What is somatic body work in therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body based approach to psychotherapy that focuses on the mind-body connection and the ways in which emotions, thoughts, and past experiences are stored in the body. The term "somatic" refers to the body, and somatic therapy recognizes the intricate relationship between the body and the mind. It teaches about the nervous system and empowers clients to self soothe and learn safe ways to connect with their body.
In traditional talk therapy, the emphasis is often on verbal communication, while somatic therapy incorporates physical sensations, movements, and expressions to help individuals process and release emotional pain and trauma. This type of therapy acknowledges that emotional and psychological issues can manifest in the body as physical symptoms or tension.
There are various approaches within somatic therapy, and some of them include:
Bioenergetics: This approach combines talk therapy with physical exercises to release muscular tension and promote emotional release.
Hakomi Therapy: Hakomi is a body-centered therapy that combines mindfulness and gentle, non-invasive physical techniques to explore and shift core beliefs and emotional patterns.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: This approach integrates cognitive and emotional processing with physical movements to help individuals process traumatic experiences stored in the body.
Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy: This method encourages individuals to pay attention to bodily sensations and use them as a guide to explore and understand their emotions.
Somatic therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma, struggle with stress-related disorders, or find it challenging to express themselves verbally. By engaging both the body and the mind, somatic therapy aims to promote holistic healing and integration. It is essential to work with a trained and qualified therapist when exploring somatic therapy to ensure a safe and supportive therapeutic environment.
