What is Somatic Therapy?
Hannah Grove, Masters Level Clinician
In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health and therapy, somatic therapy has emerged as a powerful holistic approach that addresses the connection between the body and mind. Most traditional talk therapies focus on verbal communication. Somatic therapy utilizes verbal communication and additionally integrates the wisdom of the body to foster healing and well-being.
Understanding Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that operates from the inseparable link between the body and mind. It includes several different therapy modalities that practitioners may meld together to fit the needs of their clients.
Somatic Therapy recognizes that emotional experiences and traumas are not solely stored in the mind but are also imprinted in the body’s tissues, muscles, and nervous system.
The primary goal of somatic therapy is to bring awareness to these bodily sensations and use them as a bridge to understanding and resolving emotional issues.
Key Elements of Somatic Therapy Approaches
Body Awareness Exercises: Somatic therapists often incorporate body awareness exercises to help clients tune into their physical sensations, movements, and posture. This may include guided mindfulness, breathwork, or simple movements to promote heightened awareness of and presence within the body.
Breathwork: The breath is a powerful tool. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindful breathing, and guided breathing exercises can help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and create a sense of grounding.
Exploration of Sensations: Clients are encouraged to explore and articulate sensations, emotions, and memories associated with specific bodily experiences. This may involve identifying areas of tension, discomfort, or numbness and expressing associated emotions.
Movement and Expression: Therapists may incorporate movement and expressive arts to facilitate the release of stored emotions. This could range from gentle exercises to spontaneous movement that allows clients to express themselves non-verbally.
Verbal Processing: Somatic Therapy is still under psychotherapy so verbal processing still takes place. Clients may share insights gained through body awareness exercises leading to deeper discussions about their emotional well-being.
Integration and Grounding: Somatic Therapists generally conclude the session with integration/grounding which helps the client ground themselves in the present moment. This may involve discussing new coping strategies, setting intentions for the week ahead, and exploring new ways to enact awareness gained through the session in daily life.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Therapy
If you experience any of the following, you may benefit from Somatic Therapy
Trauma: Somatic therapy is highly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma, as it addresses the physical and emotional imprints of traumatic experiences.
Stress and Anxiety: People experiencing chronic anxiety and stress may benefit from Somatic Therapy due to the focus on regulating and reprogramming the nervous system and promoting relaxation and mindful presence within the body.
Depression and Mood Disorders: Somatic therapy can help individuals experiencing depression by promoting emotional expression, reconnecting with the body, and increasing a sense of presence and empowerment.
Addiction: Somatic therapy can help address both the psychological and physiological aspects of addictive or substance use behavior.
Body Image and Eating Disorders: Somatic therapy can assist those experiencing body image and eating disorders by encouraging a positive relationship with the body and addressing underlying emotional triggers.
Wrapping Up
Somatic therapy offers a unique and integrative approach to mental health that integrates the power of the voice through talk therapy with the wisdom of the body.
Whether navigating trauma, managing stress, or seeking a holistic approach to mental well-being, somatic therapy provides a transformative space for growth and healing.
