Summary of the SIBAM concept

SIBAM is a model developed by Dr. Peter Levine, a well-known trauma expert and founder of Somatic Experiencing (SE). This model is used to better understand and analyze the complex relationship between the organism and the external environment, especially in the context of therapeutic work with animals and humans.

SIBAM stands for five key components:

• S (Somatic Sensations) - Somatic sensations, i.e., bodily sensations that are perceived in the body and that play a key role in responding to stressors or stimulation - muscle tension or relaxation, temperature, facial color (bloodshot, pale, etc.), sweating, awareness of relative position in space - how far or close we are, sensations from organs.
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• I (Images) - Sensations from the external senses: sight, taste, smell, hearing, touch.This includes both real sensations and mental images ( a person's messages).
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• B (Behavior) - Observable behavior - gestures, facial expressions, posture, pulsation of arteries in the neck, sounds of digestive processes, body language
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• A (Affects) - Affects or emotions that are triggered by a particular situation or response to external stimuli - their sensation in the body
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• M (Meaning) - The meaning that a given situation or stimulus has for an individual. This is a key component that involves the subjective interpretation of what is experienced, which may be influenced by past experiences, beliefs and emotions. So far only for the handler/therapist.
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How SIBAM is used in the context of felinotherapy: in the case of felinotherapy, we can use this model to analyse the reactions of both the cat and its handler/therapist or client. For example, in a cat-human interaction, we can observe the somatic sensations and emotional reactions of both parties, how the cat reacts to different stimuli (e.g., new environment, other animal, people) and how the therapist or handler reacts to it, and what meaning each party attaches to these situations.

This model is useful in analyzing patterns of behavior and emotional responses, allowing us to better understand how the therapeutic relationship between animal and human works and how to support it more effectively.

About the author Dr. Peter Levine:

Dr. Peter A. Levine is a clinical psychologist and world-renowned expert in the study of trauma and its effects on the body and mind. He is best known as the founder of the Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapeutic method, which focuses on releasing trauma patterns stored in the body. Dr. Levine developed the SIBAM model as a tool for analyzing and understanding the body's complex responses to stress and trauma. His work focuses on the connection between bodily experience and emotional response, which is key to therapy for both humans and animals.