Somatic Psychology: Dynamic Healing Through the Body, Not Just the Mind
Somatic Psychology is the science of connecting the mind and body to create a holistic healing pathway. Originally, therapists would listen to clients discuss their feelings resulting from the emotional events and trauma they experienced. This talk therapy was thought to be the best approach to improving clients’ emotional states.
Somantics, on the other hand, believes that for people to improve emotionally, their bodies must be involved for healing to take place.
Somatic History
Somatic Psychology derives from disciplines such as Eastern therapy, trauma theory, psychotherapy, and bodywork. A student of Freud, Wilhelm Reich, studied how emotions are stored in the body. Psychotherapist Alexander Lowen examined mind-body awareness to release emotional blocks. Other experts also contributed to advancing this field.
Somantics include body-based practices like mindfulness, Tai Chi, dance, and yoga; it incorporates trauma research to explain how the nervous system regulates emotions.
Mind-Body Connection
The belief that the mind and body are intricately connected so that they affect each other is the impetus behind somatic psychology. It’s believed that trauma and emotional experiences are stored in the tissues, muscles, and nervous systems of our bodies. This creates physical reactions that affect our bodies, such as digestive issues or tenseness in the shoulders.
In a typical somatic psychology session, clients are gently led into an awareness of their breathing, tension, and heartbeat. These functions give clues to hidden emotions. Then, mindful movements, grounding exercises, and breathwork help them recognize and release them. This therapy suggests that the mind and body working together are necessary to maintain optimum health.
Awareness and Releasing
Whenever a traumatic or distressing experience occurs, the nervous system defaults to fight-or-flight mode. Once the threat passes, healthy clients return to normal. But when their emotions get stuck, headaches, chronic pain, digestive issues, fatigue, and muscle tension can occur.
Somatic therapy helps bring awareness to tension in affected areas. This tension includes breathing patterns, posture shifts, and tingling or pulsing sensations. Once aware of these feelings, they’re encouraged to stay with them. Next, they let the nervous system release this emotional energy. Titration is releasing in small doses, whereas pendulation moves from discomfort to comfort, ensuring healing at a safe pace.
Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness is key in somatic psychology. It allows clients to focus on the present with their bodily reactions without judgment. This enhances their emotional resilience and promotes better nervous system regulation. Mindfulness techniques include grounding exercises, such as being aware of the feet touching the floor or being aware of the breath, which help clients focus on the present.
Another technique is breathwork, which brings calmness to the nervous system when you breathe deeply in and out. Body scanning is used to detect tension or numbness in the body.
Self-Regulation
Somatic therapy also relies on self-regulation practices to help clients overcome their emotional responses. Body-based techniques help them recognize signs early on, such as clenched muscles or a racing heartbeat. Once these distress signals begin, clients use calming techniques, such as visualization, imagining soothing light, or a calm place.
Somatic movement involves shaking, stretching, or yoga to release the stored energy. Progressive muscle relaxation allows clients to tense and release certain muscles.
Conditions Treated
Somatic psychology treats a wide variety of conditions, including chronic stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma. It also treats physical symptoms like tension and chronic pain resulting from deep-rooted emotional issues, burnout, emotional regulation problems, and grief.
Conclusion
By connecting the mind and body, somatic psychology seeks to address and bring healing to long-standing physical health challenges by promoting emotional release, system regulation, relaxation, and the client’s capacity to intervene and calm future stressors. Techniques used in mindfulness and self-regulation help regain control over your emotional health. With somatic psychology, it’s possible to live a vibrant life that’s emotionally unstuck and full of energy.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational and educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical or therapeutic advice. Somatic practices can be deeply supportive, but everyone’s healing journey is unique. If you’re struggling with emotional or physical symptoms, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist or healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance and support.
