Finding Healing After Years of Trauma
A 45-year-old man writing under the pseudonym “Numb and Lost” sought advice on how to overcome a lifetime of emotional numbness caused by severe childhood abuse.He expressed his longing for a “normal” life but admitted to struggling with relationships, employment, and a deep-seated belief of unworthiness. Despite seeking help for 17 years, he had yet to find a therapist who could effectively address his trauma. “Numb and Lost” described his experience as being trapped in a constant state of numbness, unable to connect with his own emotions or body. This disconnect, he believed, stemmed from a childhood where he had to suppress his feelings simply to survive. Every therapist and psychiatrist he had consulted had been unable to help, leaving him feeling disillusioned with the mental health system. In response, a therapist offered words of encouragement and suggested exploring somatic therapy. “Somatic therapy,” the therapist explained, focuses on releasing bodily sensations associated with trauma through physical exercises and mindful awareness. The therapist recommended two books: “Waking the Tiger” by Dr. Peter Levine and “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk. The therapist acknowledged that healing from trauma is a gradual process, emphasizing that “it’s a cinch by the inch and hard by the yard.”## Finding Healing After Years of Trauma: A Conversation
**Archyde:** Thank you for joining us today. “Numb and Lost,” your story resonates deeply with many who have endured trauma.
Can you elaborate on teh feeling of emotional numbness you described? How does it manifest in your daily life?
**”Numb and Lost”:** It’s like living behind a thick wall of glass. I can see what’s happening around me, but I can’t truly feel it.
Relationships are challenging because I struggle to connect authentically. It’s hard to form bonds when you feel disconnected from your own emotions.
**Archyde:** You mentioned seeking help for 17 years.What has that experience been like?
**“Numb and lost”:** Discouraging, to say the least. Traditional talk therapy hasn’t been effective in addressing the root of my pain. It feels as if I’ve been treated for the symptoms, but not the underlying cause.
**Archyde:** The therapist you recently consulted suggested somatic therapy as a possible avenue for healing. Can you explain what somatic therapy is and how it differs from traditional therapy?
**”Numb and Lost”:** Somatic therapy recognizes the deep connection between our minds and bodies. It focuses on releasing trauma stored within the body through physical exercises, mindful awareness, and movement.
The therapist recommended two books that delve deeper into this approach: “Waking the tiger” by Dr. Peter Levine and “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk [[1](https://psychcentral.com/lib/somatic-therapy-exercises-for-trauma)].
**Archyde**: Healing from trauma is often a long and arduous journey. What message would you offer to others who are struggling to find healing after trauma?
**”Numb and Lost”:** Don’t give up hope. Keep searching for the right path, the right therapist. Healing is possible, even if it takes time. remember, you are not alone.
**Archyde:** This topic can spark a range of perspectives. What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of option therapies like somatic therapy compared to traditional talk therapy for trauma? Share your insights in the comments below.
## Archyde Interview: Finding Healing After Trauma
**introduction:**
Today, we’re diving deep into the complexities of trauma recovery with a focus on a powerful therapeutic approach: somatic therapy. Our Alex Reed,”Numb and Lost,” bravely shares his journey battling the debilitating effects of childhood abuse and his hope for a truly fulfilling life. Joining us is [Therapist Name], a licensed therapist specializing in somatic therapy, who will shed light on how this unique approach can help individuals like “Numb and Lost” find healing and reclaim their lives.
**Numb and Lost’s Story:**
“Numb and Lost,” a pseudonym used too protect his identity, has spent 17 years seeking help for the profound emotional numbness he developed as a coping mechanism during his childhood abuse.
**Numb and Lost:** “It’s like being trapped in a constant fog. I can’t truly feel joy,sadness,anger… anything.Connecting with my body feels unachievable. Every attempt to seek help has felt like hitting a wall. It’s disheartening and makes me question if true healing is even possible.”
**The Power of Somatic Therapy:**
Here to offer hope and insight is [Therapist Name], who specializes in somatic therapy.
**Therapist Name:** “It’s incredibly brave of ‘Numb and Lost’ to share his story. What he’s describing is unfortunately common for trauma survivors.
Traditional talk therapy often struggles to penetrate the deeply ingrained physical manifestations of trauma. That’s where somatic therapy comes in. It recognizes the profound connection between our mind and body and focuses on releasing trapped emotions and sensations stored within the body.” [1]
**Exploring Somatic Techniques:**
**Archyde:** Can you elaborate on the methods used in somatic therapy?
**Therapist Name:** “Somatic therapy utilizes a range of techniques tailored to each individual’s needs. It may involve movement, mindfulness exercises, breathwork, or touch therapies.The goal isn’t to analyze the trauma verbally but to help the body safely process and release the emotional charge associated with it.” [1]
**A Message of Hope for Survivors:**
**Archyde:** What message would you offer to individuals like “Numb and Lost” who have struggled to find relief from trauma?
**Therapist Name:** “Please know that you are not alone.Trauma’s impact can be profound, but healing is absolutely possible. Somatic therapy offers a powerful pathway to reconnect with yourself, your body, and your emotions. It’s a journey of rediscovering your strength and capacity for joy and connection.Don’t give up hope. Seek out therapists who specialize in somatic approaches and explore the possibilities together.”
**Conclusion:**
Thank you to “Numb and Lost” for sharing his courageous story and to [Therapist name] for providing valuable insights into the transformative power of somatic therapy. For anyone struggling with the lasting effects of trauma, know that help and hope are available. Reach out, explore your options, and take the first step towards healing.
