Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy is a  treatment focusing on the body and how emotions appear within the body. Somatic therapies posit that our body holds and expresses experiences and emotions, and traumatic events or unresolved emotional issues can become ‘trapped’ inside.

In somatic therapy, the body is the starting point to achieve healing. This form of therapy cultivates an awareness of bodily sensations, and teaches people to feel safe in their bodies while exploring thoughts, emotions, and memories.

Techniques your therapist might use include:

  • Body Awareness- to help people recognize tension spots in the body as well as create and access calming thoughts
  • Pendulation- Guiding people from a relaxed state, to emotions similar to their traumatic experiences, and then back to a relaxed state.
  • Titration- Guiding people through a traumatic memory with awareness of accompanying physical sensations and addressing them in the moment.
  • Resourcing- Assisting people in recalling resources in their lives that encourage feelings of calm and safety, such as special people and places.
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Somatic therapy can help with a variety of challenges:

Treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by releasing and processing traumatic memories stored in the body.

Managing chronic stress and anxiety through body awareness and relaxation techniques.

Improving symptoms of emotional and physical abuse by fostering a sense of safety in the body.

Aiding in recovery from addictions by understanding and addressing the underlying emotional and physical triggers.

Supporting the healing process in grief and loss through body-centered coping strategies.

Addressing physical symptoms like chronic pain, tension headaches, and digestive problems that are linked to psychological stress.

Helping to resolve somatization disorders where psychological issues are expressed through physical symptoms.

Assisting in managing the effects of medical conditions, like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, where emotional stress plays a role.

Enhancing personal growth and self-exploration by fostering a deeper connection between mind and body.

Enhancing overall well-being and mindfulness through body-centered practices, which improves self-awareness and emotional regulation skills.