Somatic Therapy
Working with the mind-body connection
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is an evidence-based form of treatment that focuses on the mind-body connection. It combines aspects of both talking therapy and physical therapy to help people recover from conditions like trauma.
At the core of somatic therapy lies the belief that trauma can become trapped in a person’s body. If unresolved, this trauma can manifest itself in mental illness and overall dysfunction. Because our body stores this negative energy, it needs to be channelled into healthier outlets. Somatic therapy does exactly that.
Conditions Somatic Therapy Can Help With
Somatic therapy has proven to be useful in the treatment of the following conditions:
Techniques Used in Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy involves a variety of effective techniques that can teach people important trauma processing and emotional regulation skills.
Some of the techniques used in somatic therapy include:
Body awareness
The first step in somatic therapy is learning to be self-aware. Your counsellor will ask you to identify negative emotions and the sensations it makes you feel.
You will also be asked to identify which areas of your body you feel the sensations in. This will help you become aware of your own body and how and where it stores negative energy.
Grounding
Grounding is an essential mindfulness tool which helps you become centered in the present moment. Your counsellor will guide you to notice your breath, thoughts, and any sensations within your body without any judgment.
The point of grounding is to deeply connect with your inner and outer surroundings, and use that to regulate your nervous system.
Movement
Physical movement is the most effective way of tapping into the trauma stored by the body. Your counsellor may help you channel that negative energy through various movements like yoga and dance.
Another way in which somatic therapy uses movement is to help clients physically express any negative emotions. You may be asked to act out what a specific sensation or thought feels like in your body. This can help the counsellor and you become more connected with your experience.
Pendulation & Titration
This process helps you learn how to transition between stressed and relaxed states. It aims to teach you how to regulate yourself in the presence of trauma using physical tools like breathwork, muscle relaxation, and meditation.
The counsellor will guide you through a traumatic memory and then help you return to a relaxed state through self-regulation. This process is repeated several times.
Although It may bring up unpleasant feelings, the goal is for you to learn how to navigate the discomfort on your own, and return to a relaxed state.
Resourcing
Resourcing is an important skill for emotional regulation and stability. You will be asked to recall emotional resources that give you a sense of safety and comfort.
These can include people, relationships, places, times, and activities you like doing. These good feelings help to counter the negativity of the trauma that you’re experiencing.
Reach Out To Us
Located in the beautiful Orchard Treatment & Wellness Center at 4012 Perth Rd #107, Shakespeare Ontario, we are local to Stratford, Tavistock, New Hamburg, and the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Our clinicians also offer remote therapy across Ontario so that you can access the support you need - no matter where you are!
To get started you can fill out a contact form, call (226) 215-4244, or book an appointment online with one of our counsellors by clicking below.
We’re looking forward to supporting you!