September 26, 2024

Somatic Therapy in Vancouver: How Can It Help You?

anxiety, counselling at clearheart in vancouver, depression, self-awareness, self-esteem, therapy, trauma

If you have been thinking about trying somatic therapy in Vancouver, you might have noticed that not all therapy is the same. From cognitive behavioural therapy, to many others, the practice of therapy has many modalities. One of these, somatic therapy, is a method that deals with trauma and the physical aspects of that, as opposed to solely the mental side that CBT often deals with. This is exciting, but still largely unknown to the majority of the public. So, what is somatic therapy in Vancouver?

The Capabilities of Somatic Therapy in Vancouver

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You may be wondering: What is Somatic Therapy? The term “Somatic” refers to the body, with a particular focus on physical sensations. Simply put, the difference between this and conventional therapy is that somatic therapy is body-focused, while conventional therapy is mind-focused. Thus, somatic therapy has the capability to proceed with your concerns in ways that differ from traditional therapy. For example, according to Harvard Health Publishing, the potential issues or disorders that somatic therapy addresses are quite varied, from PTSD to self esteem problems, while simultaneously dealing with depression and anxiety (Salamon, 2023), and while that is similar to other modalities, the process is totally different, factoring in physical treatments. 

Somatic therapy in Vancouver is beneficial for many people because like most major cities, the hustle and bustle of the community sometimes means we get distracted and delay working on our past traumas. Our team is here to guide you so that along the journey, you always have someone in your corner.

What is Involved In a Session of Somatic Therapy

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You may be wondering: what does a session of somatic therapy in Vancouver look like for the patient? As Maureen Salamon writes: “A somatic therapist helps people release damaging, pent-up emotions in their body by using various mind-body techniques. These can vary widely, ranging from acupressure and hypnosis to breathwork and dance.” (Salamon, 2023). While that may seem different or unusual, it’s important to note that one of the main differences of somatic therapy as opposed to conventional therapy is the physical aspect, which makes it a unique treatment for those that wish to try something new. Primarily, somatic therapy focuses on assessment and goals, mind-body connection, breathwork, movement and body awareness, among many other techniques.

Why Somatic Therapy in Vancouver Could Help You

The question of whether or not somatic therapy in Vancouver is right for you is both valid and an important inquiry for those that wonder if it will differ from their previous experiences or notions of therapy. For example, somatic therapy applies to couples counselling, which could help you if you’re struggling with traditional modalities.

Whether you have or have not tried other forms of treatment before trying somatic therapy in Vancouver, it is still a viable option if you read and decide that the benefits are what you’re looking for. Secondly, it could be that you respond more to physical forms of treatment in conjunction with the mental aspects of therapy. If so, somatic therapy combines the two, with many options as to how best optimise treatment so that you respond and get the most out of your session.

Your Own Journey

Hopefully you have learned something about somatic therapy in Vancouver with this informational blog, but if you are interested in trying or learning more about somatic therapy, click the link here to book a free consultation at Clear Heart Counselling today!

References:

Salamon, Maureen. Harvard Health Publishing. (2023, July 7). What is somatic therapy? Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951

Raypole, Crystal. Healthline.com. (2023, April 25). Types of therapy: How to choose the right one for you. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-therapy#choosing