Trauma and the Real Self: Resourcing
The Somatic Experiencing model of trauma healing has three main concepts: Resourcing, Pendulation, and Titration. In this post, I'll start with resourcing. When people are traumatized their nervous systems are stuck in an over-stimulated state of fear and helplessness. Reminders of the trauma can pop up anywhere and often lead to frantic attempts to control those feelings: avoidance being the most common. Unfortunately, avoidance only serves to reinforce the fear. Our minds continue the story that we should be afraid and our bodies don't have a chance to discharge the trauma-energy.
But, how do we approach the trauma when the person has very strong reactions to it? (they may dissociate and decompensate, get overwhelmed). The answer is resourcing. Resourcing involves connecting to the activities and relationships which support a grounded and centered sense of self in the world. The Real Self (that part of us that is connected to our inner wisdom and clarity about what is good for us) provides the wisdom and energy to tolerate re-visiting the trauma. Don't try to deal with trauma without first being connected to your Real Self.
But, how do we approach the trauma when the person has very strong reactions to it? (they may dissociate and decompensate, get overwhelmed). The answer is resourcing. Resourcing involves connecting to the activities and relationships which support a grounded and centered sense of self in the world. The Real Self (that part of us that is connected to our inner wisdom and clarity about what is good for us) provides the wisdom and energy to tolerate re-visiting the trauma. Don't try to deal with trauma without first being connected to your Real Self.
