Somatic and brief body-based methods

What it is

Somatic Experiencing, sensorimotor psychotherapy, ART, IFS, contrast therapy, SSP. Body and parts-based work, often shorter than PE.

Evidence

Thinner than PE/CPT/EMDR. Some VA sites list pieces as optional. ART intensives exist in veteran programs.

Access for veterans

Civilian clinicians, some VA CIH-adjacent offerings, named weeks on Programs.

Cautions

Bridges, not replacements, when a first-line trauma protocol is indicated and available.

Evidence reviewed September 2026. Named sources are being added room by room; start with VA/DoD PTSD guideline (2023) for first-line care.

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