Somatic Therapy
By: Jordan Kurtz, MA, LPCC, and therapist in Denver, Colorado
What is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy, also known as “somatic experiencing therapy” is a type of therapy that emphasizes mind-body connection to address mental health conditions and physical pain. Trauma and other mental stressors not only imprint themselves on our cognitive patterns but within our bodies, impacting our physical health. Somatic therapy uses a variety of exercises in conjunction with traditional talk therapy to help release trauma from the inside out and help us more safely identify and connect with physical sensations.
How is it different than “talk therapy”?
Much of “talk therapy” focuses on understanding the impact of our thoughts on emotions and behaviors. Somatic therapy prioritizes bringing awareness to physical sensations to help process trauma causing disruption to the nervous system. Becoming cognizant and tolerant towards these physical sensations helps us identify triggers, process deep seated trauma, and release physical as well as emotional tension and pain.
Who is it best for?
Individuals and relationships seeking support for any struggle or barrier in their life can benefit from somatic therapy, with the most research indicating the best results for those with:
· Trauma
· Anxiety
· Depression
· PTSD
· Grief
· Relationship stress
· Sexual dysfunction
· Chronic pain
How is it used?
The basic premise of somatic therapy is purposeful engagement of the nervous system. Therapists may use a series of techniques to prompt and maintain awareness of physical sensations and safely cope with any physical feelings that arise. Let’s break some common terms down below:
Grounding
The practice of experiencing oneself in the present moment by self-initiated or other-initiated drawing of awareness to the senses (i.e. asking self, What am I seeing, tasting, touching, hearing, smelling at this moment?)
Boundary development
The recognition of differing thresholds for pressure, tightness, stress, and other sensations and rehearsing identifying them to the self and verbalizing them to others.
Self-regulation
Otherwise referred to as self-soothing, self-regulation is the practice of recognizing when our bodies have reached peaks of emotional intensity and having the ability to bring ourselves back to a state of equilibrium (the opposite of fight or flight) through breath, tapping, or other coping mechanisms.
Sequencing
Bringing consciousness to how emotion moves and manifests throughout the body (i.e. when describing fear, one may feel it begin as butterflies in the stomach then appear as tension in the throat).
Titration
Experiencing small to moderate amounts of distress within an allotted period to relieve pain from stored trauma. Your therapist will assist you during this process by tracking your body’s felt sensations and ensuring one does not become overly hyper or hypo-aroused.
Limitations
While partnership with a trained therapist and thorough explanation of somatic processes points to overwhelming safety and benefits, in some instances drawing awareness to physical sensations may inflame physical pain or retrigger trauma stemming from sexual or physical abuse. Communicating with your therapist about your experiences will help them understand if somatic therapy is right for you and ensure the process remains safe along the way.
Does somatic therapy sound like a fit for you? Learn more about how our practice can help.
Our team of therapists at CZ Therapy Group work from a somatic approach and focus on holding space for clients that promotes healing from the root. In alignment with AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy), we integrate bodily tracking and empower self-regulation in all our sessions to help disrupt trauma’s hold on your life. Reach out to our team of Denver therapists to learn more and schedule a free consult!