Can somatic therapy help with anxiety and depression?

Yes, somatic therapy can be effective in addressing symptoms of anxiety and depression by helping individuals process emotions and release physical tension.

Is somatic therapy suitable for everyone?

Somatic therapy can benefit many individuals, but it's important to consult with a therapist to determine if it's the right approach for your needs.

How is somatic therapy different from traditional therapy?

Somatic therapy emphasizes the physical experience of emotions and aims to address both the mind and body's response to stress and trauma.

Are your therapists licensed?

Somatic Therapy is an alternative therapeutic approach that focuses on the embodied experience of the individual. The mind and body are not treated separately but as one process. I encourage you to explore more, in my practice we used touch and body guided verbal interventions to guide clients into themselves for discovery and healing. If you have any specific questions please feel welcome to message me directly.

What should I expect during my first session?

During your first session, we will discuss your goals and any concerns you have, and begin to explore somatic techniques that may benefit you.

Do you accept insurance?

Please contact us directly to discuss insurance options and payment plans.

How can I book an appointment?

Appointments can be booked through our website at somatictherapybrooklyn.com or by calling us at +1 347-658-4923.

What services do you offer at Somatic Therapy NYC?

We offer a range of services including individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and workshops focused on somatic healing techniques

Gut Feelings; Trusting yourself

Gut Feelings: How to Trust Yourself More

Have you ever had a gut feeling about something—an unshakable sense that you should or shouldn’t do something—even when it didn’t seem logical? Maybe you had a strong urge to take a different route home or a deep knowing that a situation wasn’t right for you.

That feeling isn’t just in your head—it’s in your body. Your gut feelings are real, physiological signals rooted in the connection between your brain and nervous system. Learning to trust them is less about developing a mystical sixth sense and more about deepening your relationship with your own body.

What Are Gut Feelings, Really?

Your gut is often called your "second brain" because it has its own network of neurons called the enteric nervous system. This system is in constant communication with your brain via the gut-brain axis, a two-way information highway that processes emotions, intuition, and decision-making cues.

This means that gut feelings aren’t random—they’re your nervous system analyzing cues from your environment, past experiences, and internal state faster than your thinking mind can keep up. When something feels off or just right, it’s often because your body is picking up on subtle patterns that your conscious brain hasn’t processed yet.

Why We Struggle to Trust Our Gut

If gut feelings are such valuable sources of wisdom, why do we so often doubt them? Here’s why:

We’ve Been Taught to Prioritize Logic Over Instinct
From an early age, we’re told to “think things through” and “be rational.” While logic is important, over-relying on it can cause us to dismiss our body's wisdom as irrational or untrustworthy.
Nervous System Dysregulation
If your body is frequently in fight-or-flight mode, anxiety can masquerade as intuition. This makes it harder to distinguish between a true gut feeling and a fear-based reaction.
Disconnection from the Body
If you’re disconnected from your physical sensations—through chronic stress, overthinking, or ignoring bodily cues—it can be difficult to interpret and trust what your body is trying to tell you.

How to Strengthen Your Connection to Gut Feelings

Learning to trust yourself is a practice, and it starts with tuning into your body’s signals with curiosity rather than judgment. Here are a few ways to start:

1. Slow Down and Notice Sensations

Before making a decision, take a moment to pause. Where do you feel a sense of ease or tension in your body? Does a particular choice make your stomach tighten or your chest expand? Your body's signals are often subtle but powerful.

2. Differentiate Between Anxiety and Intuition

Anxiety feels like urgency and fear, often accompanied by racing thoughts. Intuition feels clearer, quieter, and more settled—even when the message it brings is uncomfortable. If a feeling is chaotic and overwhelming, give yourself time before acting on it.

3. Ask Your Body a Yes-or-No Question

Try this simple somatic exercise: Close your eyes and think of a situation you’re uncertain about. Imagine saying yes to it—notice what happens in your body. Then, imagine saying no—how does that feel? Your body will often communicate an answer before your mind can analyze it.

4. Engage in Somatic Practices

Activities like breathwork, movement, and body scanning help reestablish the brain-body connection, making it easier to recognize and trust your own signals. Somatic Therapy is especially helpful for deepening this connection and unlearning patterns of self-doubt.

Trusting Yourself is a Skill You Can Build

The more you listen to your body, the more it will speak to you. Trusting your gut doesn’t mean ignoring logic—it means integrating both your intuition and reasoning to make choices that align with your deepest knowing.

If you want to explore this connection further, Somatic Therapy in New York City offers a space to practice listening to your body’s wisdom in a supported, grounded way. Your intuition is already there—it’s just waiting for you to listen.

Andria AyoubMarch 4, 2025Somatic Therapy NYCComment