YUKARI MAKINO, PH.D., AMFT, APCC, SEP
Somatic Trauma Therapy
Somatic Approach Japan
Somatic Trauma Psychotherapy: EMDR, Somatic Experiencing®, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Brainspotting, Metaphor Therapy, Somatic Touch Therapy, Dohsa-hou (Japanese original), Mindfulness, Parts work, etc. :
WELCOME TO SOMATIC PSYCHOTHERAPY WORLD!
You might come here armed with a wealth of insight into your challenges, particularly if you've engaged in talk therapy before. In such therapy, you navigate your journey of healing through verbal exchanges, utilizing the analytical prowess of your left brain.
However, the essence of your trauma resides not in the realm of words but in the vivid imagery and sensations stored within your right brain. This realm houses what we refer to as implicit memory—powerful images that carry the weight of emotions, capable of triggering fear and shock with their intensity. For those grappling with complex trauma, it's in this part of the brain where deep emotional wounds lie. These wounds significantly shape your reactions, behaviors, thoughts—including your cognition, perspectives, and the meanings you attach to experiences—as well as your relationships and, indeed, the very fabric of your life.
Unlock the Power of Your Mind with Somatic Psychotherapy
Beyond Words, Deeper Healing
Naturally, the words that flow from our left brain hold immense power as well. At times, we wield this power as a shield, a defense mechanism to sidestep the issues and traumas that lie in wait. But to truly embark on a journey of healing, we must venture beyond the confines of the left-brain's realm. We need to extend our reach towards the right brain, embracing its potential to guide us through the process of healing our deepest traumas.
Furthermore, as long as your trauma keeps the amygdala—the alarm center of your brain—on high alert, the prefrontal cortex, which is the seat of calm reasoning and thought, finds its abilities dampened. To restore balance and ensure your left brain can operate effectively, it's crucial to first soothe the heightened state of your amygdala.
Human brain AMYGDALA – cross-section
PREFRONTAL CORTEX
To truly embark on a journey of healing, we must venture beyond the confines of our left-brain-dominated world. It's imperative that we extend our reach into the vast, untapped potential of our right brain, the sanctuary where our trauma seeks solace and healing.
The path to wholeness lies in the harmonious integration of our left and right hemispheres, weaving together the tapestry of words with the threads of awareness and moments of profound revelation. This intricate dance of connectivity paves the way for a balanced, enriched existence where healing and understanding flourish.
I approach your nervous system to support your self-regulation so you would experience more space and calm inside of yourself.
The mind and body as intrinsically linked
Somatic Experiencing:https://traumahealing.org
How?
In my unique "Right Brain Approach," I embrace a rich tapestry of somatic trauma psychotherapy techniques. This method is not just about engaging your mind but involves a holistic engagement with your body. It encompasses exteroception—connecting you with the external world through sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. It dives deep into interoception, allowing you to become attuned to internal sensations, whether it's the throb of a headache or the gnaw of hunger. Through proprioception, we explore the subconscious awareness of your body's movement and spatial orientation, derived from internal stimuli.
But we don't stop there. This approach integrates the power of imagination, controlled breathing, vocal expression, and precise eye positioning. We even delve into the ancient wisdom of identifying and stimulating specific 'tsubo' or points on the body, all through the lens of various trauma-focused psychotherapies.
This journey with me could open the door to new experiences for you, offering a path not just to recovery but to a reawakening of your body and mind.
I am here, ready and eager to support you every step of the way!