Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach aimed at resolving trauma by focusing on bodily sensations and the physiological responses to stress. The rationale behind using somatic therapy lies in the understanding that trauma is not just a psychological phenomenon but also gets stored in the body. Here's the reasoning:

1. Body-Mind Connection: Somatic therapy recognizes the interconnectedness of the body and mind. Traumatic experiences can become trapped in the body's nervous system, leading to various physical sensations, intense emotions, tension, and even chronic pain. By addressing these bodily sensations, somatic therapy helps release the trapped energy associated with trauma.

2. Resourcing: Somatic therapy emphasizes resourcing, which involves helping individuals develop a sense of safety and stability in their bodies. This is crucial for those with anxiety, depression, and trauma, as many may feel disconnected from their bodies or constantly on edge. By cultivating a sense of safety and relaxation, Somatic therapy prepares individuals to gradually explore and process traumatic memories without becoming overwhelmed.

3. Bottom-Up Approach: Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily engages the cognitive processes of the brain (top-down approach), Somatic therapy utilizes a bottom-up approach. It starts with bodily sensations and gradually integrates cognitive processing. This approach allows trauma survivors to access and process traumatic memories in a more regulated and manageable way.

4. Titration and Pendulation: Somatic therapy employs techniques such as titration and pendulation to regulate the intensity of emotional arousal during the therapeutic process. Titration involves breaking down overwhelming experiences into smaller, more manageable components, while pendulation helps individuals shift between states of activation and relaxation. These techniques prevent retraumatization and promote gradual healing.

5. Completing the Survival Responses: Somatic therapy recognizes that during traumatic events, the body initiates survival responses such as fight, flight, or freeze. However, if these responses are interrupted or incomplete, the body may remain stuck in a state of dysregulation. Somatic therapy helps individuals complete these survival responses in a safe and supportive environment, allowing the nervous system to return to a state of balance.

In essence, the reasoning behind using Somatic Experiencing is rooted in the understanding of trauma's impact on the body, and the belief that by addressing bodily sensations and physiological responses, individuals can gradually release stored trauma and restore a sense of safety and well-being.