Somatic Release Technique (SRT)
PsychnoNeuroEnergetics (PNE)
Inspired by Dr. Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing (SE) and conveyed by trauma experts Judith Johnson and Catalina Ureta, SRT is a gentle body-centered approach to releasing trapped energy (trauma) via awareness of our bodily sensations.
Facilitation involves sitting upward and tuning into the presence of internal movements within your body, a "felt sense" that naturally ignites the body's self-regulatory processes, often leading directly to energy blockages, misalignments and limiting belief systems.
As we move through your resolving these 'hiccups' in your autonomic nervous system, the body may naturally discharge via twitching, trembling, shaking, yawning, burping, laughing, crying, sweating, and/or deep peacefulness and restoration.
Developed by Judith Johnson as a powerful and effective modality to unwind trauma paralysis, PNE bridges the body-based practices of Somatic Experiencing, the energetic point-holding of Body Electronics, the science of Polyvagal Theory, and the psychology of Transactional Analysis to safely work through trauma responses, unwind the nervous system, and allow for the restoration of confidence in one’s natural instincts.
Facilitation of this method involves tracking the client’s “felt sense” i.e. physical sensations while powerful neurosomatic points in the body are stimulated and held with sustained pressure, primarily GB20 (aka the “Wind Pool” points in Traditional Chinese Medicine) where the dual vagus nerve exits the skull.
Holding of neurosomatic points allows us to access the parts of the brain involved in traumatic memory programming and storage (the amygdala, neocortex and brainstem). Simultaneously, stimulation of these points deeply stabilizes the nervous system as the client safely processes any overwhelming emotions associated with the traumatic event(s) and discharges unconscious locked energies in the body, paving a way to the client’s re-associating with their deeper sense of self and emotional wellbeing. Here we also have the opportunity to reframe the traumatic imprints and limiting belief systems often still unconsciously contributing to looping autonomic defensive strategies, preventing full trauma resolution and blocking safe pathways of connection.
At a very base level, stimulation of the vagus nerve induces a state of deep relaxation by moving the client into the parasympathetic division of the nervous system, allowing access to their body’s natural process of “rest and digest” and connection to a deeper sense of self and emotional wellbeing.
I recently trained in a new somatic modality that approaches trauma resolution through the body's natural psychobiological resolution using a highly relational model steeped in client-practitioner transference, and the optional use of legally prescribed ketamine and/or cannabis. I have slowly been incorporating some of the techniques into my facilitation approach.
Psychedelic Somatic Interpersonal Psychotherapy (PSIP)
Developed by Saj Razvi, LPC, former clinical researcher in a MAPS Phase 2 trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD, PSIP is an advanced, somatic-based, highly relational therapeutic technique designed to resolve trauma at the root level of the autonomic nervous system.
Similar to PNE, PSIP offers a somatic-based approach in combination with facilitator interaction rooted deeply in relational attachment theory and transference.
While not required, this method is designed specifically for the psychedelic state of consciousness, and can be used with legally-prescribed ketamine and cannabis, though psychedelic medicine is not required.
Differing from traditional psychedelic sessions that target transpersonal inner journeys, PSIP targets the activation of dissociation and sympathetic responses in the autonomic nervous system, encouraging the client’s system into dysregulation in order for it to naturally process and complete homeostatic psychobiological resolution. Sessions differ based on how the client’s ANS is operating – some sessions involve eye masks and what we call “selective inhibition” (inhibiting any self-regulating movements), while some involve eyes open or even direct sustained eye contact.
Sessions are typically intensive and last around two-hours. Please note that Rachel offers PSIP sessions to a select number of clients who have completed at least three in-person Somatic Trauma Resolution sessions, and who have legally obtained prescriptions from their personal provider. Please reach out to her for more information.
I offer mind-body healing to aid with trauma recovery. My approach is body-based, inviting the processing of energy, emotions and memories through body sensation awareness, steeped in the following two integrative therapeautic frameworks:
Together, curiously, we look at what is occurring in the body in the present moment and we stay with the energy until it shows us what it is doing and how it is operating—how it is working to shut down emotion; we allow space to witness exactly what is happening in real time—here is the magical conjunction where a recognition, movement and release can occur. From this awareness we can begin to build resiliency, form new neural pathways, and shift our emotional and behavioral responses to support our natural way.
