Somatic-based Therapy: Using the Body’s Wisdom to Heal

Jan 21

Written By Laura Wright Quintanar, MS, LPC-S, RYT 200

There has been growing interest and fascination with the connection between our body and its impact on mental health. Many are intrigued by the idea of how “the body keeps the score” and the ways we can navigate 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 continue reading to learn more about how this foundational approach can support your therapeutic goals.

What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic-based therapy is an incredibly empowering modality that helps individuals access their innate ability to heal and transform. Grounded in the understanding that our bodies store experiences, this approach acknowledges the intricate connection between our physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts. Through breathwork, mindfulness, and gentle movement, individuals can cultivate greater awareness of their bodily responses to emotional triggers, ultimately fostering a sense of connection, resilience, and self-understanding. Somatic therapy is often integrated with other evidence-based modalities like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and EMDR, offering a holistic approach to wellness.

What to expect in Somatic-based Therapy

During a session with a somatic therapist, you might encounter 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 our bodies send 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 your curiosity, please feel free to reach out! I would love to chat more about this practice and explore how it can be incorporated into your healing journey.

Love + Light,

Laura