In recent years, somatic therapy has gained popularity as an alternative approach to mental health. While traditional talk therapy focuses on the mind, somatic therapy emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. If you’ve been interested in whether or not somatic therapy could be right for you, one important question remains: is somatic therapy evidence-based?
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy explores the connection between the mind and body, addressing how physical sensations and bodily experiences relate to psychological well-being. The underlying premise of somatic therapy is that traumatic experiences, stress, and emotions can manifest in the body. By focusing on these bodily sensations, you can achieve emotional healing.
Somatic therapy aims to release body tension, increase awareness of mental and physical states, and promote processing and healing. Practitioners use techniques such as mindfulness, movement, touch, and breathwork to help clients become aware of their bodily sensations. Popular forms of somatic therapy include the Hakomi Method, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Somatic Experiencing.
The Science of Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is not a new technique, but there is an evolving understanding of how it works. Studies have indicated that somatic therapy, as a holistic approach, has neurological and psychological benefits.
When trauma occurs, your brain undergoes changes, and your nervous system is also affected. Your brain and nervous system can impact how you feel mentally and physically. Through therapy, that interconnectedness is addressed.
Evidence-Based Research
The term “evidence-based” refers to practices and interventions supported by clinical evidence and empirical research. There is a growing body of evidence for somatic therapy, but it is somewhat limited compared to more established therapeutic modalities.
Here are some of the research findings for somatic therapy:
Neurological
Neuroscience research has proven that trauma can have a significant impact on the brain and nervous system. Your stress response becomes active, hormones (like cortisol) are released, and physiological changes occur, including an elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
With somatic therapy, you’re drawing attention to physical sensations and helping the brain rewire itself. Studies using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) have indicated visible changes within the brain following somatic therapy sessions. These changes include stress reduction, improved emotional regulation, and greater well-being.
Trauma and PTSD
Somatic therapy has shown positive results in treating trauma and PTSD. Research indicates that somatic therapies like Somatic Experiencing can help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories. Individuals reported a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms after undergoing treatment. Furthermore, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can lead to substantial improvements in trauma-related symptoms and overall daily functioning.
Chronic Pain and Stress
Promising research shows that somatic therapy is effective in treating chronic pain and stress. The connection between chronic pain and psychological stress is well-documented, and somatic therapy focuses on bodily awareness and relaxation techniques that can be beneficial. Those suffering saw a reduction in pain as well as an increased quality of life.
Mind-Body Connection
The broader field of mind-body medicine supports the principles of somatic therapy. Multiple studies have shown the effectiveness of mindfulness and bodily awareness and how they positively impact mental health and wellness. Mindfulness can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and grounding techniques are helpful for people with panic disorders.
Somatic Therapy Effectiveness
The body of research surrounding somatic therapy is promising but still lacks the scale of other well-established modalities. Additionally, a holistic approach to mental health and well-being might not be right for every therapeutic journey. But for those who see value in the mind-body connection, somatic therapy is a promising modality, especially in relation to trauma recovery and stress management.
If you want to explore somatic therapy, we are here to help. We are qualified practitioners who can help you on this journey. Contact us for a free consultations.
Learn more about somatic therapy in Boulder, Longmont and Denver.
