What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is an umbrella term for different approaches of therapies that focus on the mind-body connection. These therapies apply a body-focused approach to healing that helps clients access and release emotions, sensations and memories that are stored in the body. Somatic therapies recognise that the body holds patterns and memories of unprocessed trauma, whilst also recognising that it has its own intelligence and natural healing processes. Some types of somatic therapies include Polyvagal Informed Therapies, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Attachment Therapy, The Hakomi Method and more.
At its core, somatic therapy is about becoming more aware of the physical sensations in your body and using that awareness to access and process emotions. The therapist guides the client in tuning into their body and becoming more aware of their sensations – something that is called “interoception”. By doing this, the client can start to safely reestablish a connection with their body by identifying and discerning sensations, for example where they are holding tension, where they feel discomfort or pain, and where they feel relaxed and comfortable.
Somatic therapy can be especially helpful for people who have experienced trauma, as trauma is often stored in the body. Trauma can be any event or experience that overwhelms our ability to cope, and it can have long-lasting effects on our physical and emotional wellbeing. By working with the body in addition to the mind, somatic therapy can help clients release the physical and emotional tension that is often associated with trauma.
One of the key benefits of somatic therapy is that it is a “bottom-up” approach to therapy. Bottom-up approaches acknowledge that the body swiftly enters protective modes when triggered, often even before cognitive processes come online. This automatic response, known as "neuroception," involves the body scanning for signs of danger or safety. Acknowledging this, somatic therapies emphasise addressing the physiological and sensory aspects of a person's experience over delving into cognitive aspects like analysing, drawing out meaning or attempting to adjust how the client thinks. They focus on working with the body and the nervous system, recognising that trauma and emotional distress can lead to significant dysregulation of the body's responses.
Somatic therapies also recognise the importance of attunement and co-regulation between therapist and the client, and how establishing safety within the therapeutic relationship allows clients to build upon their self-regulation skills within therapy. This is valuable especially for people who have complex trauma histories, as they were likely not given the opportunity to develop this within earlier interpersonal relationships. By nurturing this deepened connection and providing techniques for self-regulation, somatic therapies create a secure and grounded foundation from which healing and growth can naturally emerge.
Somatic therapy serves as a transformative bridge between the mind and body, inviting individuals to access emotions and memories stored within. This holistic approach taps into the body's innate wisdom and natural healing processes, particularly beneficial for those navigating the shadows of trauma. By harmonising bodily sensations and emotions, somatic therapy dissipates tensions and fosters a deepened connection to self. Embracing a "bottom-up" approach, it recognises the body's rapid protective responses and prioritises physiological and sensory healing. In this therapeutic journey, attunement and co-regulation with the therapist form a secure foundation, guiding individuals toward self-awareness, embodiment and growth.
