Somatic Therapy

Somatic psychotherapy is an umbrella term for therapies that center on the mind-body connection. The term “somatic” means “relating to the body.” The term “Somatic” is derived from the Greek word “Soma” (which translates to “living, aware and bodily person”). In other words, Somatic pertains to the body, experienced and regulated from within.

Somatic therapy adopts a holistic approach, through its study of the relationship between the mind and body in regard to psychological past. Through the use of mediums for self-inquiry such as movement, meditation, breath work, touch, visualisations, sounds and creative expressions, it aims to dive deep into our consciousness and embodied biological processes.

Somatic therapy looks at the connection of mind and body and uses both psychotherapy and physical therapies for holistic healing. In addition to talk therapy, somatic therapy practitioners use mind-body exercises and other physical techniques to help release the pent-up tension that negatively affects a patient’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

Practitioners of somatic therapy believe that a person’s negative emotions — such as those experienced during a traumatic event — can stay locked inside the body.

If not managed, these negative emotions can turn into psychological disorders or physical problems, such as chronic pain.

Some forms of tension/trauma include:

Self-esteem problems
Trust and intimacy issues
Addictions
Grief
Guilt
Anxiety
Depression
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Chronic pain

Somatic therapy is a type of mental health treatment that focuses on the connection between the mind and body, helping individuals release stored emotions and trauma through body awareness and physical techniques. It combines talk therapy with body-oriented practices like breathwork, movement, and mindfulness to promote healing and emotional regulation.

Somatic therapy, or somatic experiencing therapy, addresses problems such as PTSD by focusing on the connection between the mind and body. It works by releasing stress in the body.

Somatic exercises to release trauma can help by fixing your nervous system, letting go of built-up trauma, and making your mind and body work together better for a happier, healthier life.

Somatic exercises help people recover from trauma by paying attention to how their bodies hold onto stress and emotions. Trauma affects not just the mind but also the body, leading to physical tension. Somatic exercises help release this tension and allow individuals to connect with their bodies.