What Is Somatic Therapy? Benefits, Types & Treatments

In the realm of mental and emotional healing, somatic therapy emerges as a captivating approach that bridges the gap between mind and body. Imagine someone finding comfort in therapy by listening to their own body. 

Think of it like this: a person who once felt burdened by past troubles discovers relief as they pay attention to how their body feels. This is what somatic therapy is all about – a special way of helping us understand how our bodies and minds are connected.

Know what somatic therapy is, how it can help, the different types, and the ways it’s used to guide people towards feeling better.

What is somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy is a healing approach that understands the close link between our bodies and emotions. It’s like a guide for people who have been through tough times. Instead of just talking, somatic therapy helps them listen to their bodies. 

By paying attention to how our bodies feel – like the tightness in our chest or the fluttering in our stomach – we can heal our minds too. 

Somatic therapy meaning comes in different forms and can include movement, touch, and breathing exercises. It’s a way to release stress, heal from trauma, and find a better connection between our physical and emotional selves.

6 types of somatic therapy 

Somatic therapy encompasses a rich array of approaches that meld the wisdom of the body with psychological healing. Here are somatic therapy types for understanding the multifaceted nature of this therapeutic journey:

1. Sensorimotor psychotherapy

This method intertwines verbal dialogue with body-centered techniques. By tuning into bodily sensations and movements, individuals can trace connections between their emotions and physical experiences, fostering deeper insight and release.

2. Trauma release exercises (TRE)

Employing a novel approach, TRE employs exercises to stimulate the body’s natural trembling response, which helps release pent-up tension and stress stemming from traumatic events.

3. Bioenergetics

Rooted in the concept of a body-mind connection, bioenergetics employs movement, breathwork, and exercises to dissolve energy blockages, allowing emotions to flow freely and promoting holistic healing.

4. Somatic experiencing

Tailored for trauma resolution, this approach guides individuals through their body’s instinctive responses to trauma. By gently revisiting and releasing stored stress, the body can recalibrate itself toward balance and resilience.

5. Dance/Movement therapy

Infused with artistic expression, this therapy integrates dance and movement to provide a non-verbal outlet for emotions. The body’s motions become a canvas for exploring and processing complex feelings.

6. Hakomi therapy

Grounded in mindfulness, Hakomi delves into unconscious beliefs formed by past experiences. Through mindful awareness of bodily sensations, core beliefs can be brought to light, paving the way for transformative change.

What are some of the benefits of somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy offers a multitude of benefits that stem from its unique focus on the body-mind connection. Here are compelling advantages that individuals can gain from engaging in somatic therapy:

1. Healing trauma at its roots

Somatic therapy excels in addressing trauma by delving into the body’s memory of past experiences. It provides a safe space to process and release stored trauma, allowing individuals to gradually heal from the inside out. 

By reconnecting with bodily sensations associated with traumatic events, healing can extend beyond mere verbal expression.

2. Enhanced self-awareness

Through somatic therapy, individuals develop a heightened awareness of their bodily sensations and responses. This self-awareness extends to recognizing patterns of tension, discomfort, and emotional triggers. 

This deepened understanding enables better emotional regulation and empowers individuals to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience.

3. Release of physical tension

Everyday stressors and past traumas often manifest as physical tension in the body. Somatic therapy employs techniques like movement, breathwork, and touch to release this tension. 

As physical knots unwind, emotional burdens are lightened, leading to a sense of relaxation, comfort, and overall well-being.

4. Empowerment and agency

Somatic therapy places individuals at the forefront of their healing journey. By becoming attuned to their body’s messages, they regain a sense of agency over their own well-being. This empowerment fosters a shift from being passive recipients of therapy to active participants in their healing process.

5. Holistic integration

Unlike traditional talk therapies, somatic therapy recognizes that emotions are not solely confined to the mind. It acknowledges the intricate dance between physical and emotional realms. 

This holistic approach enables individuals to integrate their emotional experiences more fully, resulting in a more harmonious and balanced sense of self.

7 techniques used in somatic therapy

Somatic therapy harnesses a diverse range of techniques that bridge the gap between bodily sensations and emotional well-being. But how does somatic therapy work? Here are 7 somatic therapy techniques that guide individuals toward healing and self-discovery:

1. Body scan

This foundational technique involves a gentle, focused exploration of bodily sensations. Practitioners guide individuals to pay attention to different parts of their body, noting any tension, discomfort, or relaxation. This heightened awareness helps uncover emotional connections to physical sensations.

2. Breathwork

Conscious breathing techniques are integral to somatic therapy. Deep, intentional breaths can help release physical tension and promote relaxation. Moreover, different breathing patterns can evoke various emotional responses, aiding individuals in processing and managing their emotions.

3. Grounding exercises

Grounding techniques aim to anchor individuals in the present moment by connecting them with their bodies. These exercises often involve feeling the sensations of the feet on the ground, engaging the five senses, or holding onto physical objects. Grounding prevents dissociation and fosters a sense of safety.

4. Mindful movement

Incorporating movements, such as yoga or tai chi, facilitates a deeper connection between the body and mind. Practicing mindfulness during movement helps individuals become attuned to their bodily sensations, promoting emotional awareness and release.

5. Somatic tracking

This technique involves tracking bodily sensations while recounting a specific memory or emotion. By observing how the body responds to these mental stimuli, individuals can identify patterns of tension, discomfort, or relaxation associated with certain emotions.

6. Gestalt dialogue

In this technique, individuals engage in an inner dialogue with different parts of themselves, often representing conflicting emotions or aspects of their personality. By physically embodying and interacting with these parts, individuals can gain insights into their internal dynamics.

7. Touch therapy

With the client’s consent, touch can be incorporated into somatic therapy. Practitioners use gentle touch to guide individuals’ attention to specific areas of tension or discomfort. This hands-on approach helps individuals release physical and emotional blocks stored in the body.

In this video, Monica LeSage describes how Somatic Experiencing works, how she uses it to manage daily stress, anxiety, and chronic pain, and shares a demonstration of how she used it to help a stranger

Commonly asked questions

Curious about somatic therapy definition? Discover its workings, effectiveness, therapist criteria, duration, touch involvement, and more in this concise FAQ guide.

• How does somatic therapy work?

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the body and mind. It uses techniques like body scans, breathwork, and movement to help individuals become aware of and release physical tension connected to emotions. 

By engaging with bodily sensations, individuals can process emotions and heal from trauma more holistically.

• Is somatic therapy effective?

Yes, somatic therapy has shown effectiveness in treating trauma, stress, anxiety, and other emotional issues. 

Research suggests that combining body-based techniques with traditional talk therapy can lead to more comprehensive and lasting results.

• What should I look for in a somatic therapist?

Look for a licensed therapist with specific training in somatic techniques. A good somatic therapist should create a safe and supportive environment, have experience in trauma-informed care, and be skilled in adapting techniques to your needs.

• How long does somatic therapy typically last?

The duration varies based on individual needs and goals. Some may experience benefits in a few sessions, while others might engage in longer-term therapy for a more profound transformation. It’s a collaborative process that evolves as you progress.

• Is physical touch a part of somatic therapy?

Physical touch is used in some somatic therapy approaches, but it should always be consensual and within your comfort zone. Not all techniques involve touch; practitioners should prioritize your boundaries and well-being.

In a nutshell

Somatic therapy offers a unique pathway to healing by acknowledging the intricate link between our bodies and emotions. 

Through techniques that include body awareness, movement, and breathwork, individuals can find relief from trauma, heightened self-awareness, and a deeper connection with their emotional selves. 

When seeking a somatic therapist, remember to prioritize experience and a safe therapeutic space. Ultimately, somatic therapy holds the potential to foster profound personal growth and lasting emotional well-being.