What is Somatic Therapy? Your Body Holds the Key to Healing
When we think about mental health, our first thought is often about our mind—our thoughts, feelings, and memories. But what if your body also plays a role?
At Helping Hand Therapy, we believe your mind and body are deeply connected, and that’s the core idea behind somatic therapy.
Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses the body’s sensations as a pathway to healing emotional and psychological issues. It’s based on the idea that our bodies can hold onto stress, tension, and the effects of past traumas.
Instead of just talking about your problems, a somatic therapist helps you listen to the signals your body is sending—like a tight stomach, a racing heart, or a heavy feeling in your shoulders.
By paying attention to these physical sensations in a safe way, you can release the energy and tension that has been “stuck” in your body. This can help calm your nervous system and lead to a sense of relief and well-being. It’s a gentle, powerful way to heal from the inside out.
How Does Somatic Therapy Work? The Science Behind It
The science of somatic therapy is all about your nervous system. When you experience something stressful or scary, your body naturally goes into a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. These are your body’s physiological reactions to a threat, which are meant to keep you safe. But sometimes, this energy doesn’t get fully released and it stays trapped in your body. This can lead to feeling on edge, anxious, or disconnected long after the event is over.
Somatic therapy works to help your nervous system find its way back to a calm state. A therapist uses gentle techniques to help you:
Become Aware:
You learn to notice physical sensations and how they are connected to your emotions.
Release Safely:
Instead of re-living a painful memory, you work with small, manageable amounts of sensation to help your body release trapped energy in a safe and controlled way.
Find Your Balance:
By going back and forth between feelings of distress and feelings of calm, you build your body’s ability to handle stress more easily. This process is called “pendulation” and it’s a key part of the healing.
Simple Somatic Techniques for Your Daily Life
You don’t need a therapist to start becoming more aware of your body. These simple somatic techniques are a great place to begin.
Conscious Breathing:
For about 60 seconds, focus on your breath. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four, hold for a few moments, and then slowly breathe out through your mouth. Notice how your belly and chest move. This simple act can help calm a stressed-out nervous system.
The Body Scan:
Find a comfortable spot to sit or lie down. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your body. Start with your feet and slowly move your focus up through your legs, stomach, chest, arms, and head. Just notice any sensations you feel—tightness, tingling, or warmth—without trying to change them.
Grounding:
When you feel overwhelmed, grounding techniques help you feel safe and anchored in the present. Notice the feeling of your feet on the floor. Pay attention to the chair you’re sitting in. Notice the texture of something you’re holding.
Ready to Learn More? Trusted Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about somatic healing and the mind-body connection, these resources are a great place to start.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
This popular book explains how trauma is stored in the body and brain and offers new pathways for healing.
Somatic Experiencing International:
This organization was created by Dr. Peter Levine, one of the founders of modern somatic therapy. Their website offers great articles and research.
This trusted website has a wide range of articles and a directory of therapists, many of whom specialize in somatic therapy.
These apps are also wonderful for building a consistent practice:
A very popular app with guided meditations for everything from stress and anxiety to sleep and focus.
Known for its simple, animated guides that make meditation easy to understand and integrate into your daily routine.
This app offers a massive library of over 100,000 free guided meditations from thousands of teachers around the world.
Conclusion
Somatic therapy is a gentle yet powerful way to heal, not just with your mind, but with your whole self. It helps you understand the story your body is telling and gives you the tools to find peace and relief.
At Helping Hand Therapy, we specialize in somatic and trauma-based therapies.
If you are ready to explore how your body can be a partner in your healing journey, our compassionate team is here to help. Talking to a trained expert can provide personalized strategies tailored to your unique experiences, accelerating your healing journey.
Your Somatic Action Plan
Do a Daily Check-in:
Take 30 seconds each day to simply notice how your body feels. Is your jaw tight? Are your shoulders relaxed? No need to change anything—just observe.
Use Your Hands:
Place your hands on different parts of your body (like your face or stomach) and notice the feeling of your touch. This simple action can be incredibly soothing.
Stretch It Out:
Find a quiet moment to stretch. As you stretch, pay attention to the sensations in your body and how they change as you move. This helps you get more comfortable with bodily sensations.
Try a Guided Practice:
Look up a free “somatic grounding” or “body scan” exercise on YouTube or an app like Calm or Insight Timer. Follow the guide to experience a deeper sense of connection.
Talk to a Professional:
The most powerful way to use somatic therapy is with a trained professional. If you feel like your body is holding onto stress or past pain, reach out to us for a free consultation. We can help you start a journey toward profound healing.
