Somatic-Oriented Therapies: Embodiment, Trauma and Polyvagal Perspectives

Edited by Herbert Grassmann, Maurizio Stupiggia, and Stephen W. Porges

Reviewed by Nancy Eichhorn

Readers can learn about varied perspectives on a common theme when reading an anthology; diverse approaches stemming from a unifying concept create space for exploration and time to deepen conversations. The 32 chapters in Somatic-Oriented Therapies blend Polyvagal Theory principles into body psychotherapy as the contributors discuss research, the science of embodying, and embodied practice. From a personal perspective, it was satisfying to see contributions from colleagues I have learned with and from and written articles with. I know their ethics, skills, and clinical professionalism. And they write well.

In this new collection, Sue Carter offers updated insights on her intensive work with oxytocin, Jennifer Frank Tantia explores a new somatic competency for therapists, and Steven Hoskinson and Bach Ho share their theoretical and clinical understanding of Organic Intelligence and its integration for Post-Trauma Growth. Raja Selvam writes about the practice of embodying emotions, and Aline LaPierra discusses the use of therapeutic touch. Pat Ogden co-authored a chapter with Hanneke Kalisvaart on sensorimotor psychotherapy, Betsy Polatin offers her thoughts about our inherent design and connection to wholeness, and Donnalea Van Vleet Goelz explores somatic communication and trauma work via Continuum Movement. The list of authors I have yet to meet sparked my curiosity, motivating me to immerse myself in the text; reading the chapters added to my literary toolbox as I experienced new ways of integrating Polyvagal Theory into clinical settings. Each chapter is a stand-alone article.

About the Book in General

The book begins with Acknowledgements, followed by a Preface written by co-editor Stephen W. Porges. He shares his transition from scientist to unbiased observer to active participant regarding body-oriented psychotherapies and then in conjunction with trauma work. His Polyvagal Theory instigated a shift from focusing on a specific brand or school to a neurophysiological foundational perspective common to many therapeutic strategies (xv). Porges shares insight into his fledging relationships with Peter Levine, Bessel van der Kolk, and Pat Ogden as they initiated a connection and grew closer together through their curiosity and passion for “understanding the bidirectional communication via the autonomic nervous system of the brain and bodily organs” (xvii). Their work soon eclipsed to include Ed Tronick, Dan Siegel, Norman Doidge, Allan Schore, Diana Fosha, and Louis Cozolino. Their ever-expanding circle of colleagues brought clarity and understanding to the role of the body in trauma. “This book celebrates the important transition within psychotherapy from the constraints of a top-down model to a more accurate view of an integrated nervous system dynamically managing the bidirectional communication between brain and body and between thoughts and feelings” (Porges, xviii).

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