Somatic-Oriented Therapies: Embodiment, Trauma, and Polyvagal Perspectives

An innovative collection of research and theory from leading voices in the fields of trauma and somatic therapies.

Somatic-Oriented Therapies represents a significant consolidation of innovative research and clinical approaches aimed at addressing trauma through various somatic modalities. In the past six decades, a multitude of therapeutic methods have emerged globally, revolutionizing trauma treatment and existential distress management. However, these approaches have often diverged, hindering the development of a cohesive, distinct field independent of traditional paradigms.

This volume of collected work from some of the world’s leading experts in trauma aims to delineate this novel domain of research and clinical intervention. It elucidates the common thread linking the contributing authors and introduces a new clinical perspective. Central to this perspective is the recognition of the profound significance of the body-to-body relationship between therapist and patient; the critical role of trust establishment within the clinical context as a prerequisite for deep transformation; and the possibility to “question” the body, finding “unthought-of” avenues of transformation.

Contributors include: Michael Allison, Martina Ardizzi, Ken Benau, David Berceli, Sue Carter, Cristiano Crescentini, Francesca Ferroni, Aaron Freedman, Vittorio Gallese, Jeltje Gordon-Lennox, Susan Harper, Molly Boeder Harris, Bach Ho, Steve Hoskinson, Hanneke Kalisvaart, J. David Knottnerus, Jacek Kolacz, Aline La Pierre, Rabih Lahoud, Francois Le Doze, Chairaa Marazzi, Alessio Matiz, Emily Newcomer, Pat Ogden, Antonia Pfeiffer, Betsy Polatin, Alessandra Pollazzon, Robert Schleip, Arielle Schwartz, Raja Selvam, Jane Shaw, Marlysa Sullivan, Jennifer Tantia, Chantal Traub, Donnalea Van Vleet Goelz, Ruby Jo Walker, Jan Winhall, Zabie Yamasaki, and Silvia Zanotta.