Somatic interventions therapists use when treating women presenting with sexual assault trauma involving tonic immobility

Abstract

Sexual assault leaves a lasting imprint on the life of a survivor. This impact is commonly reported on in the medical literature as physical and mental health conditions associated with sexual assault trauma. The life-threatening nature of a sexual assault frequently elicits, at the time of the assault, a biological involuntary reflexive response known as tonic immobility. Research into sexual assault has traditionally focused on these two areas, the incidence of tonic immobility and the resultant comorbidities. Clinical intervention research to support and guide practice for therapists who work somatically with women who have been sexually assaulted is limited. This qualitative case study aims to address this by exploring the somatic interventions a therapist uses when treating women presenting with sexual assault trauma involving tonic immobility. The findings of this study describe the specific exercises, movements, body awareness training, and breathing and grounding techniques used by a body psychotherapist.