Somatic therapy is a type of therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between the mind and body and emphasizes the importance of physical sensations, emotions, and experiences in the healing process. It recognizes that emotional and psychological issues can be stored in the body, and by working with the body, individuals can address and process these unresolved issues.
One example of somatic therapy is "Somatic Experiencing" (SE), developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. Somatic Experiencing is often used to address trauma and its effects on the body and mind. Here's how it works:
Let's say a person experienced a traumatic event in the past, and as a result, they have been struggling with anxiety and hypervigilance. In a somatic therapy session using Somatic Experiencing, the therapist would work with the client to explore and pay attention to bodily sensations, emotions, and physical reactions that arise when discussing the traumatic event.
The therapist might encourage the individual to notice specific sensations in their body, such as tension, tightness, or changes in breathing when discussing the traumatic memory. The client is encouraged to stay present with these sensations, rather than avoiding or dissociating from them.
Through gentle guidance and support, the therapist helps the individual process and release the trapped energy and emotions associated with the traumatic experience. The emphasis is on allowing the body's natural healing processes to unfold and restoring a sense of safety and regulation in the nervous system.
By working through the somatic (bodily) experience of the trauma, the individual can reduce the intensity of the traumatic response and gradually integrate the traumatic memories in a way that doesn't overwhelm their system.
Other forms of somatic therapy may include techniques like body-centered mindfulness, bioenergetics, dance therapy, or sensorimotor psychotherapy, all of which aim to engage the body in the therapeutic process to promote healing and personal growth.