Danielle West Mars

Managing Director Media Tech, Thailand

Title: Opening the Window of Tolerance: The Role of Somatic Therapy in Processing Trauma

---

Biography

Danielle West has been mentoring, counselling and facilitating conversations since 2016. Danielle's specialisations include healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, existential issues, burnout. She is a published author and playwritght, clinical hypnotherapist, Level 1 Neurokinetic therapist, NICABM certified Traumatic Memory Specialist, Certified ACTP SF Coach, Certified CLC Coach, Counselling psychologist, Reiki Master, Certified Tribeless Host, tarot card reader, actor and motivational speaker.

Abstract

The objective of this presentation is to focus on the role of the body in processing trauma and the practice of increasing the window of tolerance using somatic techniques to enable clients to process traumatic experiences. Clients often find themselves speaking about a traumatic event repeatedly while not seeming to noticeably progress. In noting the breathing, posture, movement and language being used during initial consults one can begin to note and even disrupt the traumatic loop of hyperarousal or hypoarousal clients can experience when recounting or ruminating on traumatic experiences.

This presentation will focus on techniques to increase the window of tolerance so that clients are able to process traumatic events without slipping into states of hyperarousal or hypoarousal. It will examine various considerations with clients, approaches in treatment and cues to watch for when working with clients. The presentation will also address overintellectualisation of emotions and pop psychology proliferation that has become increasingly common with clients in the age of social media and ai.

Attendees will gain a greater understanding of the role of the body in processing trauma along with tools to use in their own practice with clients to increase the window of tolerance so that clients can stay rooted in the present while reflecting on the past.