What is somatic-based trauma therapy?

Caroline Pegram is a dedicated somatic-based trauma therapist who collaborates with a psychiatrist and a supportive team to enhance her therapeutic practice. Drawing from her personal experience with treatments like ketamine therapy and EMDR, Caroline offers a unique perspective on trauma healing by integrating psychodynamic principles with body-focused techniques. She emphasizes the importance of agency and choice in the healing process, advocating for a bottom-up approach that utilizes bodily sensations to address deep-rooted patterns and traumas. Caroline is passionate about supporting survivors of complex trauma, particularly in addiction treatment settings, and believes in celebrating healing milestones while fostering empathy and self-compassion to break cycles of shame and self-rejection.

Key TakeAways

- Caroline Pegram integrates psychodynamic approaches with somatic-based techniques to help survivors heal.

- Bottom-up healing approach in therapy focuses on accessing parts held by the brain through body sensations.

- Self-disgust developed as a survival strategy can lead to intense shame and self-rejection in trauma survivors.

- Understanding protective parts and approaching self-harming behaviors with empathy is crucial for healing.

- Caroline Pegram emphasizes acceptance of dark emotions as a normal part of life to move towards healing and hope.

- Transitioning to body-focused therapies like acupuncture and ketamine therapy can support holistic healing and trauma recovery.

- Rebuilding trust and seeking relational wellness can be challenging due to past relational wounds, but prioritizing self-care is essential for potential healing.

Actionable Insights

- Emphasize the significance of a bottom-up healing approach in therapy

- Acknowledge and understand self-disgust as a survival strategy in trauma survivors

- Approach self-harming behaviors with empathy and self-compassion

- Support the acceptance of dark emotions without judgment

- Explore body-focused therapies for healing and trauma recovery

- Acknowledge trust issues and invest time in personal healing practices

- Prioritize self-care and reflection for potential relational healing