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What is Somatic Therapy?

​Body awareness, or physical awareness, is a cornerstone of somatic treatment. Also known as "bottom-up," somatic therapy techniques are body-focused and help calm the nervous system, thereby reducing the stress response. These therapies recognize that your body holds memories, emotions, and trauma that can manifest as physical symptoms. By addressing the physical aspects of emotional and psychological distress, somatic therapies promote healing and well-being.​

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Examples of Somatic Therapy

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How Somatic Therapies Work

Somatic therapies work by helping you:

  • Become aware of bodily sensations: Recognizing tension, pain, or other physical manifestations of emotional distress.

  • Connect emotions with physical sensations: Gain a deeper understanding of your experiences.

  • Release stored trauma: Release physical and emotional tension associated with past trauma.

  • Regulate the nervous system: Develop tools to calm your nervous system and reduce stress.

 

Who is a Good Candidate for Somatic Therapies?

Individuals who may benefit from somatic therapies include:

  • Those with a history of trauma: If you've experienced traumatic events, somatic therapies may help you address the physical and emotional manifestations of trauma.

  • Individuals with chronic pain or physical symptoms: Somatic therapies can help address the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to your physical pain.

  • People struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions: Somatic therapies provide a complementary approach to traditional talk therapy.

  • Individuals seeking personal growth and development: Somatic therapies can help you cultivate greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience.

  • Those who have not had success in traditional talk therapy (or have hit a wall): Somatic therapies may offer a different approach that can be beneficial if you haven't found success with traditional talk therapy.

  • Individuals who are disconnected from their bodies: Somatic therapies focus on the mind-body connection and can help you reconnect with your physical sensations and experiences.

  • People who feel isolated, even when around other people: Somatic therapies can address the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to your feelings of isolation.

  • Those who have tension or fatigue that don't have a clear medical cause: Somatic therapies can help you identify and address the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to your physical symptoms.

  • Individuals who find it difficult to manage your emotions or express them in healthy ways: Somatic therapies can help you develop greater emotional awareness and regulation.
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The Science Behind Somatic Therapies

Somatic therapies are grounded in a multidisciplinary understanding of physiology, psychology, ethology, biology, neuroscience, and indigenous healing practices. Decades of research have revealed the profound impact of trauma on the body and nervous system.

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  • The role of the nervous system: Trauma can disrupt the nervous system's ability to function optimally, leading to a state of hyperarousal or hypoarousal. When faced with perceived threats, your body activates a "fight, flight, or freeze" response. If this response becomes chronic, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and physical pain. Somatic therapies aim to help you regulate your nervous system and return to a state of balance.

  • The body's memory of trauma: Studies have shown that traumatic experiences can be stored in your body as physical sensations and emotional responses. Somatic therapies focus on addressing these physical manifestations of trauma.

  • The mind-body connection: The mind and body are interconnected, and emotional states can have significant physical consequences. Somatic therapies recognize the importance of addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of trauma.

  • The benefits of mindfulness and present-moment awareness: Mindfulness practices, often incorporated into somatic therapies, have been shown to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being.

  • The importance of embodiment: Somatic therapies emphasize the importance of reconnecting with your body and cultivating a sense of embodiment. This can help you feel more grounded and present in your life.

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It's important to note that somatic therapies may not be suitable for everyone. If you're considering trying somatic therapy, it's recommended to consult with a qualified mental health professional to determine if it's the right approach for you.

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References

  • Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the tiger: Healing trauma. North Atlantic Books.

  • Siegel, D. J. (2010). Mindsight: The new science of relationships. Bantam Books.

  • Bessel van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Press.

  • Ogden, P. (2006). Trauma and body: A sensorimotor approach to healing. North Atlantic Books.

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