Somatic therapy, also known as somatic healing therapy, is a therapeutic approach centered around the connection between the mind and body. It combines elements of psychotherapy and physical therapy to address and heal a variety of conditions, including stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction. Somatic therapy employs mind-body techniques to help release stress, trauma, and tension that has become “locked away” in the body. By learning to self-regulate with the guidance of a mental health professional, patients can focus on healing trauma effectively.
Who Invented Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy encompasses various methods that have evolved over centuries. One of the primary schools of somatics was established by Thomas Hanna in the 1970s, who coined the term “somatics.” Around the same time, Dr. Peter Levine developed somatic experiencing, inspired partly by observing how animals recover from repeated traumatic experiences. Throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, different somatic therapy interventions emerged and continue to be integrated into modern practices. Despite their differences, all somatic therapies share a core belief: the body is intrinsically connected to the mind and can significantly aid in healing mental health challenges, offering a more holistic approach compared to traditional talk therapy.
The History of Somatic Therapies
The 19th century saw the rise of many physical education movements, such as yoga, Pilates, and judo. The concept of “somatics” emerged in the 1970s with Thomas Hanna’s theory that chronic pain often results from the brain’s loss of control over muscle tissue. Hanna proposed that relief could be found through education, mindfulness, and intentional movement. Dr. Peter Levine further developed somatic experiencing in the 1970s, drawing on Jungian therapy principles. Levine’s work suggested that trauma could cause individuals to remain in a “freeze” mode of the fight, flight, or freeze response, leading to physical and mental health issues. The Hakomi method, developed by Ron Kurtz in the 1970s, focuses on mindfulness and bodily awareness to promote wellness. In the 1980s and 1990s, sensorimotor therapy, influenced by Pat Ogden, integrated concepts from cognitive behavioral therapy and neuroscience.
What is the Purpose of Somatics?
“Somatics” broadly refers to body movement as a means of improving mental health. The underlying idea is that intentional movements can help individuals find relief from chronic pain and mental health conditions by connecting mind-body pathways. Somatic practices are used to alleviate stress, pain, trauma, and more, offering a comprehensive approach to healing.
Why is Somatic Experiencing Important?
Somatic experiencing can be especially beneficial for individuals who have experienced significant trauma and stress. It provides an alternative way to understand and process trauma. By releasing locked-away emotions and stress, individuals can improve their physical and emotional health and overall well-being. This approach allows people to confront and process their trauma, leading to lasting healing and relief.
Understanding Somatic Therapy
Theory of Somatic Therapy The theory behind somatic therapy is based on the idea that life’s experiences, including negative ones, are stored not only in the brain but also in the body. This perspective suggests that healing can occur through therapies that address the mind-body connection.
Somatic Connection The mind-body connection, or somatic connection, refers to the interplay between thoughts and physical sensations. Negative thoughts can manifest physically in the body, impacting overall well-being. By recognizing and addressing these somatic connections, individuals can find pathways to healing for trauma, stress, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health disorders.
Goal of Somatic Therapy The primary goal of somatic therapy is to help individuals become aware of the physical sensations associated with their mental health conditions. By using this awareness to release tension, stress, and trauma, individuals can achieve healing and improve their overall quality of life.
What Happens in Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy sessions are tailored to each individual. Therapists use a variety of mind-body techniques to help clients release tension, stress, trauma, and negative emotions. Techniques may include breathing exercises, postures, gestures, and other forms of movement. Each session is unique, focusing on the specific needs and responses of the individual.
How Often Should I Do Somatic Therapy?
The frequency and duration of somatic therapy vary depending on individual needs. Some people benefit from weekly sessions, while others may prefer to space their sessions out over several weeks. It’s essential to find a rhythm that works best for you and your healing journey.
How Long Does it Take for Somatics to Work?
The time it takes for somatic therapy to show results varies from person to person. Some individuals feel differences immediately after their first session, while others may take a few days or weeks to notice changes. Each individual’s experience is unique, making it difficult to predict exact timelines.
The Role of the Body in Healing
The body possesses an incredible ability to heal itself, both physically and mentally. When faced with stress or trauma, the body goes into survival mode, working to protect and maintain balance. Somatic therapy leverages this natural ability, helping individuals reconnect with their body’s healing potential.
How Does Somatic Healing Work?
Somatic healing helps individuals identify and acknowledge bodily sensations connected with difficult feelings or traumatic events. Therapists guide clients to find calmness and stay present while processing their experiences. Over time, clients revisit their trauma, focusing on bodily sensations that arise. The therapist uses various techniques to help clients release trapped energy and emotions, leading to healing and relief.
Types of Somatic Therapy
There are several forms of somatic therapy, each with unique techniques and approaches:
- Somatic Experiencing: Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, this method focuses on resolving trauma stored in the body.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Combines somatic and cognitive approaches to process trauma.
- Hakomi Method: Uses mindfulness and body awareness to promote healing.
- Neurosomatic Therapy: Integrates bodywork and somatic education.
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Merges somatic therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy and neuroscience principles.
Examples of Somatic Practices
Yoga is a common example of somatic practice, emphasizing the mind-body connection to build awareness and promote healing. Other somatic activities include dance, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices.
Neuroscience of Somatic Approach
Research indicates that trauma can alter brain chemistry and function, leading to changes in the body’s stress response. Somatic therapy helps release emotional and bodily stress trapped in the nervous system through intentional movement. The polyvagal theory suggests that the autonomic nervous system evolves to adopt behavioral strategies for safety and survival. Somatic therapy can integrate this theory, helping individuals work with their nervous system rather than against it.
Somatic Therapy Techniques
Body Awareness Clients learn to identify and acknowledge areas of the body that feel tense and recognize calming sensations.
Grounding Connecting the body to the earth helps calm the nervous system and stabilize emotions.
Pendulation Therapists guide clients between relaxation and states similar to the traumatic experience to release energy and tension.
Titration Therapists help clients process traumatic memories by observing and addressing bodily sensations.
Resourcing Identifying relationships, places, or things that bring calmness helps clients find emotional balance.
Sequencing Paying close attention to the order in which sensations leave the body helps clients understand their healing process.
Benefits of Somatic Therapy Exercises
Somatic therapy offers numerous benefits, particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma or suffer from PTSD. Additional benefits include enhanced emotion regulation, relief from chronic pain, increased self-awareness, and tools to process emotions and experiences. Somatic therapy is beneficial for a wide range of people, including those with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, athletes, and performers.
How Does Somatic Release Work?
Somatic release uses mind-body techniques to release stress and trauma affecting physical and mental health. It helps individuals move past the “freeze” response of their nervous system, using intentional body movements to process and release trapped emotions.
Where is Trauma Stored in the Body?
Research from the Harvard Review of Psychiatry shows that trauma is stored in somatic memory, affecting the biological stress response. Releasing trapped emotions involves identifying and acknowledging these feelings, then working through past traumas with the help of a therapist.
Physical Signs of Releasing Trauma
Physical signs of releasing trauma include shaking, crying, sweating, changes in breathing, muscle tension, and heart pounding. When the body releases trauma, individuals often feel freer, lighter, and happier.
