Why Somatic Therapy Works
Somatic therapy offers a refreshing alternative to traditional talk therapy. It recognizes that our experiences—joyful and painful alike—are not just stored in our minds; they live within our bodies. Emotions are felt and expressed in our entire system, not only our thoughts. Heartbroken, sick to your stomach, back on your heels are great examples of this truth that has been known for a very long time.
This isn't focused on analyzing your thoughts and pathology. Somatic therapy is focused on the felt and invites you to move, breathe, and explore your inner landscape through creative expression such as metaphors, similes, imagination, gestures, motion and more. Many of us don’t have easy emotional attunement as adults, we lose this as we get older and even more drastically if we experienced trauma in our past. With Somatic Therapy we re-connect with our expressive selves.
But don't let the "fun" fool you. Somatic therapy is backed by a growing body of research. Studies have shown its effectiveness in addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. It's a powerful tool for rewiring your nervous system, cultivating resilience, and fostering a deep sense of connection with yourself.
Curious to learn more? Here are some key insights from pioneers in the field:
Peter Levine, with his groundbreaking work on Somatic Experiencing, shows us how trauma can get "stuck" in the nervous system, leading to chronic patterns of fight, flight, or freeze. Somatic therapy helps release this trapped energy, restoring a sense of safety and flow.
Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory explains how our nervous system constantly assesses safety and danger. By understanding these responses, we can learn to regulate our nervous system and create a foundation for healthy relationships.
Bessel van der Kolk, author of "The Body Keeps the Score," eloquently describes how trauma impacts not only our minds but also our bodies. Somatic therapy offers a way to access and heal these embodied experiences.
Pat Ogden, a leading figure in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, integrates somatic awareness with cognitive processing to address the effects of trauma and attachment wounds.
If you are still curious I encourage you to stay here and read some more, venture into these body psychology thought leaders on youtube or if you are ready reach out to me directly to see how this may be what you are looking for.