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

Why Relaxing Feels Hard (and What to Do About It)

You finally have a free evening. No emails to answer, no looming deadlines, no one demanding your time. You tell yourself you should relax—but instead, you find yourself pacing, scrolling, or feeling strangely uneasy.

Why does something as simple as relaxing feel so hard?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with unwinding, not because they don’t want to, but because their nervous system has been trained to stay on high alert. If you’ve spent years (or decades) operating in “go mode,” your body doesn’t automatically know how to switch into rest—even when it’s safe to do so.

Your Nervous System and the Art of Doing Nothing

Relaxation isn’t just about the mind deciding to chill—it’s a full-body experience. Your autonomic nervous system has two main states:

The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) → This is your fight-or-flight mode. It keeps you sharp, responsive, and ready for action. It’s great for handling challenges, but when it’s constantly engaged, it becomes difficult to turn off.
The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) → This is your rest-and-digest mode. It’s where true relaxation happens, allowing your body to restore, heal, and process emotions.

For many people, shifting from SNS to PNS isn’t automatic. If your body is used to running on stress hormones, slowing down can feel wrong—even though it’s exactly what you need.

Why Relaxing Feels Uncomfortable

Here’s what might be happening when you try to unwind but can’t:

Your Body Has Been in High Alert for Too Long If you’ve spent years navigating deadlines, responsibilities, or even just the general stress of life, your body might associate stillness with danger. Your system has learned that staying on is the safest bet.
Rest Triggers Stored Emotions When you slow down, the body finally has space to process emotions it previously set aside. If you’re not used to feeling them, they can rush in all at once, making relaxation feel overwhelming instead of soothing.
You’ve Internalized a Productivity Mindset If you’ve been taught that your worth is tied to how much you do, then resting might trigger feelings of guilt or unease. Even if you logically know rest is important, your body might resist it.

How to Teach Your Body to Relax

Relaxation isn’t something you can force—it’s something you can invite by working with your body, not against it. Here are a few somatic approaches to help:

1. Give Your Body a Soft Landing

Instead of going from high-speed to a full stop, try slowing down in stages. Dim the lights, listen to calming sounds, or do gentle stretching to signal to your nervous system that it’s safe to unwind.

2. Start with Sensation, Not Stillness

If sitting still feels impossible, try focusing on sensory experiences instead. Run your hands under warm water, feel the texture of a blanket, or sway gently from side to side. Sensory grounding helps shift your system toward rest without triggering discomfort.

3. Breathe Like You Already Feel Relaxed

Your breath tells your nervous system what state you’re in. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for two, and exhaling for six. A longer exhale activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling safety and ease.

4. Let Your Body Lead the Way

Instead of thinking, I need to relax, ask your body: What would feel good right now? Maybe it’s stretching, lying down, or even gently shaking off tension. Let your body show you the way in.

Rest is a Practice, Not a Performance

If relaxation feels hard, it’s not because you’re bad at it—it’s because your body is learning something new. And like any new skill, it takes time, patience, and practice.

Somatic Therapy can help you build this connection, giving your body the tools it needs to shift from constant alertness to a more natural state of ease. If you’re looking for support in this process, Somatic Therapy in New York City offers a space to gently explore what it means to truly relax—without pressure, without forcing, just learning to feel safe enough to let go.

Because rest isn’t just something you deserve—it’s something your body needs to thrive.

Andria AyoubMarch 4, 2025Somatic Therapy NYCComment