What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy is gaining attention as an effective way to address mental and emotional challenges by focusing on the mind-body connection. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily involves verbal processing, somatic therapy integrates body-centered techniques, helping you recognize and release physical responses linked to trauma, anxiety, and other stress-related issues.
‍

How Somatic Therapy Works

The theory behind somatic therapy is that unresolved emotions or trauma can manifest in the body, leading to physical symptoms or chronic tension. It combines traditional talk therapy with body awareness techniques to help you become more aware of these stored sensations, allowing you to process and release emotions that may be “stuck” in the body and might not be accessible through verbal therapy alone. 

Somatic therapy has its roots in trauma therapy, which helps people reconnect with their bodies after experiencing overwhelming events. Trauma can disrupt our natural stress response, keeping us in a heightened state of anxiety or tension long after the initial event. Through somatic exercises, you learn to recognize and release areas of tension, which can lead to a sense of relief and calm. By releasing these stored emotions, you can experience a greater sense of well-being and freedom from past pain.

The main goal of somatic therapy is to help you develop inner resources to respond to stress with greater control and resilience. Over time, this heightened body awareness can help you manage your emotional responses more effectively and feel more grounded in your day-to-day life.
‍

What Issues Somatic Therapy Can Address

Somatic therapy can be useful for a range of mental and physical health challenges:

• Trauma and PTSD: Somatic therapy is often recommended for individuals with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It allows people to process difficult memories and emotions that might be hard to access through verbal therapy alone, reducing trauma symptoms over time.
• Anxiety and depression: For those experiencing anxiety and depression, somatic therapy offers techniques to release physical tension and calm the nervous system. By addressing the body’s stress response, individuals often find relief from the persistent worry, dread, or heaviness that these conditions can bring.
• Chronic pain and physical symptoms: Somatic therapy can also be helpful for those dealing with chronic pain, particularly when pain is aggravated by stress. Many individuals find that somatic techniques help them understand and address the emotional triggers that contribute to their physical discomfort.
• Other uses: Somatic therapy can benefit anyone looking to improve their emotional regulation, enhance stress management skills, or address relational and attachment issues. This approach is particularly useful for those who feel their emotions and physical sensations are tightly connected.
  ‍

What to Expect

If you’re new to somatic therapy, it may be helpful to know what a typical session looks like. Sessions often blend traditional talk therapy with exercises that help clients focus on their body sensations. Rather than only discussing your thoughts and feelings, you’ll be encouraged to notice physical responses in your body and explore how they relate to your emotions. Your provider may incorporate some or all of the following techniques:

• Body scanning: This exercise helps you focus on different parts of the body, noticing areas of tension, pain, or discomfort, and understanding what emotions might be connected to these sensations.
• Breathwork: Breathing exercises help regulate the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. This is particularly useful when emotions feel overwhelming.
• Grounding and centering: Techniques such as focusing on your feet on the ground, the surface supporting you, or other physical sensations can help bring you back to the present moment, which is especially helpful for individuals dealing with trauma or anxiety.
• Movement and release: Somatic therapy may incorporate gentle movements, stretching, or posture work to help release stored tension or energy from the body, supporting emotional release and relaxation.
• Creating a safe environment: Somatic therapy is designed to be paced according to what feels safe and comfortable for you. A good somatic therapist will prioritize your consent and comfort at every step, providing a supportive and secure space for healing.
  ‍

Choosing a Somatic Therapist

While somatic therapy can be highly effective, it’s important to recognize that there is no official accreditation for somatic therapists. This lack of standardization means that anyone can technically label themselves as a somatic therapist, so it’s important to be cautious when choosing one. Look for a therapist who is well-trained, experienced, and ideally recommended by a reputable source. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable and safe with your therapist, as trust and rapport are essential to effective somatic therapy.
‍

Somatic Therapy at Medens Health

By incorporating body-focused techniques alongside traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy provides a unique and holistic approach to healing that can lead to profound and lasting change. If you’re interested in exploring somatic therapy or other holistic therapies, reach out to Medens Health. Many of our providers use a holistic approach to therapy, and some offer somatic therapy. We offer both virtual and in-person sessions with convenient scheduling, and we accept most insurance plans. We’re always here to provide support, answer any questions, and guide you on your journey toward greater well-being.

‍Get started here, call or text (833) 624-5400, or fill out our contact form today!




^Disclaimer:

^{The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information this blog provides is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.}

^{If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.}‍