Abstract
Trauma is a condition that overwhelms an individual’s capacity to cope, disrupting emotional regulation, cognitive functioning, and the sense of safety. Complex trauma, characterized by prolonged and interpersonal adverse experiences, is associated with significant psychological distress, including anxiety, dissociation, and difficulties in self-regulation. Neurobiological research highlights how trauma is encoded not only cognitively but also within the body, through autonomic nervous system dysregulation and procedural memory processes, often resulting in states of hyperarousal or hypoarousal and a narrowed window of tolerance. The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize and critically examine the current literature on somatic-based interventions for the treatment of trauma, with a particular focus on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, and related body-oriented approaches. In this context, somatic-based interventions offer a bottom–up approach that directly targets physiological and sensorimotor processes. Modalities such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Somatic Experiencing aim to restore autonomic balance, enhance body awareness, and support the integration of traumatic experiences. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence, suggesting that these approaches can improve emotional regulation, dissociation, and overall trauma-related symptoms, particularly in individuals with complex trauma. Despite promising findings, the literature is limited by methodological variability and a lack of rigorous trials. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and clarify mechanisms of change. Overall, somatic interventions represent a valuable complement to traditional trauma therapies, supporting a more integrated and embodied approach to treatment.
Links
- https://apc.it/2026-mancini-regulating-trauma-through-the-body-2/
- doi:oi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7040177
BibTeX (Download)
@article{Visco-Comandini2026b,
title = {Regulating Trauma Through the Body: A Narrative Review of Somatic-Based Interventions},
author = {Federica Visco-Comandini and Giulia Marselli and Andrea Gobbo and Sabina Arcieri and Simona Abagnale and Maria Autuori and Rosalia De Biase and Riccardo De Pastina and Benedetta Del Forno and Rachele Grimaldi and Mariapina Manzi and Hamida Sadikhova and Benedetta Senzasono and Anais Tropeano and Stefania Fadda and Francesco Mancini and Alessandra Ciolfi},
editor = {MDPI},
url = {https://apc.it/2026-mancini-regulating-trauma-through-the-body-2/},
doi = {oi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint7040177},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-08-07},
urldate = {2026-08-07},
journal = {Psychiatry International},
volume = {7},
issue = {4},
pages = {177},
abstract = {Trauma is a condition that overwhelms an individual’s capacity to cope, disrupting emotional regulation, cognitive functioning, and the sense of safety. Complex trauma, characterized by prolonged and interpersonal adverse experiences, is associated with significant psychological distress, including anxiety, dissociation, and difficulties in self-regulation. Neurobiological research highlights how trauma is encoded not only cognitively but also within the body, through autonomic nervous system dysregulation and procedural memory processes, often resulting in states of hyperarousal or hypoarousal and a narrowed window of tolerance. The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize and critically examine the current literature on somatic-based interventions for the treatment of trauma, with a particular focus on Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, and related body-oriented approaches. In this context, somatic-based interventions offer a bottom–up approach that directly targets physiological and sensorimotor processes. Modalities such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Somatic Experiencing aim to restore autonomic balance, enhance body awareness, and support the integration of traumatic experiences. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence, suggesting that these approaches can improve emotional regulation, dissociation, and overall trauma-related symptoms, particularly in individuals with complex trauma. Despite promising findings, the literature is limited by methodological variability and a lack of rigorous trials. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and clarify mechanisms of change. Overall, somatic interventions represent a valuable complement to traditional trauma therapies, supporting a more integrated and embodied approach to treatment.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
