Resources

The role of trauma in community health: A somatic perspective.

Mischke-Reeds, M. (2013). The role of trauma in community health: A somatic perspective. In D. Maller, K. Langsam, & M. Fritchle (Eds.), The Praeger handbook of community mental health practice, Vol. 1. Working in the local community; Vol. 2. Diverse populations and challenges; Vol. 3. Working in the global community (pp. 167–184). Praeger/ABC-CLIO.

In community mental health practice, trauma recovery is a critical component. The therapist who can be present with the suffering of their client by listening empathically to the story told in words as well as the story told by the body can be of great service. Emotional warmth and empathic attunement is critical to understanding the inner world of trauma, as well as the ability to assess and intervene to alleviate symptoms. By carefully tracking the language of the body, the therapist will learn how the trauma event has shaped the client from the inside out. In teaching clients to use mindfulness, as well as being mindful themselves, therapists are able to accompany clients on their healing journey as they uncover their own resources and recover emotional stability. A crucial element in the recovery of trauma is how the client regains embodiment. What has been taken from them is essentially how to be in their bodies in a safe and stable way. "Embodiment is about gaining, through the vehicle of awareness, the capacity to feel the ambient physical sensations of unfettered energy and aliveness as they pulse through our bodies". It is this sense of embodiment that has been disrupted through trauma and that can be restored by learning how to safely return to the sensations and emotions of the body. Because most trauma occurs in relation to others, it takes a safe and nurturing bond to reverse its devastating effects. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Trauma States, Mindfulness and the Body

The Role Of Trauma In Community Health: A Somatic Perspective