Exploring Somatic Therapy: A Body-Centred Approach to Healing
Somatic therapy is a powerful tool I use with my clients for fostering deeper connections between the mind and body. It can be incredibly transformative for those seeking a more holistic approach to their mental health and well-being and for those who have a tendency to intellectualize their emotional experience.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind and the body. The term “somatic” comes from the Greek word “soma,” meaning “body.” This therapy focuses on how physical sensations and bodily experiences are intertwined with emotional and psychological states.
In somatic therapy, we explore how your body responds to stress, trauma, and emotions both historically and in the present. By paying attention to these bodily responses and sensations, we can uncover underlying narratives and emotions, and work towards resolving them in a more embodied way. The intention of this process is to support you in becoming more attuned to your body’s signals, which promotes a deeper understanding of your emotional and psychological experiences. In simpler terms, it can be described as the process of learning to feel your feelings.
How Does Somatic Therapy Work?
During our sessions, you’ll be guided through various techniques and practices that help you connect with your body, identify physical sensations unique to you, and build tolerance for them which teaches your body to associate these sensations with curiosity, rather than uncertainty, fear or avoidance. Somatic therapy can also be seamlessly integrated into traditional talk-therapy sessions.
Some examples of somatic exercises might include:
• Mindfulness and Body Scans: We’ll explore how different areas of your body feel and identify any areas of tension or discomfort. This awareness can provide valuable insights into your emotional state and can help us make connections between past and present experiences.
• Breathing Exercises: Conscious breathing techniques can help regulate your nervous system and release stored tension. This can lead to a greater sense of calm and emotional balance.
• Movement and Stretching: Gentle movement or stretching may be used to help you access and release stored emotions, tension, or unresolved energy. These techniques can facilitate a deeper connection with your body and provide a vessel for energy to be expelled through the body.
The Benefits of Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy offers several benefits, including:
• Increased Self-Awareness: By tuning into your body’s sensations, you gain a better understanding of how your physical experiences relate to your emotional experience and underlying beliefs and narratives.
• Emotional Release: Addressing physical tension can lead to the release of suppressed emotions from both past and present experiences, helping you process and heal from past traumas or stress.
• Improved Emotional Regulation: Somatic therapy can help you develop better emotional regulation skills by teaching you to recognize and manage your body’s stress responses and learn the language of emotional cues felt through sensation.
• Enhanced Mind-Body Connection: Strengthening this connection can lead to a greater sense of overall well-being, resilience, and an improved relationship with yourself.
Why Choose Somatic Therapy?
If you find that traditional talk therapy alone isn’t fully addressing your needs, somatic therapy might be a valuable addition to your healing journey. It offers a unique perspective by integrating the body’s wisdom with emotional and psychological work. I’m here to support you in exploring and integrating somatic therapy into your healing process. If you’re interested in learning more about how this approach can benefit you, feel free to reach out and schedule a session.
Danielle Statz,
Registered Psychotherapist
