Somatic psychotherapy is a holistic approach to therapy that focuses on the connection between the mind and the body. It recognises that emotional and psychological experiences are not isolated from physical sensations and responses. Somatic therapy aims to address trauma, stress, and emotional challenges by engaging the body’s natural ability to regulate and heal itself.
Somatic therapists can help clients tap into their inner resources through the unspoken communication of body-mind-spirit awareness. Intellectual thought alone can only achieve so much without incorporating the expanded consciousness of the body-mind connection. Being aware of bodily sensations can forge a link between thoughts, actions, and emotions, aiding in decision-making and ego function. Additionally, it allows clients to manage and process various levels of stimulation and nervous system activation. Early developmental resignation or holding patterns can limit personal adaptation and resourcefulness. Client and therapist observe body sensation awareness (hot, cold, tight, spacious, etc) and the movement and expression of the mental and emotional level (emotions, memory, fantasy, images, thoughts) to support making new choices or increase awareness in the everyday life. (Macnaughton, 2004, pp.38-39)
WHAT CAN HELP YOU WITH
– Body-Mind Connection: Somatic therapists view the body and mind as interconnected systems that influence each other’s functioning. Emotional experiences can manifest in physical sensations, and vice versa.
– Trauma and Stress in the Body: Traumatic events and chronic stress can lead to physical responses that become “stuck” in the body. These unresolved responses can contribute to emotional and psychological difficulties.
– Resourcing: Somatic therapy emphasises accessing internal and external resources to support the body’s natural healing processes. Techniques aim to help clients develop a sense of safety, self-regulation, and resilience.
– Release and Regulation: Through guided awareness and gentle techniques, clients are encouraged to release physical tension, discharge stored energy, and regulate their nervous system responses.
– Empowerment: Somatic therapy empowers clients to be active participants in their healing journey. Clients learn to develop body awareness, track sensations, and self-regulate.
References:
Macnaughton, I. (Ed.). (2004). Body, breath & consciousness: A somatics anthology: a collection of articles on family systems, self-psychology, the bodynamics model of somatic developmental psychology, shock trauma, and breathwork. North Atlantic BooksPsychoth
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