Imagine putting on an empty backpack at birth, and then gradually filling it with ‘rocks’ (a.k.a. stress, trauma, all the tough stuff in life) as you experience life.
Over time, this backpack becomes progressively more heavy… but you get so used to the weight that you don’t even notice it.
Until you do.
Until that time when it becomes so heavy you just can’t ignore it. When the weight of the world comes crashing down and life becomes unbearable, untenable. And you know deep down that something needs to change.
Somatic therapy helps you slowly find, heal and unload those ‘rocks’.
somatic
/səˈmatɪk/
adjective
relating to the body, especially as distinct from the mind.
Somatic therapy incorporates mindfulness, movement, and even breathwork to help you tune into your body, acknowledging where you might be holding tension or emotional pain without even realising it.
Unlike traditional talk therapy which mostly engages our thoughts and feelings verbally, somatic therapy dives into the body’s experiences. It’s all about reconnecting with those physical sensations that we have been taught to ignore or pushed to one side.
What is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It’s about recognising how our emotions, and past traumas actually manifest physically in our bodies.
Notice how sometimes when you’re really stressed, you might feel it as a stomachache or tension in your shoulders? That’s the kind of connection somatic therapy digs into.
It involves physical techniques, like deep breathing, meditation, or sometimes movement exercises to help explore the meaning underlying that pent-up tension and trauma, and then to release it.
It’s a form of holistic healing. It’s been especially helpful for people dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues. The goal is to help someone become more aware of their body, discover what’s been held there, and work through it in a way that can lead to some pretty profound healing and transformation.
You literally give a voice to parts of yourself that can’t use words but still have a lot to say about your wellbeing.
Somatic Therapy, such as Embodied Processing, known for its bottom-up approach to healing trauma, offers permanent solutions to stress, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression and more.
How somatic therapy works
1. Mindfulness practices
Mindfulness practices in somatic therapy encourage you to become more aware of your present-moment experiences – including sensations, emotions, and thoughts, without judgement.
This heightened awareness helps you to recognise and gently explore the impact of past traumas and emotional pain that might be stored in your body.
You’ll learn to observe your experiences with compassion and curiosity. You’ll be able to tune into your body’s wisdom, understand its signals, and respond to its needs.
2. Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises regulate the nervous system. Conscious breathing can shift you from a state of stress or hyperarousal into a more relaxed and grounded state. These exercises help manage anxiety, reduce stress, and release physical tension.
Conscious breathing can also trigger the release of stored energies in the body, those ‘undigested life experiences’ that have become trapped inside.
3. Movement exercises
These involve gentle, intentional movements that help to release trapped energy and tension in the body. These exercises can vary widely, from yoga and stretching to dancing or other forms of expressive movement.
The goal is to help you become more attuned to your body’s needs, allowing for the expression of emotions that might be difficult to articulate with words.
Movement can also help in re-establishing a sense of safety within the body. Through movement, individuals can explore new ways of being and relating to themselves and the world around them.
4. Physical touch
In some forms of somatic therapy, physical touch (applied with consent and ethical boundaries) can be a powerful tool for healing. It helps address the somatic manifestations of trauma. Techniques may include therapeutic massage, bodywork, or other touch-based interventions.
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How somatic therapy differs from other methods
Somatic therapy distinguishes itself from traditional psychotherapy and other therapeutic methods primarily through its emphasis on the body’s role in holistic healing. While traditional psychotherapies focus on the mind and cognitive processes, somatic therapy integrates the physical body as a key element in addressing emotional and psychological issues.
1. Body-centric approach
Somatic therapy
It places the body at the centre of the therapeutic process, using bodily sensations, movements, and breath as gateways to uncover and heal emotional trauma. This approach is based on the understanding that the body holds onto past traumas, which can manifest as physical symptoms or emotional disturbances.
Traditional psychotherapy
Generally focuses more on cognitive processes, verbal expression, and exploration of thoughts and feelings. It often involves talking through problems and using cognitive-behavioural techniques to change thought patterns.
2. Direct engagement with the nervous system
Somatic therapy
Directly engages with and aims to regulate the nervous system to address trauma and stress. Techniques such as breathing exercises and physical touch are used to soothe and re-balance the nervous system, helping to alleviate symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Other methods
May not directly focus on the nervous system’s role in trauma and emotional regulation. While some therapies might incorporate relaxation techniques, they may not prioritise the nervous system’s regulation as a central component of healing.
3. Holistic integration
Somatic therapy
Seeks to integrate the mind, body, and spirit in a holistic approach to healing, recognizing that emotional and psychological wellbeing is deeply connected to physical health.
Other methods
While many therapeutic approaches aim for holistic wellbeing, they may not explicitly integrate bodily experiences and sensations as a pathway to achieving this integration.
Applications of somatic therapy
1. Stress
In today’s fast-paced world, stress is a common affliction that can have wide-ranging effects on both mental and physical health. Somatic therapy helps individuals manage stress by fostering a deep sense of connection to their bodies. This approach not only alleviates immediate stress symptoms but also builds resilience over time, empowering individuals to handle future stressors more effectively.
2. Anxiety
Anxiety often manifests with physical symptoms (e.g., racing heart, tightness in the chest, shallow breathing). By developing a deeper awareness of their body’s responses to anxiety, individuals can gain control over their symptoms, reducing the intensity and frequency of anxiety attacks.
3. Depression
Depression can feel like a heavy weight, not just emotionally but physically as well. Somatic therapy assists those with depression by encouraging them to reconnect with their bodies, often leading to insights about their emotional state and underlying issues contributing to their depression.
Physical movement and touch (when appropriate) can stimulate the release of endorphins and other natural mood boosters, providing relief from depressive symptoms.
4. Trauma and post-trauma
Trauma, whether from a single event or prolonged exposure to stressful situations, can leave lasting marks on both the mind and body. Somatic therapy is particularly effective for trauma and post-trauma recovery because it addresses the physiological imprint of trauma.
By gently working through the body, individuals can safely access and process traumatic memories without becoming overwhelmed. A holistic therapist facilitates a healing process that encompasses both emotional relief and physiological recovery.
5. Trust and self-esteem issues
Trust and self-esteem issues often stem from past experiences that have left individuals feeling unworthy or unsafe. Somatic therapy can help by fostering a sense of safety within the body, which is foundational for building trust in oneself and others.
6. Physical conditions
Emotional and psychological stress can manifest as physical conditions. Physical conditions – like chronic pain, digestive issues, and tension-related disorders – can benefit from somatic therapy. Techniques, such as mindful movement and breathwork, can directly impact the body’s pain response and stress levels, promoting healing and enhancing overall physical health.
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What to look for in a somatic therapist
Keep in mind it’s completely okay to look around and talk to a few therapists before deciding who to work with. Trust your gut (that’s your body talking to you by the way!) You’ll know when you’ve found the right match. Here are some things to consider that might help you find someone who’s a great fit:
- Specialisation and experience: First up, you’ll want to look for a therapist who’s got specific training in somatic therapy and Embodied Processing. Ask them about their background, what kind of somatic approaches they use, and their experience with issues similar to yours. Experience speaks volumes.
- Comfort and connection: You need to feel comfortable and safe with your therapist. During your initial consultation or first few sessions, check in with yourself about how you feel in their presence. Do you feel heard and understood? Is there a sense of trust?
- Their philosophy and perspective: If their perspective on healing aligns with your views and needs, you’re more likely to feel supported and understood.
- Logistics: This may not be the most exciting part, but it’s still crucial. Think about location (Are they nearby, or are you okay with doing sessions online?), availability (Can they fit you into their schedule at times that work for you?), and, of course, cost (Is it within your budget or do they offer a sliding scale?).
Heal the connection between your emotional and physical self at Highlands Centre for Healing
If you’ve been feeling disconnected, like your body and emotions are on different pages, we hear you.
That’s why we started Highlands Centre for Healing. We’re not just about temporary fixes. With guidance from our holistic therapist, Soo – who’s certified in Embodied Processing and other alternative modalities – you’ll learn how to forge a lasting, harmonious relationship between your movements, thoughts, and emotions.
Whether you’re navigating the aftermath of trauma, wrestling with anxiety or depression, or simply seeking a deeper connection with your inner self, Highlands Centre for Healing is here to support you every step of the way. Do your future self a favour. Get your mind, heart, and body on the same page today.
