SP vs SE vs EMDR

    A common misconception is that the mind is separate from the body and cannot impact each other. It has been found, however, that there is a strong connection between them. They can benefit or harm each other. The mind-body connection is a concept that represents the influence one has on the other. According to the American Heart Association (2021), psychological health can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and improve heart health. Other benefits include better sleep quality, stronger social bonds, reduced pain, and more (Ingaki & Ross, 2021). Consequently, it’s important to remember that if we experience chronic stress and complex trauma, it can contribute to a higher risk of CVD and cancer development (Lurz & Ladwig, 2022; Dai et al., 2020). This can also lead to an imbalance in homeostasis, resulting in emotional dysregulation and other pathophysiological complications (Yaribeygi et al., 2017). Stress can be a triggering factor for diseases and mental disorders. 
    Non-traditional types of therapies that can help restore the mind-body connection are Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). SP is a holistic method based on the understanding that the body stores implicit memory fragments that signal danger in the absence of immediate and acute threats (Classen et al., 2021). It consists of three steps: 

• Phase 1: regulation of arousal and emotions
• Phase 2: re-processing traumatic memory
• Phase 3: addressing future steps that support overall success in life

    Another type of mind-body therapy is somatic experiencing. Developed by Peter Levine, it focuses on healing trauma by having individuals view their bodies as a gateway to explore traumatic memories. It helps promote safer and more comfortable bodily experiences (Maldei et al., 2021). One of the main differences between SP and SE is that the latter avoids directly evoking traumatic memories and does not focus on thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic experience. Instead, it is used as a way to recognize where the trauma resides in the body. 
EMDR is another psychotherapeutic approach that was initially intended to help treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It involves a series of eye movement alternations that has been found to help reduce symptoms (Scelles and Bulnes, 2021). It consists of eight steps that include relaxation techniques, installation and bolstering of inner resources, and training to face internal difficulties. EMDR has been found to improve symptoms of PTSD faster than any other form of therapy (Hase, 2021). 
    SP, SE, and EMDR can be considered non-traditional treatments for trauma because of their focus on bodily sensations and awareness. They are used to recognize the interconnection between emotional, cognitive, and physiological processes without the need for verbal processing of trauma. They help improve the regulation of the autonomic nervous system which is something that can be often overlooked in traditional therapies. It is important to note that they can have limitations based on their context. Because SP is experienced through phases, it can be time-intensive and less suitable for individuals who require short-term symptom stabilization. For SE, it is the only method to not include an active processing of traumatic memories. Because it lacks this cognitive aspect, SE alone may not be sufficient, especially for individuals with extreme symptoms. Lastly, because EMDR requires an individual to relive traumatic experiences, this can be overwhelming for those with severe dissociation and emotional dysregulation. It is important to recognize which methods of therapy would best fit our own needs and experiences. 
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References

• Classen, C. C., Hughes, L., Clark, C., Hill Mohammed, B., Woods, P., & Beckett, B. (2020). A pilot RCT of a body-oriented group therapy for complex trauma survivors: An adaptation of sensorimotor psychotherapy. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 22(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2020.1760173 
• Dai, S., Mo, Y., Wang, Y., Xiang, B., Liao, Q., Zhou, M., Li, X., Li, Y., Xiong, W., Li, G., Guo, C., & Zeng, Z. (2020). Chronic stress promotes cancer development. Frontiers in Oncology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2020.01492. 
• Hase, M. (2021). The structure of EMDR therapy: A guide for the therapist. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(12), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.660753 
• Inagaki, T. K., & Ross, L. P. (2020). A body-to-mind perspective on social connection: Physical warmth potentiates brain activity to close others and subsequent feelings of social connection. Emotion, 21(4). https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000749 
• Levine, G. N., Cohen, B. E., Commodore-Mensah, Y., Fleury, J., Huffman, J. C., Khalid, U., Labarthe, D. R., Lavretsky, H., Michos, E. D., Spatz, E. S., & Kubzansky, L. D. (2021). Psychological health, well-being, and the mind-heart-body connection: A scientific statement from the american heart association. Circulation, 143(10). https://doi.org/10.1161/cir.0000000000000947 
• Lurz, J., & Ladwig, K. H. (2022). Mind and body interventions in cardiology. Herz, 47(2), 103–109. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00059-022-05104-y 
• Maldei, T., Kuhfuß, M., Hetmanek, A., & Baumann, N. (2021). Somatic experiencing – effectiveness and key factors of a body-oriented trauma therapy: A scoping literature review. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 192-203.. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1929023 
• Scelles, C., & Bulnes, L. C. (2021). EMDR as treatment option for conditions other than PTSD: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(64), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.644369 
• Yaribeygi, H., Panahi, Y., Sahraei, H., Johnston, T., & Sahebkar, A. (2017). The impact of stress on body function: A review. EXCLI Journal, 16, 1057-1072. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2017-480.