Somatic Psychotherapy
Somatic psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates the mind and body in the healing process. It focuses on how psychological and emotional experiences are stored in the body, often at a subconscious level, and how these can influence both mental and physical health.
In somatic psychotherapy, we start small and slow to become more aware of your bodily sensations, movements, and postures that may be connected to past trauma or unresolved emotions. The theory is that trauma or difficult emotional experiences can become "trapped" in the body, leading to physical symptoms, tension, or chronic pain. By bringing attention to these bodily sensations, we work together through attunement and embodiment to release stored emotions, which can lead to profound healing.
Key elements of somatic psychotherapy include:
Body Awareness: Clients are encouraged to notice sensations, feelings, and tension in their bodies, often through mindful observation.
Breathing and Movement: Specific breathing exercises and movements may be used to help release physical tension and emotional blockages.
Somatic Experiencing: This is a popular method developed by Peter Levine that focuses on "discharging" the trapped energy from traumatic experiences through bodily sensations.
Grounding: Clients are taught to feel connected to the present moment and their physical environment, helping them to stay anchored in the here and now.
Trauma Release: The approach can be particularly helpful for people with PTSD or trauma histories, as it addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of trauma.
Overall, somatic psychotherapy offers a holistic approach to healing, recognizing that our bodies hold onto past experiences, and that healing involves not only talking about problems but also engaging with them at a physical level.
