Trauma has a unique way of taking its toll on a person. This occurs both in the moment and can continue over the next weeks, months, or even years. Mental health concerns like anxiety, depression or bipolar can further complicate your situation.
What many people fail to realize is how trauma and mental health can correlate to physical health. That’s where somatic therapy can come into play.
As mental health and wellness have gained awareness over recent years, many people are discovering the breadth of therapeutic modalities, including somatic therapy. If you’re interested in exploring somatic therapy to meet your needs, here’s how to prepare.
What is Somatic Therapy?
The somatic therapy approach incorporates psychotherapy elements and physical healing principles. Its foundation is rooted in addressing the mind-body connection to achieve healing.
Those who practice somatic therapy understand that any negative emotions you’re feeling can become stuck in the body. Under normal circumstances, your memories are processed accordingly and then stored for later recall. However, when those emotions aren’t properly processed, they can begin to manifest into physical symptoms, chronic issues, or psychological disorders. For example, many who suffer from trauma also report experiencing chronic pain.
Common conditions that are treated with somatic therapy include:
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Sexual dysfunction
Stress
Symptoms related to abuse
Trauma
Benefits of somatic therapy can include:
Reducing stress
Addressing sleep issues
Improving mood
Improving body awareness
Improving relationships
How Does Somatic Therapy Work?
There is a strong connection between your brain and your body. When you’re struggling with something stressful, odds are there will be some presentation of physical symptoms.
The goal of somatic therapy is to take a deep dive into your bodily sensations to increase awareness and promote healing. Somatic therapy will try to close the loop between what’s going on in your mind and body. Some people resport that they can’t feel body sensations. However, not feeling is good awareness and can be a good starting point.
Somatic therapy is a more holistic alternative to traditional talk therapies. Yet, it is becoming an evidence based approached as it is being studied more. A somatic therapist will focus on behaviors and cognitive distortions.
Until whatever is going on with your stuck memories is uncovered, your mind and body will continue to re-live that experience on some level.
Finding the Right Therapist
Somatic therapy encompasses some traditional therapy components as well as some non-traditional interventions. You’ll want to find out which type of modalities are preferred and practiced. It’s also worth inquiring about the education and training the therapist has received.
You’ll find some supportive practices such as deep breathing, acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, dance, and grounding exercises will be given as homework. Additionally, some providers will use more advanced methods. Be sure to find a therapist who works in areas you’re comfortable exploring or are at least open to trying.
What to Expect in Your Sessions
When you start working through your trauma or whatever issue is causing you trouble, your therapist will be taking note of any physical responses to your recollection. From there, they’ll offer you coping strategies and tools to work through your stressors.
You’re going to be challenged to dig deep to see how the trauma is impacting your thoughts and bodily processes. As you make progress, you’ll be gradually exposed to more sensations in your body to learn how to develop appropriate responses to them within a safe environment. After all, the goal is to empower you and turn distress into a sense of calm.
Where to Begin
You’ve acknowledged you have some issue that requires more support to overcome. You now have a better understanding of what somatic therapy is and the basic fundamentals to start. Now it’s time to make your move. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Learn more about somatic therapy in Boulder, Longmont and Denver Colorado.
