Learn More About Somatic Therapies
For further exploration of Somatic Therapies, you can refer to these sources:
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapies are an approach to healing that recognizes the deep connection between the mind and body. By integrating a combination of body awareness, movement, breathwork, and emotional processing, somatic therapies help individuals release stored trauma, reduce stress, and foster a greater sense of self-regulation and well-being.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic Therapies are body-centered approaches to psychotherapy that focus on how emotions, trauma, and psychological experiences are stored in the body. Instead of relying solely on verbal dialogue, these therapeutic modalities encourage individuals to tune into their bodily sensations, movements, and nervous system responses to gain deeper insight and healing.
Key Somatic Therapy modalities include:
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: A powerful approach that integrates somatic awareness by helping individuals tune into bodily sensations as they identify and connect with different “parts” of themselves.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Combines talk therapy with body awareness to process trauma and regulate emotions.
Somatic Experiencing (SE): Developed by Peter Levine, SE helps individuals release stored trauma by completing physiological responses that were suppressed during past distressing events.
Breathwork and Movement-Based Therapies: Techniques such as yoga, guided movement, and breathwork support emotional regulation and bodily integration.
Who are Somatic Therapies for?
Somatic Therapies are particularly beneficial for individuals who:
Experience chronic stress, anxiety, or depression
Struggle with trauma or PTSD and feel disconnected from their body
Suffer from chronic pain, tension, or other physical manifestations of emotional distress
Have difficulty accessing or expressing emotions verbally
Want a deeper, body-centered approach to healing that complements traditional talk therapy
These approaches are ideal for individuals seeking therapeutic practices that acknowledge the body’s wisdom and integrate movement, breath, and sensation as part of the healing process.
What Can I Expect from Somatic Therapy in Practice?
Somatic Therapies involve a combination of mindful awareness, physical movement, and guided self-exploration. This body-centered work is supported by a relational, trauma-informed approach to therapy. Depending on the modality, sessions may include:
Body Awareness Exercises: Noticing tension, posture, and sensation to explore emotional patterns.
Breathwork and Regulation Techniques: Using breath to calm the nervous system and facilitate emotional release.
Exploration of Somatic Memory: Working with stored emotions and trauma responses through movement and awareness.
IFS Therapy and Somatic Integration: Identifying internal “parts” and noticing where they show up physically in the body to create a deeper mind-body connection.
Guided Movement: Some modalities incorporate movement to facilitate deeper integration.
The goal is to help clients build a stronger connection with their bodies, allowing them to process emotions in a holistic way that leads to lasting healing.
Start Your Journey with a Somatic Therapy
If you’re ready to explore healing through the mind-body connection, Somatic Therapy may be the right path for you. Book a discovery call with Simon Erlich today to begin your journey toward greater emotional and physical well-being.
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