By: Sky Tritt
Somatic healing is an incredibly powerful and transformative approach that can work hand-in-hand with traditional therapy, offering individuals a deeper way to connect with their bodies, emotions, and past experiences.
This holistic method can help people who have been impacted by trauma, chronic stress, or emotional blockages find healing through body awareness and mindfulness. But why is somatic healing so important, and how can it complement conventional therapy? Let’s dive into the concept and the benefits of combining somatic healing with therapeutic practices.
What is Somatic Healing?
So, what exactly is somatic healing? At its core, somatic healing is a body-focused approach to therapy that recognizes the connection between the mind and body. It is based on the understanding that trauma, stress, and emotional pain are not just psychological issues, but are also stored in the body. Somatic therapists work with clients to explore these physical sensations, and through various techniques—such as breathwork, movement, and mindfulness—help individuals release tension, trauma, and repressed emotions stored in the body.
This approach draws from a variety of therapeutic methods, including somatic experiencing, trauma-sensitive yoga, and other body-based therapies. The goal is to empower individuals to listen to and work through the messages their body is sending, which in turn promotes healing and balance in both their mental and physical states.
Why Combine Somatic Healing with Traditional Therapy?
While traditional talk therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Psychodynamic Therapy are incredibly effective for understanding thought patterns and processing emotions, and somatic healing offers a more integrated approach. Our bodies are constantly processing information, and many unresolved emotional issues or traumas manifest physically. Whether it’s a tight jaw, stomach/intestinal issues, or shortness of breath, our bodies often hold onto stress and emotions in ways that are not immediately apparent through verbal communication alone.
Traditional therapy can help individuals gain insight into their thoughts, beliefs, and past experiences, but somatic healing helps to bridge the gap between the mind and body. By tapping into this connection, somatic therapy allows individuals to release physical manifestations of trauma that may otherwise be trapped in the body, reducing stress and enabling emotional release that helps clients feel more integrated and whole.
How Somatic Healing Supports Trauma Recovery
Trauma is often stored not only in our minds but also within our bodies. When someone experiences trauma, the body may react by freezing, tensing, or dissociating, making it harder to process and move through the experience. This is especially true for individuals who have experienced complex trauma or long-term stress. Somatic healing provides an essential release for these pent-up physical sensations, allowing individuals to reclaim their bodies from past traumatic events.
Many people who have experienced trauma often feel disconnected from their bodies, whether it’s through numbness, tension, or an inability to feel grounded. Somatic healing can help to reconnect people to their bodies in a safe and supportive way. This process may involve mindfulness exercises, body scanning, or guided movement to identify where trauma is being held. Once this connection is made, therapists can guide clients in releasing these physical blocks, helping to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
The Benefits of Combining Somatic Healing and Therapy
Increased Emotional Awareness
Somatic healing helps individuals become more attuned to their emotional and physical states. By paying attention to bodily sensations, clients can develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and how they impact their body. This heightened awareness can complement traditional therapy, where clients work through their thoughts and emotions in a more intellectual way, leading to a more well-rounded healing process.Releasing Repressed Emotions
Sometimes, the mind pushes difficult emotions out of conscious awareness because they are too overwhelming to confront. This can cause those emotions to be stored in the body. Through somatic practices, clients can learn to safely explore these emotions, allowing them to release long-held grief, anger, or fear. This release can provide a sense of relief and clarity that traditional talk therapy alone may not fully address.Relieving Physical Symptoms of Stress
Stress and anxiety often show up in the body—tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, or shortness of breath. Somatic healing teaches individuals how to recognize and release these physical symptoms of stress, helping to calm the nervous system. When combined with therapy, this can help individuals feel more centered and less overwhelmed by their emotions, promoting emotional stability and balance.Building a Stronger Mind-Body Connection
Many individuals who have experienced trauma or prolonged stress may struggle with dissociation or feeling disconnected from their bodies. Somatic healing encourages clients to tune into their physical sensations, fostering a more grounded and integrated sense of self. This practice helps individuals reclaim control over their bodies and minds, which is crucial for healing.
Conclusion: A Holistic Path to Healing
Somatic healing is an invaluable tool that can enhance the therapeutic process and offer individuals a more integrated path to recovery. By addressing the body’s role in emotional and psychological well-being, somatic healing can help individuals release stored trauma, increase emotional awareness, and alleviate the physical effects of stress and anxiety. When paired with traditional therapy, somatic practices provide a holistic approach to healing that can result in lasting transformation and a deeper connection to oneself. Whether you are healing from trauma, navigating emotional struggles, or simply seeking to improve your well-being, combining somatic healing with therapy can provide the support and tools needed for profound change.
OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES WE OFFER IN DENVER, CO
We offer a variety of additional services besides brain-spotting and EMDR therapy. WellMinded Counseling also offers the following therapy services: