Somatic psychology is a subfield of psychology that focuses on the embodied experience of the individual, recognizing the intricate interrelationship between mind and body. Somatic therapy uses a range of techniques that facilitate the recognition, expression, and regulation of emotions and physical sensations to enhance physical, emotional, and psychological well-being.
Somatic psychology views the body as an essential component of mental health and well-being. The goal of somatic therapy is to help clients increase their awareness of the physical sensations and emotions they experience, to access and release emotions that have been held in the body, and to develop greater body awareness and self-regulation skills. Somatic therapy can be beneficial for people who have experienced trauma or who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and other issues.
There are various somatic therapy approaches, including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Bioenergetics, Hakomi, and Body-Mind Centering. These approaches use a variety of methods, such as breathwork, mindfulness, movement, touch, and body awareness exercises, to help clients access and release emotions and to build greater self-awareness and self-regulation skills.
In somatic therapy, the therapist works with the client to identify physical sensations and emotions, help the client regulate their nervous system, and integrate their experiences. By working on the physical level, somatic therapy helps clients address issues that may be difficult to access through traditional talk therapy approaches. This approach allows clients to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness, emotional resilience, and empowerment.