In the world of modern mental health treatments, somatic therapy is gaining recognition as a transformative approach to healing. Rooted in the connection between the mind and body, somatic therapy emphasizes how physical sensations, posture and movement reflect and influence emotional well-being. But what exactly is somatic therapy, and how can it help those struggling with trauma, stress or emotional imbalance?
ACKNOWLEDGE THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF THE YEAR
Somatic therapy is a holistic form of psychotherapy that integrates traditional talk therapy with techniques that focus on bodily awareness. The term “somatic” comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “body,” and this approach recognizes the body as a vessel for storing emotions and experiences.
Rather than focusing solely on thoughts and feelings, somatic therapy delves into how these are physically manifested. For instance, someone dealing with chronic anxiety might experience tightness in their chest or a racing heart. Somatic therapy explores these sensations, helping individuals release pent-up tension and uncover emotional roots tied to their physical states.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND SOMATIC THERAPY
Our bodies and minds are intricately connected through the nervous system. When we experience trauma or stress, the body often goes into fight, flight or freeze mode. While the mind may attempt to rationalize or process these experiences, the body can hold onto the stress in the form of muscle tension, posture changes, or chronic pain.
Somatic therapy helps individuals “complete” these stress responses, releasing the energy that has been trapped in the body. This process can help reset the nervous system and foster a sense of safety and balance.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A SOMATIC THERAPY SESSION?
A somatic therapy session might look different from a traditional therapy appointment. Alongside talking, clients are guided to tune into their bodily sensations, movements and posture.
Therapists may use techniques such as:
• Mindfulness Exercises: Encouraging clients to focus on present-moment sensations.
• Movement or Posture Adjustments: Helping release tension or explore emotions associated with certain body positions.
• Breathwork: To regulate the nervous system and ground the client.
• Touch: Gentle physical guidance to aid in releasing stored trauma.
These practices are often accompanied by a compassionate dialogue that helps clients understand and integrate their experiences.
HOW SOMATIC THERAPY HELPS
1. Trauma Recovery: Somatic therapy is especially beneficial for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or unresolved trauma. It helps release physical stress responses that may have been “frozen” during the traumatic event.
2. Stress Reduction: By teaching clients how to listen to their bodies, somatic therapy can help reduce chronic stress and anxiety.
3. Emotional Regulation: Clients learn to identify, process and release emotions in a healthy way.
4. Enhanced Self-Awareness: The focus on bodily sensations fosters a deeper understanding of one’s emotional patterns and triggers.
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
Somatic therapy is suitable for anyone, but it’s particularly effective for individuals who feel disconnected from their bodies or struggle with the lingering effects of stress and trauma. In fact, according to the results of a 2017 controlled trial, as many as 44% of individuals with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) saw decreased symptoms after trying somatic therapy.
A PATH TO HOLISTIC HEALING
Somatic therapy invites us to reconnect with our bodies, acknowledging them as integral to our emotional health. By listening to what our bodies are telling us and addressing the physical manifestations of our experiences, somatic therapy offers a profound pathway to healing — one step, one breath and one sensation at a time.