Somatic Therapy
Integrative Somatic Therapy & Somatic Healing
Somatic therapy can be beneficial for individuals dealing with a range of issues, including trauma, anxiety,
depression, stress, and somatic symptom disorders.
Somatic Therapy
Integrative Somatic Therapy is a holistic, body-based approach to emotional and physical well-being, recognising the profound connection between the body, mind, and emotions. It acknowledges that stress, past experiences, and emotional energy can become stored within the body, sometimes leading to physical discomfort, tension, emotional overwhelm, or a sense of disconnection. Rather than focusing solely on thoughts or behaviours, this approach works directly with the body’s natural intelligence, supporting self-exploration, emotional release, and deep healing.
Through breathwork, mindful movement, guided visualisation, therapeutic touch, and relaxation techniques, Integrative Somatic Therapy helps to regulate the nervous system, release stored emotional energy, and restore a sense of balance and inner calm. This process is not about reliving the past but about creating a safe, supportive space to reconnect with the body, cultivate awareness, and shift patterns of holding onto stress and tension.
This holistic approach is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic stress, emotional blockages, nervous system dysregulation, or a disconnect from their body. It provides a natural and integrative way to support overall well-being, offering tools to develop resilience, enhance emotional balance, and foster a deeper connection to oneself.
Integrative Somatic Therapy is a body-centred healing approach that recognises the profound connection between emotions, past experiences, and physical sensations. It is based on the understanding that stress, emotional wounds, and unresolved experiences can become stored within the body, sometimes manifesting as tension, discomfort, or a sense of disconnection.
Unlike traditional talk therapies, which focus primarily on verbal processing, Integrative Somatic Therapy works directly with the body’s innate intelligence to help individuals identify, process, and release stored emotions in a gentle and supportive way. By using techniques such as breathwork, mindful movement, grounding exercises, and therapeutic touch, this approach allows individuals to reconnect with their body, regulate their nervous system, and create a sense of inner balance.
This holistic method is particularly beneficial for those navigating chronic stress, anxiety, nervous system dysregulation, emotional blockages, and trauma-related experiences. It provides a compassionate and empowering path to self-awareness, emotional release, and deep healing, helping individuals develop a greater sense of safety, presence, and resilience in their daily lives.
Key Aspects Of Integrative Somatic Therapy:
Somatic therapy can be beneficial for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, and somatic symptom disorders. By addressing the mind-body connection, this approach helps release stored tension, regulate the nervous system, and promote emotional and physical well-being.
Embodied Awareness – This approach encourages individuals to connect with their body’s sensations, allowing for the release of stored emotions, tension, and stress.
Mind-Body Integration – Emotional experiences and past challenges can be held in the body. By working with breath, movement, and awareness, Integrative Somatic Therapy helps restore balance.
Holistic Healing – Incorporating breathwork, guided meditation, and mindful touch, this therapy nurtures emotional, physical, and energetic well-being.
Trauma-Informed Support – Recognising that past experiences can be stored in the body, gentle techniques help release trauma without re-triggering distress.
Body-Centred Techniques – Sessions may include grounding exercises, mindful movement, and somatic inquiry to deepen self-awareness and healing.
Benefits Of Integrative Somatic Therapy:
- Emotional Healing – Supports the gentle release of stored emotions, promoting emotional balance and well-being.
- Physical Relaxation – Helps reduce tension, discomfort, and stress-related symptoms by working with the body’s natural rhythms.
- Greater Mind-Body Awareness – Encourages deeper self-connection, allowing individuals to recognise and shift patterns held in the body.
- Improved Stress Resilience – Enhances the nervous system’s ability to regulate, making it easier to manage stress and emotional challenges.
- Personal Growth & Transformation – Fosters self-awareness, helping individuals move through emotional blocks and embrace inner healing.
How Does Integrative Somatic Therapy Work?
Integrative Somatic Therapy is a holistic, body-based approach that helps individuals reconnect with their body’s wisdom to support emotional, physical, and energetic healing. This therapy integrates various techniques, including:
- Breathwork – Helps regulate the nervous system and release stored tension.
- Mindfulness & Body Awareness – Encourages presence and deeper self-connection.
- Gentle Movement & Somatic Exercises – Supports the release of emotional blockages.
- Energetic Awareness & Grounding Techniques – Helps stabilise emotions and foster inner balance.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on verbal processing, Integrative Somatic Therapy works with both the body and mind, allowing for deeper healing at an energetic and physical level.
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What to Expect in a Session?
What to Expect in a Session?
Each session is uniquely tailored to your needs and focuses on nervous system regulation, emotional release, and deepening self-awareness.
During a session, you may experience:
✔ Guided grounding exercises to establish a sense of safety and presence.
✔ Somatic awareness techniques to explore physical sensations and emotions.
✔ Breathwork and movement practices to support relaxation and emotional release.
✔ Gentle, therapeutic touch to encourage deeper connection, release tension, and support energetic balance.
✔ Body scan exercises to develop awareness of stored tension and promote relaxation.
✔ Visualisations to access deeper subconscious patterns and enhance emotional integration.
✔ Intention setting to align with your healing goals and create a supportive focus for the session.
✔ Space for integration to reflect on insights and sensations that arise.
Sessions are held in a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment to help you feel comfortable and at ease. The goal is to guide you towards greater body-mind awareness, inner balance, and emotional resilience.
Who is Integrative Somatic Therapy For?
This therapy is beneficial for anyone seeking deep emotional healing, nervous system regulation, or a stronger connection with their body. It is particularly supportive for individuals experiencing:
- Chronic Stress & Burnout – Helps calm the nervous system and restore balance.
- Emotional Blockages & Past Trauma – Supports the release of emotions stored in the body.
- Anxiety & Nervous System Dysregulation – Encourages grounding, safety, and relaxation.
- Physical Discomfort Related to Emotional Stress – Addresses the body’s role in holding tension.
- A Desire for Self-Discovery & Personal Growth – Strengthens self-awareness and inner connection.
Whether you’re looking to heal from past experiences, regulate emotions, or reconnect with your body, Integrative Somatic Therapy provides a holistic and supportive pathway to transformation.
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FAQs About Somatic Therapy & Healing
How is Integrative Somatic Therapy different from traditional counselling?
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on verbal discussion, Integrative Somatic Therapy works with the body, breath, and energy to help process emotions and release stored tension.
Can Integrative Somatic Therapy help with trauma?
Yes. This therapy is trauma-informed and supports individuals in gently releasing and integrating past experiences in a safe and non-triggering way.
Do I need prior experience with mindfulness or bodywork?
No prior experience is needed! The process is gentle, intuitive, and guided at your own pace.
Can this therapy be done online?
Yes, sessions can be conducted in person or online, making it accessible no matter where you are.
Somatic Experiencing vs. Integrative Somatic Therapy
Both Somatic Experiencing (SE)® and Integrative Somatic Therapy (IST) focus on the mind-body connection and the role of the nervous system in healing, but they differ in their approach:
| Aspect | Somatic Experiencing (SE)® | Integrative Somatic Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Developed By | Dr. Peter Levine | A holistic, multi-modal approach |
| Main Focus | Trauma resolution and nervous system regulation | Emotional healing, self-awareness, and energetic balance |
| Methodology | Uses titration, pendulation, and tracking body responses to trauma | Combines breathwork, movement, meditation, and mindful awareness |
| Trauma-Informed? | Yes, primarily designed for trauma therapy | Yes, but also supports emotional, spiritual, and energetic well-being |
| Techniques Used | Somatic tracking, nervous system regulation | Breathwork, guided meditation, mindful touch, grounding exercises |
| Best For | PTSD, trauma recovery, nervous system dysregulation | Emotional release, stress resilience, body-mind integration |
While Somatic Experiencing is a structured trauma-focused method, Integrative Somatic Therapy offers a holistic, flexible approach incorporating breath, movement, and mindfulness for emotional healing and personal growth.
If you’d like to explore Integrative Somatic Therapy and its benefits, feel free to get in touch.
Somatic Experiencing vs. Integrative Somatic Therapy
Both Somatic Experiencing (SE)® and Integrative Somatic Therapy (IST) focus on the mind-body connection but differ in their approach:
1️⃣ Developed By
- Somatic Experiencing (SE)® – Created by Dr. Peter Levine, focused on trauma recovery.
- Integrative Somatic Therapy (IST) – A holistic, multi-modal approach combining various somatic techniques.
2️⃣ Main Focus
- SE – Resolving trauma and regulating the nervous system.
- IST – Emotional healing, self-awareness, and energetic balance.
3️⃣ Methodology
- SE – Uses titration, pendulation, and tracking body responses to trauma.
- IST – Integrates breathwork, movement, meditation, and mindful awareness.
4️⃣ Trauma-Informed?
- SE – Primarily designed for trauma therapy.
- IST – Trauma-informed but also focuses on emotional, spiritual, and energetic well-being.
5️⃣ Techniques Used
- SE – Somatic tracking, nervous system regulation.
- IST – Breathwork, guided meditation, mindful touch, grounding exercises.
6️⃣ Best For
- SE – PTSD, trauma recovery, nervous system dysregulation.
- IST – Emotional release, stress resilience, body-mind integration.
While Somatic Experiencing is a structured trauma-focused method, Integrative Somatic Therapy offers a holistic, flexible approach incorporating breath, movement, and mindfulness for emotional healing and personal growth.
The Integrative Somatic Therapy service offered on this site is a holistic practice accredited by the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM). It is intended to support emotional well-being, stress relief, and self-awareness through body-based techniques such as breathwork, movement, and mindfulness.. This service is not accredited by the IACP or any other official psychotherapy or counselling regulatory body. It is not a substitute for medical treatment, psychiatric care, or certified professional therapy. If you require mental health support, please consult a licensed therapist, psychologist, or healthcare professional
Have Queries Before The Appointment?
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Phone: +353 833569588
Email: info@somatictherapyireland.com
My Timings
Mon – Fri: (9 am to 6 pm)
Sat: (10 am to 5 pm)
Sunday: (Closed)
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Dublin, Naas, Newbridge
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