In recent years, somatic therapy has gained significant attention as a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between mind and body. Unlike “traditional” talk therapies that mainly use verbal communication to talk through issues and explore thought processes, somatic therapy looks at the physical sensations and experiences stored in the body.
For individuals who have experienced trauma, chronic stress, or emotional blockages, somatic therapy offers a pathway to healing by addressing the body’s role in mental and emotional well-being.
What Does Somatic Therapy Look Like?
Somatic therapy uses a variety of techniques to help clients become aware of and process bodily sensations. Some common approaches include:
Breathing Exercises
Conscious breathing can help increase awareness of physical sensations and relax the nervous system, which can be especially helpful for those experiencing anxiety or panic attacks.
Movement
Gentle movements such as shaking, stretching, or guided bodywork, may help release stored tension and promote emotional release.
Body Awareness
Encouragement to notice sensations like tightness, pain, or discomfort may take place as well as exploration of how these sensations may relate to past experiences.
Overall, the therapeutic process is designed to empower the individual to “resettle” the body, allowing for the release of stored trauma and facilitating the restoration of emotional balance.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy uses a variety of techniques to help clients become aware of and process bodily sensations. Some common approaches include:
Trauma
Chronic pain and stress-related disorders
Anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation
Difficulties with body image and eating disorders
Grief and loss
Because somatic therapy works on both the emotional and physical levels, it can be particularly beneficial for those who have had difficulty expressing or processing their emotions verbally. Additionally, somatic therapy can be a particularly effective therapeutic approach for those dealing with trauma. When someone experiences a traumatic event, the body’s natural response is often to enter a state of fight, flight, or freeze.
Peter Levine, a pioneer in the field of somatic therapy work, explains that trauma can remain stored in the physical body if not properly discharged. Because of this, Levine (1997) highlights In his book Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma that finding healing from traumatic experiences requires not just the mind, but the body to be involved in the therapeutic process.
Somatic Therapy vs. “Traditional” Therapy
While traditional talk therapy approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focus primarily on talking through issues and changing thought patterns, somatic therapy emphasizes the importance of the body in the healing process. It’s important to note that somatic therapy is not meant to replace traditional forms of therapy, but rather to complement them. Many therapists, such as myself, integrate somatic techniques into their practice alongside talk therapy to create a more well-rounded healing experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about somatic therapies, feel free to schedule a 20-minute consultation! As always, it’s important to choose a therapeutic modality that resonates with you and supports your unique journey toward healing.
Meet The Author
MAEYSON NOVELO
MS, LAC
Meet The Author
Maeyson is a Clinical Therapist at Sea Glass Mental Health. She works with adults, teens, and couples and specializes in anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, life changes, and coping skills.
