Somatic Therapy
Somatic Therapy
It’s not all in your head — your body holds onto memories of trauma, too. Somatic therapy at Hartwell Counselling can help release them.
What is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy is an umbrella term for therapies that center on the mind-body connection. The term “somatic” means “relating to the body.” Although treating the mind-body connection is a relatively new concept in Western medicine, this concept has long been recognized in Eastern and African medicine and philosophies. Somatic Therapy is a holistic approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. Somatic therapy focuses on how the body holds onto past trauma and stress and uses bodily awareness and physical techniques to promote healing. This form of therapy is based on the principle that unresolved emotional issues can manifest in the body, affecting overall well-being. Distinguishing itself from conventional talk therapy or psychotherapy, somatic therapy goes beyond engaging solely with the mind. Instead, it places the body at the core of the healing process, seeking to facilitate healing on a cellular level.
How does somatic therapy work?
Somatic therapists recognize the inherent connection between the mind and body. Trauma and persistent negative emotions can become ensnared within the body, exerting further influence on mental health.
The entrapment of these emotions within the body occurs as a result of traumatic experiences that can trigger the nervous system to remain in a perpetual state of survival mode. The continuous release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, leads to heightened levels of blood sugar and blood pressure, potentially weakening the immune system.
Under sustained stress, the body begins to manifest physical symptoms. Moreover, certain adverse or traumatic experiences may give rise to deeply ingrained beliefs inaccessible to the conscious mind. These entrenched beliefs might manifest as negative or unhelpful thoughts, such as "I'm a bad person" or "I'll never be successful."
These negative emotions don't merely linger within the body; they resurface frequently. Individuals who have undergone trauma may find their symptoms reactivated during new stressful experiences, subjecting them to a recurring sense of trauma.
Benefits of somatic therapy
Body-Mind Connection: Somatic therapy views the body and mind as interconnected, meaning that changes in one can influence the other. Emotional experiences and psychological issues can be expressed through bodily sensations, movements, and postures.
Awareness of Sensations: Somatic therapists help clients become more aware of their bodily sensations and experiences. This involves paying attention to physical sensations, such as tension, pain, relaxation, or movement, and exploring the emotions and memories associated with these sensations.
Regulation of the Nervous System: Somatic therapy often involves working with the autonomic nervous system, which plays a crucial role in regulating stress responses. Techniques such as breathwork, movement, and mindfulness may be used to regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation.
Mindfulness and Movement: Clients may be guided in mindfulness practices to increase awareness of the present moment. Movement and body-based exercises can also be incorporated to help release tension and facilitate emotional expression.
Trauma-Informed Approach: Somatic therapy is often used in the treatment of trauma. Traumatic experiences can become stored in the body, leading to symptoms such as chronic pain, tension, or a sense of disconnection. Somatic therapy aims to address and release these stored traumatic memories and sensations.
Expressive Arts and Role-playing: Some somatic therapists use expressive arts, role-playing, or other creative techniques to help clients explore and express their emotions through movement or non-verbal means.
Integration with Talk Therapy: Somatic therapy is often integrated with traditional talk therapy approaches. This means that verbal communication is combined with attention to bodily sensations and experiences, providing a holistic approach to mental and emotional well-being.
How I Can Help Clients Using Somatic Therapy
As a therapist specializing in Somatic Therapy, I can guide clients through the following process:
Developing Body Awareness: I help clients tune into their bodily sensations and become aware of how emotions manifest physically. This can involve body scanning exercises and mindfulness practices.
Trauma Release Techniques: I provide techniques such as somatic experiencing, therapeutic touch, and guided movement to help clients release stored trauma and tension from their bodies.
Grounding Practices: I teach grounding exercises that help clients feel more connected to their bodies and the present moment. This can include practices like mindful walking, grounding postures, and sensory awareness exercises.
Breathwork: I incorporate breathwork techniques to help clients manage anxiety and stress, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
Movement Therapy: I use movement-based therapies to encourage the expression and release of emotions. This can include dance, yoga, or simple physical exercises tailored to the client’s comfort level.
Integrating Somatic and Psychological Work: I work with clients to integrate bodily awareness and somatic techniques with traditional psychotherapy, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of their experiences.
Ongoing Support: I provide continuous support and guidance, helping clients to practice and incorporate somatic techniques into their daily lives for long-term benefits.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS HEALING
Don’t let trauma dictate your future. Contact Hartwell Counselling today to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey towards recovery and resilience; please use the link below to schedule your appointment. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. We provide personalized and high-quality virtual counselling services in Alberta, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and across Canada. Ready to transform your life? Reach out to Hartwell Counselling now and discover how our specialized trauma therapy services can help you achieve your healing goals. Start your path to well-being with our expert therapist and comprehensive online counseling options.