We are bringing you an overview of somatic therapy today as many of our ABRI therapists utilize or incorporate somatic work into their practice.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy, also known as body-based therapy, focuses on the relationship between the mind and body in the healing process. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on verbal communication and cognitive processes, somatic therapy incorporates body awareness and physical sensations. The term “somatic” comes from the Greek word “soma,” meaning body, highlighting the core principle of integrating physical and mental experiences.
How Somatic Therapy Helps
Somatic therapy operates on the belief that emotional and psychological trauma can become stored in the body, which can then manifest as physical symptoms or chronic tension. The aim is then for individuals to release stored trauma and promote overall well-being through somatic experiences. Here’s how somatic therapy can help:
- Enhances Body Awareness: Somatic therapy encourages individuals to tune into their bodies, becoming aware of physical sensations, tension, and posture. This heightened awareness can lead to a deeper understanding of how emotions and stress affect the body.
- Releases Stored Trauma: Through techniques like breathwork, movement, and touch, somatic therapy helps release trauma physically stored in the body, alleviating chronic pain, tension, and other symptoms.
- Promotes Emotional Regulation: By integrating body and mind, somatic therapy teaches individuals how to regulate their emotions more effectively, managing anxiety, stress, and other emotional responses.
- Supports Self-Discovery: Somatic therapy provides a safe space for self-exploration, allowing individuals to uncover and process deep-seated emotions and memories.
Issues Somatic Therapy Can Help With
Somatic therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, including:
- Trauma and PTSD: It is particularly effective for those who have experienced trauma or suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), offering a holistic approach to healing.
- Anxiety and Depression: Somatic therapy can provide tools to manage and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by addressing the body’s physical responses to these conditions.
- Chronic Pain and Physical Symptoms: Many people with chronic pain or unexplained physical symptoms find relief through somatic therapy, which addresses the emotional roots of physical pain.
- Stress Management: Somatic therapy equips individuals with techniques to manage stress by recognizing and responding to early signs of tension in the body.
Have you experienced somatic therapy before? What approach does your therapist use? Was there anything in this post that stood out to you?
If you’re ready to start your therapy journey, along with the use of somatic practices, reach out to us via Whatsapp.
Written by Weii Yie
Weii Yie is an associate therapist at ABRI where she primarily provides therapy to adults and adolescents. Her love for writing and passion for mental health are translated into these blog posts. Read more about who she is as a therapist on the Team page.