The practice of orienting is a foundational aspect of somatic therapy and being in tune with one’s body and the immediate environment is emphasized and explained.

Drawing parallels between animal and human behaviours helps to shed light on the instinctual reaction to sudden stimuli and the startle response.

Exploring the concept of safety and pleasure within the body can be useful for down regulating the nervous system and checking in with the body’s wisdom to gauge feelings of safety can be a valuable tool.

It is valuable to introduce the language of the body as a “new language,” understanding that many people primarily reside within their heads until they become overwhelmed and the body takes over. It is helpful to understand the role of the reptilian brain as taking centre stage in overwhelming situations and as an automatic response. Understanding that this is an automatic process beyond conscious control can help educate and normalize this experience for many clients.

There are many definitions of trauma offered that can be useful for many clients to find the one that resonates with them. Shifting the focus from anxiety or what’s wrong, and instead looking for patterns manifesting in the body allows for observation of certain responses such as fight/flight/ freeze. The significance of completing these responses is explained as well as how relational responses to trauma often occur. Slowing down and being present to one’s internal experience promotes personal growth and change in the neural pathways of the brain.