As the founder of Boundless, a practice dedicated to serving South Asian communities, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of somatic therapy firsthand. For many in our community, healing often requires more than traditional talk therapy—it requires an approach that integrates cultural understanding, somatic awareness, and a deep respect for the interconnectedness of mind and body. Somatic therapy offers precisely that, making it a powerful tool for addressing the mental health needs of South Asians.
Why Somatic Therapy Resonates with South Asians
South Asian communities often somatize mental health issues—transforming psychological distress into physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or stomach pain. This phenomenon is not just anecdotal; research has consistently shown that somatization is more prevalent among South Asians due to stigma around mental health, cultural expectations, and limited emotional expression. In somatic therapy, these physical manifestations are not dismissed—they are seen as critical entry points into healing.
Somatic therapy draws from practices familiar to South Asians, such as yoga, pranayama (breathwork), and meditation, all of which emphasize the connection between body and mind. By grounding therapy in these culturally resonant techniques, South Asian therapists create a space where clients feel seen and understood.
Personal Reflections on South Asian Mental Health
Growing up in India, engulfed by South Asian society, I experienced the unspoken rule that emotions should be managed privately or, better yet, ignored altogether. When I pursued a career in psychology, I was struck by how deeply these patterns shaped our community. Many of my clients initially come to therapy seeking solutions for physical ailments—sleep disturbances, chronic pain, or fatigue—only to discover that unresolved emotional stress lies at the core.
Somatic therapy bridges this gap beautifully. It provides tools to explore the body’s story, empowering clients to process trauma and emotions stored in their physical selves. This approach not only resonates culturally but also offers tangible relief.
Case Study: Breaking the Cycle of Stress
One client that we learned about in a trauma intensive I attended was a second-generation South Asian woman, came to therapy struggling with debilitating migraines. She initially sought medical solutions, but after years of inconclusive diagnoses, she decided to try therapy. Through somatic techniques such as breathwork and grounding exercises, she began to connect her physical pain to unprocessed grief from familial expectations and career stress. Over time, she learned to regulate her nervous system, and her migraines subsided. More importantly, she reclaimed her sense of agency and began making life decisions aligned with her values.
Overcoming Barriers to Access
Despite its benefits, somatic therapy remains underutilized in South Asian communities. Stigma around mental health and therapy is a significant barrier, as is the lack of culturally competent practitioners. South Asian therapists, like those at Boundless, are working to change this narrative by normalizing therapy and incorporating culturally relevant approaches. Additionally, virtual platforms are making therapy more accessible, particularly for clients who feel uncomfortable seeking help in person.
The Future of Healing
The rise of South Asian therapists in somatic therapy represents a pivotal moment in mental health care. By integrating traditional practices with evidence-based techniques, we are not just providing therapy; we are honoring a cultural legacy of holistic healing while addressing modern challenges.
Somatic therapy reminds us that healing is not just about solving problems—it’s about reconnecting with ourselves. For the South Asian community, this means reclaiming the stories our bodies have been carrying for generations, breaking cycles of trauma, and building a future rooted in resilience and self-compassion.
Summarizing The Cultural Case for Somatic Therapy: How South Asian Therapists Are Revolutionizing Healing
Part 1
The Value of Somatic Therapy for South Asians: Somatic therapy addresses the unique ways South Asians experience mental health issues, including somatization, by integrating culturally familiar practices like yoga, meditation, and breathwork to process emotions and trauma stored in the body.
Part 2
Part 3
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Somatic symptom disorder: Diagnosis and treatment.
Bhugra, D., & Gupta, S. (2011). Psychiatric disorders in South Asians: A textbook and practical guide. Oxford University Press.
Kirmayer, L. J., & Young, A. (1998). Culture and somatization: Clinical, epidemiological, and ethnographic perspectives. Psychosomatic Medicine, 60(4), 420–430.
Misra, T., & Jha, S. (2019). Bridging the gap: Culturally adapted therapy for South Asian clients. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 47(3), 211–226.
Narayan, M. C. (2020). Addressing somatization in South Asian clients: A somatic therapy approach. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 66(2), 112–121.
Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2019). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice. Wiley.
Van der Kolk, B. (2015). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.
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
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