Somatic-based Therapy: Using the Body’s Wisdom to Heal
There has been a growing interest and fascination with the connection between our body and its impact on our mental health. Many are intrigued by the idea of how “the body keeps the score” and ways in which we can navigate through emotional distress using this understanding. This is ultimately why UnEarthed Therapy + Yoga was created….to provide you with a somatic-based therapeutic approach to healing. I invite you to keep reading to learn more about how this foundational approach can support your therapeutic goals.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic-based therapy is a profoundly empowering modality that supports individuals in accessing their natural ability to heal and transform. Grounded in the understanding that our body stores emotional experiences, this approach recognizes the intricate connection between our physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts. Through practices such as breathwork, mindfulness, and gentle movement, individuals can develop greater awareness of their bodily responses to emotional triggers, ultimately fostering a sense of connection, resilience and self-understanding. Somatic therapy is typically integrated with other evidenced-based modalities like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and EMDR, providing a holistic approach to wellness.
What to expect in Somatic-based Therapy
In a session with a somatic-based therapist, you may hear some unfamiliar words used to guide your healing journey. Here are a few:
Resourcing: the practice of identifying and utilizing internal and external resources to support the healing process
Pendulation: moving between sensations of safety and discomfort to help regulate the nervous system
Titration: the process of slowly introducing small amounts of difficult material to help the client regulate their emotions
Centering: the practice of bringing one's attention to the present moment and connecting with a sense of groundedness.
Sensation: the physical experience of emotions in the body, a key focus of somatic-based therapy
Benefits of Somatic Therapy
Process unaddressed emotions
Reconnect to the body as a place of safety
Grow capacity to tolerate distress
Complete incomplete stress responses
Restore a healthy relationship with yourself and other
Who Can Benefit?
Actually, anyone can! But it's particularly helpful for those who experience any of the following symptoms:
Physical symptoms: headaches, dizziness, muscle tightness/tension, digestion issues, shortness in breath
Emotional symptoms: fear, panic, overwhelm, anger, shame, loss of agency, numb or disconnected
Psychological symptoms: dissociation, rumination, low self-esteem, negative self-talk, self-blame, memory problems, depression, and loss of interest in activities
Relational symptoms: isolation, loneliness, reenactments/patterns, difficulty forming new relationship
As we continue to cultivate somatic awareness, we become more attuned to the sensations and messages that our bodies are sending us. This heightened awareness allows us to identify areas of tension, discomfort, and pain, and to respond to them with intention and compassion.
At Unearthed, this somatic approach is incorporated into all of our therapy sessions to help clients regulate their nervous system, release trauma, and develop a deeper sense of self. Our goal is to help you rediscover your true Self and live a more joyful, purposeful, authentic life.
If this article sparked curiosity, please reach out! I would love to chat more about this practice and how it can be incorporated in your healing journey.
Love + Light,
Laura
The body always leads us home….if you can simply learn to trust sensation and stay with it long enough to reveal appropriate action, movement, insight or feeling.
-Pat Ogden
