Somatically Based Regulation Intervention for Adolescents Who Have Experienced Complex Trauma

Abstract

Abstract For adolescents who have experienced complex trauma and reveal developmental disruption in self-regulation or who have the inability to utilize language-based psychotherapy, a somatic regulation treatment model may be a useful intervention. This chapter describes a pilot study using a quasi-experimental research design to evaluate the efficacy of the Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment model as opposed to treatment as usual in two residential treatment facilities. Outcomes indicated a significant reduction of internalizing symptoms on the Child Behavior Checklist and the Somatic Complaints and Anxious/Depressed subscales. The study suggests that somatic regulation can positively impact stabilization and skill-building in complex trauma treatment for adolescents.