Interview Highlights: The Role of Embodiment in Trauma and Crisis Recovery
This article extracts key takeaways from my recent podcast interview, highlighting the importance of embodiment in trauma and crisis recovery. It includes actionable insights and a simple embodiment
I was recently invited to join the Metamorphix Podcast, where I had the opportunity to discuss some of my personal journey into becoming a psychotherapist. The conversation delved into the experiences that shaped my understanding of embodiment, as well as my work in crisis and disaster response. It was a meaningful exchange that allowed me to reflect on how these experiences have influenced my approach to therapy and consulting, particularly in high-pressure environments.
Some Points on Cultivating Embodiment:
Embodiment as a Natural Process: Cultivating embodiment isn’t about striving for a specific state but recognizing and engaging the natural flow of experience: bodily sensations, emotions, thoughts, action.
Importance of Enjoyment: Cultivating embodiment accelerates through ease and enjoyment, noticing how simple experiences can be fulfilling.
Granularity of Experience: Awareness of subtle, moment-to-moment physical experiences allows for greater emotional and psychological insight.
Context Matters: How people experience and interpret bodily sensations is influenced by the context they are in. Environment propels embodiment.
Differentiation from Pure Sensation: Embodiment goes beyond just noticing body sensations; it involves (physically) feeling one’s behavioral, relational, emotional and psychological patterns.
Self-Compassion in Embodiment: I advocate for a gentle, non-pressured approach to embodiment—it's about exploring and enjoying your body rather than forcing change or improvement.
A Simple Embodiment Practice:
I encourage integrating embodiment into daily life by noticing and savoring ordinary moments, such as feeling the warmth of the sun or the texture of clothing. This practice helps deepen your connection with the present and enriches your emotional experience without needing to set aside special time or effort. Just let it happen by softly “inviting” yourself to notice more. Don’t approach this as a task.
FULL PODCAST: Embodiment, Trauma & Crisis Intervention w/ Stephen Buehler
Metamorphix Podcast: In this episode, I'm joined by Stephen Buehler, a seasoned psychotherapist and founder of Emotive Energy, with over 20,000 hours of experience in healthcare wellness and crisis management. With 25 years of study and practice in psychology, Stephen has a invaluable understanding of emotional dynamics in high-pressure environments. He has led recovery efforts during major crises like the Northern California wildfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Stephen's work focuses on systemic workplace issues such as burnout, bullying, and moral injury. We discuss embodiment, trauma, and stress, emphasizing the significance of embodiment, being present in the moment, and the role of sensate experience in constructing narrative and our sense of self. We explore the intricacies of working with individuals in crisis, the challenges of offering support in acute situations, and the pervasive issue of burnout in high-intensity healthcare settings.
Video Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:03:00 - Stephen’s Background
00:12:47 - What is Embodiment?
00:30:24 - Body as Architecture of Self
00:33:08 - Trauma
00:37:40 - Finding Sanity in Body
00:46:50 - Emergency Somatic Intervention
00:55:49 - Care Professional Burnout