Somatic Psychotherapy

The Concept of Somatic Psychotherapy

The term “somatic” is derived from the Greek word "soma," meaning body. In somatic psychotherapy, this body-centered approach is central. It’s based on the understanding that our physical bodies hold a wealth of information about how we experience and process emotions. When we go through stressful or difficult experiences, emotional tension often becomes stored in the body. Somatic psychotherapy is designed to tap into this connection and help you understand the physical manifestations of your emotional landscape.

How Somatic Psychotherapy Works

Somatic psychotherapy employs several techniques to bring the mind-body connection into awareness and facilitate healing. These methods can help individuals engage with their body, emotions, and energy, with the potential to allow deep emotional processing. Some examples are:

Tracking Bodily Sensations and Mindfulness

In somatic psychotherapy, one of the foundational techniques is tracking bodily sensations. Somatic counseling operates with a focus on the present moment, often referred to as the “here-and-now.” The therapist guides the client to become aware of what’s happening physically as they explore their emotions. For example, while discussing a stressful event, you may begin to notice tightness in your chest or tension in your jaw. The therapist may ask, “Where in your body do you feel that emotion?” or “What happens in your body when you talk about this situation?” By tracking these sensations, you can become more aware of how your body responds to different emotional states creating a more connected and holistic understanding of your system processes information.

Somatic psychotherapy recognizes that the mind and body are interconnected. What we think and feel on an emotional level can manifests physically. For example, stress might show up as tight shoulders, while anxiety might create a feeling of nervous energy in the stomach. This interconnectedness means that by exploring physical sensations, we can uncover emotional insights and vice versa. By bringing awareness to both the mind and the body, somatic therapy facilitates healing that incorporates both perspectives.

Breathwork and Grounding

Breathing techniques are used in somatic psychotherapy to help regulate the nervous system and return the body to a state of calm. For example, diaphragmatic breathing (breathing deeply into the diaphragm) activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps relax the body. Similarly, grounding techniques, such as feeling the weight of your body connected to the ground or noticing the contact between your feet and the floor, can help you stay connected to the present moment. Grounding practices can help you feel more anchored.

Posture and Movement Awareness

Movement and posture can be helpful aspects of somatic psychotherapy. Emotions often have physical manifestations, such as tense muscles or a stiff posture. Through gentle movement or postural awareness, clients can become more attuned to how their body holds or expresses emotions.

Benefits of Somatic Psychotherapy

Somatic psychotherapy can offer a range of benefits for individuals seeking healing from emotional distress, anxiety, stress, or difficult life experiences. Some key benefits may include:

Enhanced Self Awareness: By cultivating body awareness and tracking physical sensations, somatic psychotherapy can help individuals understand how emotions manifest in the body.

Better Self-Regulation: Through techniques such as breathwork and grounding, clients can learn how to better regulate their nervous system.

Holistic Healing: Somatic psychotherapy works with both the emotional and physical aspects of distress, and can support in integrating the body, mind, and emotions.

Improved Coping Strategies: Somatic therapy can help individuals develop physical awareness and somatic tools for managing emotional triggers and stress.

Somatic Psychotherapy for Women

I specialize in somatic psychotherapy and my practice focuses on working with women.  I use this integrative approach to help clients better understand their inner experience across multiple perspectives — mental, physical, emotional, and, if relevant to your process, spiritual. Through the somatic process, we focus on the “here-and-now,” tracking your physical, emotional, and energetic experience as it unfolds in the present moment. This method allows us to gain deeper insight into how your body’s responses are connected to your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. We’ll explore your emotions and physical sensations together to find healing pathways that resonate with your unique experience.