Working with Somatic Components to Overcome Trauma Related Fears of Feeling Good


Witness and learn from master clinician and trauma expert Janina Fisher, PhD., in this series of compelling, real-life therapy sessions that demonstrate key moments in treating trauma and associated disorders with challenging clients. Each session includes an introductory teaching moment from Dr. Fisher, and is interspersed with commentary – giving you the best opportunity to truly learn proven therapeutic trauma techniques and improve treatment outcomes.

“M” is a 45-year-old woman who feels ready for a relationship but paralyzed by an inability to express positive feelings. Years of talking therapy have given her insight into this pattern as a legacy of early childhood trauma-without resolving it. During the session, client and therapist notice M’s shoulder twitching each time something positive is mentioned. Assuming that the shoulder is communicating specific beliefs or fears that can be addressed through internal dialogue, we ‘befriend’ the shoulder and explore the fears it warns her about. M experiences a relaxation in her guardedness-until a clinical error by the therapist triggers her at the very end of the session.