What is Somatic Therapy?

The world of mental health is dominated by talking. The majority of therapists have tools to increase their clients’ analytical understanding of their suffering and try to change their behaviors through that understanding. Somatic therapy, however seeks to address the root of anxiety, depression, shame, obsessive thoughts/behaviors, shutdown, trauma, systemic oppressions, and other persistent issues through engaging the mind-body connection. This powerful and innovative form of psychotherapy places emphasis on the body's intelligence and the body’s central role in healing emotional wounds and opening to a more liberating, autonomous, joyful way of engaging the world. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the essence of somatic therapy, exploring its principles, techniques, and the transformative impact it can have on individuals seeking a deep, long-lasting, and transformative approach to their mental and physical health.

How is Somatic Therapy Different From Talk Therapy?

Somatic therapy, often referred to as body-centered psychotherapy, recognizes that the mind and body are inextricable, and emotional experiences are not confined solely to the realm of thoughts and feelings. Developed from a blend of Eastern and Western therapeutic traditions, somatic therapy acknowledges that the body holds a wealth of information about your emotional state, history, and overall wellbeing. And that that information can be leveraged to heal deep wounds, even those that your lineages have carried across many generations.

Here are some key principles that distinguish Somatic Therapy from Talk Therapy:

1. Embodiment: Somatic therapy develops embodiment, encouraging you to become more aware of, accepting of, and connected to your physical sensations. This involves bringing attention to bodily experiences, such as muscle tension, breath patterns, gestures, and more to deepen your understanding of your emotional responses.

2. Mind-Body Connection: Central to somatic therapy is the acknowledgment that psychological issues manifest physically and vice versa. By exploring the interplay between your mind and body, you can gain insight into the root causes of your suffering and utilize that relationship to work towards long-lasting healing.

3. Trauma-Informed Approach: Somatic therapy is particularly effective in addressing trauma. Traumatic experiences leave imprints on the body, at the cellular level. These experiences can lead to symptoms like tension, shutdown, anxiety, depression, physical pain, sleep issues, digestive distress, feelings of isolation and disconnection (among others). Somatic therapists use gentle and gradual techniques to help you process and release these stored traumas, promoting healing from the inside out.

What Does A Somatic Therapy Session Look Like?

Every session is difference and designed to work with what is arising for you in that very moment in time. Here are some techniques you might encounter in a somatic therapy session:

1. Body Scan: A foundational technique, the body scan involves bringing focused attention to different parts of the body, noting sensations without judgment. This practice enhances body awareness and helps you to develop a deeper connection to your physical experiences. This is a process that can take time, especially for those of us socialized female or for those who are physical trauma survivors, or who experience body dysmorphia.

2. Breathwork: By regulating and deepening the breath, you can release tension, calm the nervous system, and promote a sense of grounding. Breathwork comes in various levels of intensity and is always employed gently to begin.

3. Movement and Expression: Somatic therapy often incorporates gentle movement and expressive arts to facilitate emotional release and healing. This can include activities such as dance, drawing, sculptor, voicing/song, or simple exercises that encourage the body to release stored emotions.

4. Touch and Massage: In certain somatic approaches, therapists may use touch or massage to help you reconnect with you body and promote release. This is always done with explicit consent and in a safe, therapeutic context.

What Are the Benefits of Somatic Therapy?

Here at Refuge Acupuncture and Somatics, we see all of our offerings as a path toward greater liberation on an individual and collective level. On that path you will develop:

1. Increased Self-Awareness: Somatic therapy fosters a heightened awareness of the connection between your emotions and physical sensations, empowering you to understand yourself on a deeper level and to move from a place of reactivity to your own emotions, to one of greater care.

2. Emotional Regulation: By addressing physical manifestations of emotional distress, somatic therapy equips you with tools to regulate you emotions, manage stress, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being, including but not limited to greater ease, a more stable mood, deeper sleep, smoother digestion, decreased muscle tension, and a more neutral (or even positive) regard for your body shape.

3. Trauma Recovery: Somatic therapy is particularly effective for trauma survivors, offering a gentle and supportive path towards processing and integrating traumatic experiences.

4. Improved Body Image: Through the exploration of body sensations and movements, you often experience a positive shift in your relationship with your body, fostering improved body image, self-acceptance, and self-love.

Somatic therapy represents a paradigm shift in the field of psychotherapy, recognizing the profound impact that the body has on mental and emotional well-being and healing from trauma. By incorporating principles of embodiment, the mind-body connection, and trauma-informed care, somatic therapy offers a holistic approach to healing. Whether addressing specific mental health challenges or seeking a greater sense of liberation and connection, somatic therapy provides a unique and powerful avenue for self-discovery and transformation.