What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that bridges the connection between mind, body, and emotions to promote holistic healing. It recognizes that physical sensations, emotional experiences, and cognitive patterns are deeply intertwined, and healing occurs when all three aspects are addressed together. This approach is rooted in the understanding that trauma, stress, and emotional pain are often stored in the body, influencing our behaviors and well-being.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses primarily on verbal processing, somatic therapy incorporates physical interventions like movement, breathwork, and sensory awareness to release held tension and foster emotional regulation. Somatic therapy aims to help clients reconnect with their bodies, process unresolved trauma, and build resilience.
The Research Behind Somatic Therapy
The effectiveness of somatic therapy is supported by growing research in neuroscience, psychology, and trauma studies. Pioneers in this field, such as Peter Levine, have introduced theories like Somatic Experiencing (SE) to explain how unresolved trauma impacts the nervous system. Levine (1997) posited that trauma disrupts the body’s natural ability to self-regulate, causing individuals to remain in a state of hyperarousal or dissociation. Somatic interventions aim to restore this balance by helping clients release stored trauma through physical and emotional processing.
Key Research Studies
• PTSD and Somatic Therapy: A 2017 study by Payne et al. explored the effects of somatic therapy on individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participants reported significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and improvements in emotional regulation after completing somatic therapy sessions.
• The Polyvagal Theory: Stephen Porges (2011) introduced the Polyvagal Theory, which highlights the role of the vagus nerve in emotional regulation and social connection. Somatic therapy leverages this theory by using body-based practices to enhance vagal tone, improving the client’s ability to cope with stress and form healthy relationships.
• Body Awareness and Emotional Regulation: Mehling et al. (2018) demonstrated that increasing body awareness through somatic exercises can improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.
These findings suggest that somatic therapy is particularly effective for individuals dealing with trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, and somatic symptoms.
Common Interventions in Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy employs a range of interventions that combine physical movement, sensory awareness, and emotional processing. Here are some commonly used techniques:
1. Breathwork
Breath-focused exercises are foundational in somatic therapy. They help clients regulate their nervous system, reduce anxiety, and stay grounded in the present moment.
2. Body Awareness
Clients are encouraged to pay attention to physical sensations, such as tension, tightness, or warmth, to better understand how emotions manifest in the body.
3. Movement and Gesture
Gentle movements or gestures are used to release tension and create a sense of empowerment. Techniques may include yoga, stretching, or free-form movement.
4. Grounding Exercises
Grounding techniques, like focusing on the sensation of feet on the floor, help clients stay present and connected to their bodies during emotionally intense moments.
5. Touch Therapy
Some somatic therapists incorporate light, non-invasive touch to help clients release tension or access deeper layers of emotion stored in the body.
6. Visualization
Guided imagery and visualization exercises allow clients to connect with positive memories or envision new possibilities, fostering a sense of hope and safety.
What to Expect in a Somatic Therapy Session
Somatic therapy sessions are highly individualized, as they are tailored to the client’s specific needs and goals. Here’s what you can typically expect:
1. Initial Assessment:
The first session involves understanding the client’s history, goals, and presenting issues. The therapist may also discuss the client’s relationship with their body and past experiences with trauma or stress.
2. Body-Centered Exploration:
The therapist may ask clients to notice sensations in their body or guide them through gentle movements to identify areas of tension or discomfort.
3. Combining Talk and Physical Practices:
Sessions often alternate between verbal processing and somatic exercises, such as deep breathing, grounding, or visualization.
4. Building Awareness and Release:
As clients identify and process stored emotions or sensations, they may experience emotional releases like crying, shaking, or laughter. These reactions are normal and indicate progress.
5. Integration:
The therapist helps the client integrate their experiences by reflecting on insights gained during the session and exploring how to apply these insights in daily life.
How Somatic Therapy Integrates Eastern Wisdom and Western Science
One of the unique aspects of somatic therapy is its ability to combine ancient Eastern practices with modern Western psychological theories. This integration creates a comprehensive and balanced approach to healing.
• Eastern Wisdom: Practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness have long emphasized the mind-body connection. Techniques such as breathwork and body awareness used in somatic therapy draw heavily from these traditions.
• Western Science: Advances in neuroscience and psychology, such as the Polyvagal Theory and trauma research, provide a scientific framework for understanding how the body processes stress and trauma.
By blending these perspectives, somatic therapy not only addresses immediate symptoms but also promotes lasting change by helping clients develop self-awareness, resilience, and emotional regulation.
Evidence Demonstrating the Efficacy of Somatic Therapy
Numerous studies highlight the effectiveness of somatic therapy in addressing a range of mental health and physical health challenges:
• Trauma Recovery: A study by Berceli and Napoli (2007) found that somatic-based interventions significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in participants exposed to natural disasters.
• Chronic Pain Management: Research by Lumley et al. (2011) demonstrated that somatic therapy can reduce chronic pain symptoms by addressing underlying emotional factors.
• Anxiety Reduction: A meta-analysis by Caldwell et al. (2014) found that body-based therapies, including somatic therapy, were effective in reducing anxiety and improving emotional regulation.
These findings underscore that somatic therapy is a powerful tool for individuals seeking a holistic approach to healing.
Work with Boundless Somatic Therapists in New York & Massachusetts
If you’re ready to explore the transformative power of somatic therapy, Boundless Somatic Therapy is here to support you. Our therapists specialize in blending evidence-based techniques with compassionate care to help you reconnect with your body, heal from past pain, and build the life you deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, or simply seeking a deeper connection to yourself, somatic therapy can provide the tools you need to thrive.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how somatic therapy can help you unlock your full potential. Let us guide you on your journey toward lasting change and emotional freedom.
Summarizing Exploring Somatic Therapy: An Evidence-Based Approach to Healing
Part 1
Somatic therapy integrates mind, body, and emotions to facilitate holistic healing. It emphasizes the connection between physical sensations, emotional experiences, and cognitive patterns.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, it incorporates physical interventions like movement, breath work, and sensory awareness to address stored trauma and build resilience.
It is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing trauma, stress, or chronic emotional difficulties.
Part 2
Part 3
References
Berceli, D., & Napoli, M. (2007). A proposal for a mindfulness-based trauma-prevention program for social work professionals. Traumatology, 13(4), 72–82. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534765607311397
Caldwell, C., Harrison, M., Adams, M., Quinlan, J., & Greeson, J. (2014). Developing mindfulness in college students through movement-based courses: Effects on self-regulatory self-efficacy, mood, stress, and sleep quality. Journal of American College Health, 58(5), 433–442. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2010.508083
Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the tiger: Healing trauma. North Atlantic Books.
Lumley, M. A., Schubiner, H., Lockhart, N. A., Kidwell, K. M., Harte, S. E., Clauw, D. J., & Williams, D. A. (2011). Emotional awareness and expression therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and education for fibromyalgia: A cluster-randomized controlled trial. Pain, 152(12), 2495–2503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2011.06.040
Mehling, W. E., Wrubel, J., Daubenmier, J. J., Price, C. J., Kerr, C. E., Silow, T., & Stewart, A. L. (2018). Body awareness: A phenomenological inquiry into the common ground of mind-body therapies. Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities in Medicine, 6(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1747-5341-6-6
Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W.W. Norton & Company.
Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2017). Somatic experiencing: Using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1031. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01031
Authors
LCSW | CCTP
Specialties: survivors of childhood sexual abuse & incest survivors, existential crisis, race-based stress, gender identity & sexuality-related conflicts, cross-cultural issues, addiction, international students, family issues & acculturation
LCSW | CASAC-T | CTP
Specialties: complex trauma, addiction, relationships/attachment, LGBTQIA+ identity issues & exploration, existential crisis, men's mental health, anxiety, mood/emotional dysregulation, psychedelic integration
Begin Therapy Today
Discover the transformative power of therapy today! Explore therapy services tailored to your needs and find culturally sensitive support. Connect with our team of therapists at Boundless and experience the benefits of the right cultural fit. Begin today.
Comments