Somatic Healing
Connecting with your body’s wisdom
Somatic healing is an approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapies by focusing on the body's experiences. Our bodies hold a wealth of information, storing sensations, emotions, and memories, often from early in life. In somatic therapy, the aim is to access memories held in the body, which can provide valuable insights into our current emotional and psychological state.
Unlike traditional therapies that primarily engage the mind, somatic healing emphasises the importance of the body's role in the healing process. Through mindful attention to physical sensations and emotions, we can uncover and release the deeply held patterns, usually formed in childhood, that contribute to our distress.
By working with these somatic experiences, we can gain insight into the root causes of our emotional and psychological issues. This deeper understanding facilitates a more profound and holistic healing journey, as it addresses not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes.
The Key Benefits
One of the key benefits of somatic healing is its ability to bring unconscious experiences into conscious awareness. Many of the patterns and reactions we carry in our bodies are learned early in life, often before the age of 7 years old, and can remain outside of our conscious mind
By working with these somatic experiences, we can gain insight into the root causes of their emotional and psychological issues. This deeper understanding facilitates a more profound and holistic healing journey, as it addresses not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes.
Somatic therapy is particularly beneficial for those dealing with trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, and other emotional challenges. Trauma, for instance, is not just a psychological experience but also a physical one. The body often holds onto traumatic memories, which can manifest as physical pain, tension, or a sense of being stuck. Somatic therapy helps clients release these stored traumas by gently guiding them through the process of feeling and expressing their body’s sensations allowing them to finally reach completion. This process can lead to a sense of freedom and relief, as the body releases the tension and energy that has often be held onto for years, or sometimes decades.
In somatic therapy, the aim is to access memories held in the body, which can provide valuable insights into our current emotional and psychological state.
Self Compassion
Somatic healing cultivates a sense of safety, presence, and self-compassion. By reconnecting with our bodies, we are more able develop a compassionate relationship with ourselves. We learn to listen to our bodies' signals and respond to its needs in nurturing ways. This embodied self-awareness can lead to more grounded and authentic interactions with others, enhancing overall well-being.
To explore more about how somatic therapy can support your healing journey and to deepen your understanding of this transformative approach, feel free to chat with me using the link below.
Trauma is not what happens to you; trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.
- Gabor Mate