, ensuring a compassionate, trauma-informed experience.

Living Fully in the Present

One of the greatest gifts of somatic therapy is learning to live fully in the present moment. Trauma often pulls us into past pain or future worries, but healing allows you to ground yourself in the here and now — feeling alive, connected, and empowered.

Through mindful living practices integrated with somatic therapy, you can develop new ways of responding to stress and build a deeper relationship with yourself.

How to Begin Your Healing Journey with D9 Therapy

If you’re ready to explore somatic therapy or want to learn more about trauma-informed counseling in Dublin 9, D9 Therapy is here to support you.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward healing.