In recent years, somatic therapy has gained attention as a powerful approach to healing trauma, stress, and emotional pain. But what exactly is somatic therapy, and how does it differ from other forms of therapy? This blog aims to provide a clear, beginner-friendly explanation of somatic therapy, its principles, and its benefits.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a wellness modality that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. The term "somatic" comes from the Greek word "soma," meaning "body." Unlike traditional talk therapy, which mainly addresses thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy emphasizes the role of the body in processing and healing emotional pain and trauma.
Somatic therapy operates on the understanding that our bodies hold onto experiences, especially traumatic ones, in the form of not only physical tension, pain, or discomfort but also behavioral habits and patterns that are deeply ingrained into our subconscious and nervous system responses. These physical manifestations can affect our mental health and overall well-being. By paying attention to the body and its sensations, somatic therapy helps individuals release stored tension and heal from past experiences.
How Does Somatic Therapy Work?
Somatic therapy combines somatic-based dialogue, curiosity and present moment awareness, and body-centered techniques. Here’s a look at some common practices used in somatic therapy:
1. Body Awareness: The therapist guides you to tune into your body’s sensations, such as tension, pain, or numbness. This awareness helps you identify where emotions and stress might be physically stored in your body.
2. Breathwork: Breathing exercises are often used to help regulate the nervous system and release tension. Conscious breathing can calm the mind, reduce stress, and facilitate emotional release.
3. Mindfulness: Somatic therapy often incorporates mindfulness practices, encouraging you to stay present with your bodily sensations without judgment. This helps in recognizing and processing emotions as they arise.
4. Movement: Sometimes, physical movements or exercises are used to help release stored energy or trauma from the body. This can be as simple as stretching or as involved as specific therapeutic exercises.
5. Touch: In some forms of somatic therapy, the therapist may use gentle touch to help guide you in releasing physical tension or to support you in connecting with your body’s sensations.
Benefits of Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy offers several benefits, especially for those who have struggled to find relief through traditional talk therapy alone:
1. Healing Trauma: Trauma often gets "stuck" in the body, manifesting as chronic tension or pain or as behavioral patterning based in your nervous system's responses. Somatic therapy helps release this stored trauma, providing relief from both physical and emotional symptoms.
2. Stress Reduction: By learning to listen to your body and using techniques like breathwork and mindfulness, somatic therapy can help reduce overall stress levels and promote relaxation.
3. Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Somatic therapy teaches you to be more aware of your body’s signals, helping you recognize and manage emotions more effectively. We use specific techniques that help you to regulate your nervous system and have more resilience in your day-to-day interactions and tasks.
4. Improved Mind-Body Connection: Many people become disconnected from their bodies due to stress, trauma, or modern lifestyles. Somatic therapy helps re-establish a healthy mind-body connection, leading to greater self-awareness and well-being.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of people, including those dealing with:
Trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Chronic stress or anxiety
Depression
Physical symptoms related to emotional distress (e.g., chronic pain, headaches)
Emotional numbness or difficulty expressing emotions
Feeling stuck or like there are emotions being held onto
Difficulty with regulating the nervous system.
It’s also a valuable approach for anyone looking to deepen their connection with their body and enhance their overall well-being.
Getting Started with Somatic Therapy
If you’re interested in exploring somatic therapy, the first step is finding a qualified therapist who specializes in this approach. If you are interested in getting started click the link below to schedule a free phone call to learn more if this approach is a good fit for you.
Somatic therapy is a gentle, compassionate approach to healing that honors the connection between mind and body. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, stress, or simply want to improve your emotional health, somatic therapy offers a holistic path to healing and growth.
Giacomo Garay is a certified Polarity Therapy Coach and offers somatic therapy both online and in-person in Portland, Oregon. Giacomo has studied somatic therapy and Biodynamic craniosacral therapy with Anna Chitty in Boulder, Colorado and is working towards his Somatic Expereincing Practitioner certification. Giacomo is passionate about working with BIPOC community, Latinos and spanish speakers, and men. Born in Peru, he brings his innate healing capacities that are rooted in his ancestory and heritage.
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