What is somatic therapy? -

So, what does somatic therapy entail? And what should someone consider before attending a therapy session? Click to know more.

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What is somatic therapy? -

Somatic therapy holds the belief that emotions become trapped in the body when not processed. The approach places importance on the connection between the mind and body. 

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The history of somatic therapy -

Willheim Reich, a student of Sigmund Freud, proposed in 1933 that emotional trauma could lead to physical reactions in the body. 

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What does a somatic therapist do? -

A somatic therapist helps clients become aware of bodily sensations, training them to feel safe in their bodies while recalling thoughts, experiences, and emotions. Somatic therapists help individuals release certain emotions that are built up in the body using various techniques.

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Body awareness -

The body awareness technique helps an individual recognize bodily tension and induce calming thoughts.

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Titration -

The titration technique involves the patient being guided through a traumatic memory while the therapist notes and addresses physical sensations.

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Pendulation -

The pendulation approach guides a client from a relaxed state to emotions associated with trauma and back again to relaxation.

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Dance -

Dance is a popular form of somatic therapy as it activates an emotional response and assists self-regulation through movement.

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Grounding -

Results from a clinical trial into the practice of grounding showed it was effective in reducing pain, improving physical function, and bettering mood levels.

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Resourcing -

The resourcing technique involves the therapist helping an individual recall people or places associated with feeling safe.

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Mindfulness -

The practice of mindfulness helps individuals to experience their thoughts and emotions without being overwhelmed.

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Somatic therapy and talk therapy -

Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is centered around thought processes, behaviors, and perceptions. Some somatic therapists use talk therapy and somatic therapy in the same session.

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Subgroups of somatic therapy: Sensorimotor psychotherapy -

Sensorimotor psychotherapy helps clients to self-regulate and stabilize the autonomic nervous system, expediting total healing.

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Subgroups of somatic therapy: The Hakomi method -

The Hakomi method is a combination of spiritual, scientific, and psychological principles that focuses on gentleness, nonviolence, compassion, and mindfulness.

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Subgroups of somatic therapy: Bioenergetic analysis -

Bioenergetic analysis focuses on the mind, body, and the energy flowing between them. A therapist will identify areas of distress or disharmony and help the client find relief from mental and physical tension.

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Subgroups of somatic therapy: Biodynamic psychotherapy -

Biodynamic psychotherapy combines medical and holistic approaches, including massages to strengthen an individual's mind and body connection.

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Subgroups of somatic therapy: Brainspotting -

Brainspotting helps individuals process psychological trauma via eye movements by locating points in the visual field to access unprocessed emotions in the subcortical brain.

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Subgroups of somatic therapy: Breathwork -

Breathwork uses a range of breathing techniques to improve wellbeing. Slow, deep breaths can achieve reduced stress and healing.

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What can somatic therapy help with? -

Somatic therapy is used to help with a range of mental health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and stress.

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What can somatic therapy help with? -

Somatic therapy can also assist with physical issues like chronic pain, bodily dysfunctions, and digestive disorders.

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Effectiveness - PTSD -

Somatic therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for PTSD. When victims of a tsunami underwent somatic therapy, 90% of participants reported significant improvement in PTSD symptoms.

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Effectiveness - Chronic pain -

Research conducted by one study showed somatic therapy was an effective treatment for cervical myofascial pain.

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Benefits -

Benefits of somatic therapy include improved mood, increased bodily awareness, improved self-esteem, and reduced stress.

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Somatic therapy and traditional psychotherapies -

In one study conducted in 2021, when women with addiction combined somatic therapy with regular substance abuse treatment, they saw an increase in well-being.

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How to find a somatic therapist? -

When looking for a somatic therapist, it's important to consider their credentials and areas of expertise. To locate practitioners near you, you can search online therapist directories.

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Prepare for your first appointment -

Before your first somatic therapy session, think about your emotional and physical goals. As with any therapy, be mindful that sessions may trigger old and painful memories.

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What to expect at your first appointment -

At your first appointment, the therapist will conduct an assessment aimed at your areas of complaint. Once comfortable, the working phase of somatic healing will begin.

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Things to consider -

In somatic therapy, touch is often involved, so it's important to ensure you don't mind being touched by another person. 

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Risks -

Risks of somatic therapy include re-traumatization, abusive touch, and inappropriate regression. The risks can be mitigated by ensuring improved and credible standards for training and increased supervision.

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Further research -

Some experts believe that certain somatic techniques need more research to determine their efficacy, and higher-quality research is required to explore the potential benefits of somatic therapy.

Sources: (Forbes) (Verywell Mind) (Choosing Therapy)
See also: When is it time to reach out for a therapist?

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