Somatic Therapy (often encompassing specific modalities like Somatic Experiencing ) is a holistic approach to mental health that emphasizes the deep connection between the mind and body. It is based on the understanding that past stress, trauma, and emotional experiences are not just stored in the memory, but also held as physical tension, sensation, and patterns in the body.
Core Concept: The Body Holds the Story
In moments of intense stress or trauma, the body’s natural fight, flight, or freeze response may be overwhelmed and incomplete. Somatic therapy works to address these “stuck” survival energies that can manifest as chronic pain, anxiety, emotional reactivity, or difficulty regulating emotions.
How Somatic Therapy Works
The process involves gently tracking and noticing somatic experiences—the subtle physical sensations, tensions, and impulses in the present moment. This includes paying attention to:
Sensations: Tingling, warmth, tightness, lightness.
Impulses: Urges to move, push, or run.
Movement: Posture, gestures, and breathing patterns.
By bringing mindful awareness to these body signals, the therapist helps the client safely:
“Titrate” (slowly process): Release the trapped energy and complete the natural physiological response that was interrupted during the original event.
Regulate the Nervous System: Gradually expand the client’s “window of tolerance,” making them less reactive and more capable of handling stress.
The ultimate goal is to restore the body’s natural capacity for self-regulation and achieve greater emotional and physical ease, leading to improved overall well-being.
Somatic approaches are highly valuable for addressing trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, and related conditions.