What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach to mental health. It operates on the belief that emotions and trauma are not only stored in the mind but also in the body, which are two deeply interconnected entities. The physical sensations we experience can hold memories, emotions, and stressors, and by tuning into these sensations, we can access experiences that traditional talk therapy might miss. Somatic therapy is now widely recognized as an effective treatment for trauma, anxiety, depression, and even chronic pain.
How Is Somatic Therapy Different From Talk Therapy?
In traditional talk therapy, the client shares their thoughts and experiences with their therapist to work through both current and past issues. While this approach can be effective, especially for people who have an easy time articulating their experiences, it doesn’t always address trauma or pain on a physical level.
Somatic therapy, on the other hand, focuses on the body’s responses, such as muscle tension, breathing patterns, and physical sensations. This approach is based on the belief that emotional pain can manifest physically—like tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, or an upset stomach. Instead of only discussing experiences verbally, somatic therapy invites clients to notice and explore these bodily sensations, allowing suppressed emotions and memories to surface in a way that might be less accessible through words alone.
How Does Somatic Therapy Work?
The human body has an instinctive reaction to threats: the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. When someone experiences a traumatic event, their nervous system can become dysregulated, causing this response to stay “stuck” in the body even long after the danger is over. This can result in chronic stress or anxiety, feeling “on edge,” and even physical pain.
Somatic therapy works by helping to “complete” these stress responses. Somatic therapy allows clients to connect with their stress responses in a safe environment and helps them discharge this pent-up energy from their bodies. Afterward, clients often feel less tense and have better regulation of their nervous system.
Techniques Used in Somatic Therapy
Body Awareness
This involves observing physical sensations as they arise. For instance, clients may be asked to close their eyes, take a few deep breaths, and describe where they feel tension or discomfort in the body.
Grounding Exercises
These help clients feel more connected to the present moment and to their physical bodies. Techniques may include focusing on the feeling of the ground beneath the feet or tuning into their breath to calm the nervous system.
Movement and Gesture
Sometimes, movement can help express and release emotions. This might include simple gestures, such as opening and closing the hands or stretching, to encourage release of tension.
Breathwork
Somatic therapists sometimes guide clients through breathing exercises to regulate the nervous system. Deep breathing, for instance, can stimulate the body’s relaxation response, which helps clients move from a state of “fight or flight” to a state of calm.
Visualization
Visualizing a peaceful or safe place can help clients feel more grounded and centered. This technique can be particularly helpful for people with trauma who may feel detached or disconnected from their bodies.
What Can Somatic Therapy Help With?
Somatic therapy can be effective for a wide range of mental health issues, but it’s particularly beneficial for people with:
Unresolved trauma (including those with post-traumatic stress disorder)
Grief
Chronic stress or anxiety
Depression
Chronic pain
Substance abuse
Gastrointestinal disorders
Sexual dysfunction
Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?
Whether you’ve been struggling with your mental health or just want to get more in tune with your mind and body, somatic therapy can help. It offers a way of deeply reconnecting with the self, especially if you have a hard time verbalizing your thoughts and feelings. To find out more about whether somatic therapy can work for you, please reach out to us.
