What is Somatic Therapy?
And how can it help you heal?
The word "somatic" is derived from the Greek word “soma” which translates to “body.”
When someone talks to you about “Somatic Work” they are vaguely referring to some sort of practice or therapy focusing on the body. This could take many different forms: breathwork, dance, safe & sound protocol, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing (which is what I’m trained in), Contrast therapy, massage, and so much more.
Beyond different types of practices, you can also get a Somatic Therapist.
What is somatic therapy?
The goal of somatic therapy is to facilitate the release and processing of emotional and physical tension held within the body, promoting healing and overall well-being. It is especially powerful for individuals who have experienced trauma (which is all of us), as it offers a holistic approach to addressing the impact of trauma on both the mind and body.
While often the objective in psychotherapy sessions is to uncover the “why” and the “how” in an effort to better understand and consciously create better habits, somatic therapy offers an opportunity for the subconscious protection patterns in the mind and body to complete, and stop on their own.
Somatic Therapy is a form of therapy that encompasses the entire body, including sensations, emotions, and physical movements.
It recognizes that our experiences, emotions, and traumas are not just confined to our thoughts and feelings, but are also held within our bodies.
I’m specifically trained in Somatic Experiencing which is a modality that aims to address and heal trauma by specifically working with the nervous system. In sessions, my clients build somatic awareness (awareness of their body, sensations, and movements) and we give the nervous system a chance to complete any incomplete self-protection responses, commonly referred to as fight, flight or freeze.
As a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, I deeply value and respect the innate healing capacity of the body and the wisdom of the body. I see people through the lens of the Window of Tolerance and cycles of activation instead of a thorough book of diagnosis.
By paying attention to these bodily experiences, my clients gain insights into their emotions, thoughts, and past experiences. But even more amazingly, they start developing a sense of trust, confidence, and safety in themselves - a sense of power that can never be taken away from them.
Somatic Trauma Therapy has had (and continues to have) and massive impact on my life. If you’re curious about what this work can do for you and want to try a session with me, you can reach out through my website.
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