Somatic Therapy

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic psychotherapy, (also known as body psychotherapy or body-oriented psychotherapy) is a holistic therapeutic approach which incorporates a person’s mind, body, spirit, and emotions in the healing process.

A somatic therapist believes that a person's thoughts, attitudes, feelings, and beliefs can have an impact on your physical functioning. Additionally, physical factors such as diet, exercise, and posture may positively or negatively affect your mental and emotional state.

The therapy is grounded in the mind-body connection. As a somatic therapist, I believe that viewing the mind and body as one entity is essential to the therapeutic process and that the mind/body entity will move toward healing and growth of its own accord, given the right environment and interpersonal interactions, and when conducted in a safe and respectful manner.

Different Somatic Approaches to Therapy

Currently, many schools of somatic/body psychotherapy are in practice. Among the more well-known of these approaches are: Core Energetics, Bioenergetics analysis, Bodydynamics, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Hakomi. I'm trained in the Hakomi method, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy; both modalities combine mindfulness with a somatic approach.

How Does Somatic Therapy Work?

Traditional talk therapies can often address effectively many mental and emotional health challenges. However, somatic psychotherapists believe that some people may be able to quickly address deep emotional issues that are not accessible with words, and can be revealed simply by paying attention to the communication of the body.

How Can Somatic Therapy Help?

Somatic therapy may help people experience greater self-awareness and connection to others. Participants may find themselves able to better sense their own bodies, reduce their own stress, and explore emotional and physical concerns.

Somatic psychotherapy can help individuals address a range of issues. Some may choose to seek somatic therapy as part of their approach to treatment in order to improve emotional regulation, address relationship concerns, process grief, decrease symptoms of anxiety or depression, and increase self-confidence.

I invite you to contact me to schedule your complimentary 20-minute video consultation.