CC17 Workshop 10 - Beyond Words: Somatic Interventions for Couples Treatment - Janina Fisher, PhD

Description:

In traumatized couples, talking about 'what happened' often evokes more conflict than empathy and does not alter their habitual trauma-related animal defense survival responses of fight, flight, freeze, submission, or cry for help. By teaching couples to observe their somatic responses to each other and to use gesture instead of words, the language of blame is inhibited. In addition, somatic interventions regulate the body and nervous system, which reduces each partner's sense of threat. Without words, each partner can be taught the ability to simultaneously open and protect the heart - creating a sense of safety for self and other.

Educational Objectives:

1. Identify patterns that increase/decrease activation of animal defense survival responses.
2. Demonstrate understanding of increasing couples’ ability to observe their somatic communication.
3. Integrate somatic interventions into couples treatment.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline 

Workshop Introduction

• Overview of the 2017 Milton H. Erickson Foundation Couples Conference.
• Importance of physical setup, audio quality, and workshop logistics.
• Emphasis on not reinforcing negative narratives during therapy.

Sensory and Emotional Memory

• Sensory and emotional memories often get reactivated in close relationships.
• Clients benefit from understanding their body’s interpretation of experiences.
• Common triggers (e.g., waiting, surprise) are shared to increase awareness.

Procedural Learning in Relationships

• Early attachment experiences shape relational habits like emotional shutdown or avoidance.
• Learned responses such as dissociation or conflict escalation often go unnoticed.
• Couples therapy must address these patterns to promote connection.

Tracking Arousal and Body Awareness

• Recognizing hyper- and hypo-arousal states helps clients manage emotional reactivity.
• Understanding body reactions allows couples to respond with more empathy.
• Case examples illustrate how tracking body cues can shift relationship dynamics.

Visual Tools and Somatic Resources

• Diagrams and visual aids help simplify complex emotional processes.
• Somatic techniques (e.g., reaching out, hand gestures) promote safety and connection.
• Practicing body-based interventions fosters warmth and non-verbal communication.

Working with Client Resistance

• Clients may reject or minimize body-based experiences.
• Neutral language and guided awareness can help overcome defensiveness.
• Therapists should model regulation and empathy through their own presence.

Psychoeducation and Intervention Balance

• Education disrupts unhelpful patterns and introduces new relational strategies.
• Combining explanation with experience keeps therapy engaging and effective.

Individual Work and Personal History

• One-on-one sessions help uncover emotional history and trauma patterns.
• Integrating individual experiences builds compassion within the couple dynamic.

Clarifying Needs and Emotional Communication

• Couples often miscommunicate emotional needs, leading to disconnection.
• Strategies are shared to improve clarity and expression in high-stakes moments.

Distinguishing Triggers from Trauma

• Important distinction made between emotional triggering and actual trauma.
• Understanding this helps clients regulate responses and take ownership of behavior.

Closing Reflections

• The presenter shares personal insights and encourages flexibility in approach.
• Session ends with open discussion, appreciation, and audience applause.