Call Us Now“It’s all in your head.” You’ve probably heard this before. Maybe you spoke the words yourself. When thoughts are wreaking havoc, we use this saying as comfort. Sometimes we say it to fight off those negative thoughts weighing us down. But it turns out that our thoughts are not just in our heads… Our mind and body are connected, so what’s going on in our heads can show up in our bodies, even at times when our mind is free of anxious thoughts.
Our body records memories, keeping a data sheet of sorts. Therefore, if reminded of past trauma, for example, our body can give off signals alerting us to possible danger.
The word “somatic” means relating to the body. Somatic therapy is a unique type of body-centered therapy that focuses on the connection between the mind, body, brain, and behavior. Somatic techniques are used to release pent-up trauma that may be trapped in the body. Somatic therapy is most commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder as well as other mental health conditions.
Somatic therapy is a holistic approach that has gained traction after the release of the book, “The Body Keeps the Score” by psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk. In it, van der Kolk describes how trauma can physically shape our mind and body, because the two are intricately connected.
Through somatic therapy, the individual learns to become attuned with their body, trusting it and recognizing physical responses connected to their thoughts.
According to somatic theory, trauma upsets our nervous system. Somatic theory believes that our bodies hold on to past trauma (emotional or mental) and that it manifests later on as physical symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. It can also lead to chronic illnesses such as digestive issues, physical pain, hormonal imbalances, sexual dysfunction, and immune system dysfunction.
How Does it Work?
When it comes to somatic therapy, there is no typical session as they can vary widely. Treatment may include mindfulness and talk therapy, as well as components of physical therapy. Overall, the therapist will help you focus on your body to revisit memories of traumatic experiences. Close attention is given to any physical response you have while accessing the memory.
Variations and Types
Somatic therapy is actually a category of therapies; under it, there are various types of somatic therapies, all of which focus on the mind-body connection.
- Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing (SE) aims to remove the body’s reactions to past trauma. The therapist takes an indirect and gentle approach to address the trauma. The client is taught ways to heal by using their body. The hope is that the client will slowly release the pent-up traumatic energy. - EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) works to remove uncomfortable thoughts related to trauma by incorporating external stimuli. Clients revisit their past trauma in small doses while simultaneously following an object with their eyes. Sometimes the therapist incorporates a repetitive tapping motion, which elicits the same effect. - Hakomi
Hakomi is an approach centered on mindfulness, which is the ability to be fully present in the moment and to experience each moment without judgment. It’s a way to heal by understanding yourself and your body better. Hakomi sessions follow a sequence of contact, accessing, processing, and integration. With consent, the therapist may use gentle touch to affirm or comfort as the client accesses traumatic memories. - Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Sensorimotor psychotherapy is an approach where therapists help clients heal trauma by uncovering the tools to do so within themselves. It combines techniques from different types of somatic therapies with psychotherapy. There is particular emphasis on body awareness and attunement so that clients learn to turn negative physical responses into positive ones. - Neurosomatic Therapy
This approach is best used with clients whose symptoms manifest in a more physical way. Neurosomatic therapy uses massage as a way to connect the body and mind. A therapist trained in neurosomatic therapy may include different modalities of treatment such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, aromatherapy, or sound therapy.
When Does Somatic Therapy Work?
Somatic therapy is most often used to treat trauma, and studies have shown its effectiveness. However, it can also be effective in treating the following mental and physical conditions:
- Anger
- Addiction
- Insecurity
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Autoimmune disease
- Insomnia
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Grief
- Addiction
- Sexual function
- Chronic pain
- Digestive disorders
- Sexual dysfunction
- Identity issues
Recently, somatic therapy has expanded to help people improve their relationships, parenting skills, and sense of trust. It’s most effective for clients who are open to less traditional methods and who are willing to learn how to listen to and use their bodies as a resource for healing.
Somatic Sex Therapy
Somatic therapy believes that talk is not enough to make significant changes for healing. Somatic sex therapy is no different. Therefore, it takes a whole-body approach to relieve sexual dysfunction that stems from sexual trauma.
While more traditional methods might analyze past histories and explore emotions, somatic sex therapy discovers the self by focusing on the body. Somatic sex therapy uses some cognitive-behavioral therapy methods as well.
The therapist uses bodywork to provide one-way touch to a couple or an individual. Clients must consent before being touched and remain fully clothed. Somatic sex therapy sessions include exploration of body awareness, breathing exercises, body movement, boundary-setting, communication, sensate focus, massage, and erotic trance. After taking part in somatic sex therapy sessions, many clients report feeling more sensually awakened and empowered.
Take the next step and find a therapist trained in somatic therapy who can help you reclaim what’s missing by using what you already have inside of you.
