What is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy is a whole-body approach to psychotherapy that connects the mind and body to address emotional and psychological issues. By focusing on physical sensations, movement, and awareness, somatic therapy helps you process unresolved trauma, release stress, and increase self-awareness. This approach works with both past and present experiences to promote healing.
Soma means ‘of the body’. Somatic Experiencing therapy is based on the seminal work of Dr. Peter Levine, a leader in trauma research. Somatic therapy has evolved into more than trauma-based therapy. Somatic-based therapy explores the relationship between emotions, experiences, and sensations within the body, using breath and movement to facilitate healing.
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What are the benefits of somatic therapy?
- Releases stored tension and trauma from the body
- Improves emotional regulation
- Increases mind-body awareness
- Reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma-related stress
- Overall physical and emotional well-being
How does somatic therapy bring positive change?
- Brings awareness to physical sensations and emotions
- Releases physical tension associated with trauma
- Creates healthier responses to stress and triggers
- Connects mind and body
- Heals through awareness, release, and integration of physical and emotional experiences
Concerns addressed by somatic therapy
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety and panic disorders
- Depression and emotional dysregulation
- Chronic stress and burnout
- Physical symptoms associated with emotional pain (e.g., headaches, muscle tension)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship challenges and intimacy issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have experience with body-based practices to benefit from somatic therapy? No, somatic therapy is for everyone and tailored to your comfort level.
How is somatic therapy different from traditional talk therapy? Unlike traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy focuses on physical sensations and movement, integrating these experiences into emotional processing. It uses both body-based techniques and reflective discussion to promote healing.
What techniques are used in somatic therapy? Techniques may include mindfulness, breathwork, grounding exercises, guided movement, and optional touch therapy (with consent) to support emotional and physical healing.
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