What is Somatic Therapy?
What is Somatic Therapy? A Gentle Way to Heal from the Inside Out
Hello and welcome! If you found your way to my blog, you might be wondering what somatic therapy is. Or maybe you’ve heard about it and want to learn more. Either way, I’m so glad you’re here. As a therapist who uses several styles of somatic therapy in my practice, I’m excited to share what this approach is all about and how it might help you find deeper healing. Grab a cup of tea, and let's dive in!
So, What Exactly is Somatic Therapy?
In simple terms, somatic therapy is a body-centered approach to healing. It's based on the idea that our bodies store emotions, memories, and experiences—especially when we’ve gone through difficult or traumatic events. Sometimes, these experiences don’t just live in our minds—they’re also in our bodies. You might notice this as tension, tightness, or discomfort, or even physical symptoms like headaches, muscle pain, or stomach issues.
There are many types of somatic therapies, including Somatic Experiencing, NARM (Neuroaffective Relational Model), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Hakomi Method and many others. While each approach uses slightly different techniques and methods, what they share is a focus on connecting with the body’s wisdom for healing, and beginning to listen to the messages your body is sending you at any given moment. When we tune into our bodies, we can access a deeper level of healing that goes beyond just the mind.
How Does Somatic Therapy Work?
Somatic therapy works by integrating the body and mind. In sessions, you’ll be gently guided to become more aware of how you feel physically, and we may explore sensations like tightness, warmth, or even subtle shifts in energy within your body. This might sound a bit weird if you’ve never thought of your body as part of the healing process, but it’s actually a powerful way to release old patterns.
Some techniques we might use in session include:
Orienting to the present moment: I might invite you to look around the room and connect with the physical space around you. Many times we walk into a room and don’t notice the space around us, but are impacted by the environment and how safe or not safe our body is feeling.
Breathing exercises: Breath can be a powerful tool in regulating emotions. We’ll explore how breath can help you find calm and clarity.
Body awareness: You might be asked to notice where you're feeling tension or discomfort. Just checking in with your body can bring up insights and feelings that help you release things you didn’t even know you were holding onto.
Movement: Sometimes, simply moving or stretching your body can shift energy and bring about a feeling of freedom. I might invite you to get up and move in any way your body wants, or we might do stretching or yoga together. The possibilities are endless!
In a somatic therapy session, you’re invited to be present in your body and explore what’s coming up, without any judgment. It’s a safe space for you to reconnect with yourself.
What Can Somatic Therapy Help With?
Somatic therapy is super helpful for anyone who’s struggling with things like:
Anxiety and Stress: If your mind is constantly racing, somatic therapy can help you find calm in your body and ease anxiety through physical awareness and regulation.
Trauma: Whether it’s big “capital T” trauma or smaller, less obvious wounds, somatic therapy can help you release the lingering effects of past experiences.
Chronic Pain: Sometimes, physical pain has emotional roots. Somatic therapy can help you explore how emotions and pain might be connected.
Self-Awareness: Somatic therapy is great for anyone wanting to deepen their connection with their body and get more in tune with their emotions.
Stress & Burnout: If you feel like your nervous system is constantly on high alert, somatic therapy can help you ground yourself and find balance.
Why Should I Try Somatic Therapy?
There are many reasons somatic therapy might be the good fit for you. If traditional talk therapy hasn’t quite worked for you, or if you’ve always felt disconnected from your body, this approach could be a game-changer. Somatic therapy can be an excellent fit for folks who tend to overthink or disconnect from their body, and have found talk therapy tends to increase their overthinking rather than helping them feel more calm. Bringing the body into therapy can allow you to access a deeper, more holistic level of healing—not just working through your thoughts and emotions, but addressing the very core of what your body is holding onto.
Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?
It might be. If you're looking for something that feels gentle yet transformative, somatic therapy could be an amazing fit. It's perfect for people who are interested in connecting with their bodies and releasing stored emotions without feeling rushed or pressured. The pace is up to you, and it’s all about what feels right.
No matter where you are on your healing journey, somatic therapy can support you in finding balance, grounding, and deeper emotional freedom. It’s about healing at a pace that feels safe, supported, and compassionate—without judgment.
If you're curious about how somatic therapy can support you, I’d love to chat more and see how we can work together. Whether you’re feeling stressed, stuck, or simply want to feel more connected to yourself, I’m here to guide you through it. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation, and let’s explore what healing might look like for you.
With warmth,
Sarah
