Somatic Therapy
What is Somatic Psychotherapy?
The word somatic is derived from the Greek word “soma” which means body. Somatic Therapy is a holistic therapy that works with the relationship between the mind and body in regard to our psychological past and present. Emotions, memories, and sensations associated with past trauma and stress may become trapped within the body, disrupt the autonomic nervous system and result in physical and emotional challenges. In Somatic therapy, we increase bodily and emotional awareness, unwind and release stress and trauma, and give the body and mind an opportunity to find new, more functional patterns and ways of being.
What does this look like in a session?
In a typical session, we start with a check-in, then intentionally drop into the body with a guided meditation and/or therapeutic tremoring (an exercise for reawakening an innate stress relieving mechanism in our body). From there, we do parts work (Somatic Internal Family Systems) to connect, feel and dialogue with our body and our internal psychological parts through visualization, intuition and emotion.
Interwoven with our somatic work together, we address past and current issues that come up with a Humanistic and Family Systems lens.
We also use the concept of Gather and Release to explore your specific path to safety and healing and check in every session about self-care habits.
What are some possible benefits to Somatic Therapy?
Due to neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain and nervous system to reorganize itself), we can rewire the brain over time. Among other things, this can look like:
an increase in awareness of our own needs
time between a trigger and our response
riding the waves of emotions while staying inside a window of tolerance and comfort (regulation)
an increase in feelings of safety
a more settled nervous system
a decrease in muscle tension
an increase in feelings of well being
Incorporating our whole selves:
I'm passionate about holding space for clients to bring their holistic self to our sessions together and this often includes a client's spirituality.
Way beyond not pathologizing a client's spiritual beliefs, I welcome them into our session and find that integrating them adds depth, beauty and infinite resources to our work together. Whether you work with Allah/God, Spirit, the Great Mystery, the Trinity, gods, saints, ancestors or spirit guides, I welcome them.
Incorporating the spirit and spiritual beliefs of a client doesn't mean that we will be "spiritually bypassing" the work of processing difficult emotions, patterns or past trauma. We will not be operating from "high vibes only" and always allow every part of ourselves to speak, feel and remember. It also does not mean we disregard our critical or analytical mind.
For those who are triggered by or not interested in labels and framework, we work with your inner knowing, intuition or soul self in order to rebuild trust in yourself. And for atheists or those that want to keep their spiritual life private, I welcome a sole focus on the innate wisdom of the body.
There is space for your whole self in your work with me.
