Somatic Therapy: Healing Through Embodied Wisdom

Somatic Experiencing Therapy is a gentle and effective approach that harnesses the power of the mind-body connection to resolve trauma and stress-related symptoms. By tapping into the body's innate wisdom and self-regulatory mechanisms, Somatic Experiencing Therapy offers a pathway to release stored trauma energy and restore a sense of safety and well-being.

Embracing the Mind-Body Connection in Somatic Therapy

Somatic Therapy, also known as Somatic Experiencing Therapy, is a holistic and integrative approach that recognises the profound interplay between the mind and body in the healing process. Grounded in the understanding that trauma and stress can become trapped in the nervous system, Somatic Therapy works by facilitating the release of stored tension and restoring the body's natural self-regulatory mechanisms. By gently guiding individuals to reconnect with their body sensations, emotions, and beliefs, we promotes a deeper understanding of the impact of trauma and stress on both physical and psychological well-being. Through this process, individuals can regain a sense of safety, resilience, and empowerment as they harness the innate wisdom of their bodies to heal and transform.

Specific Conditions or Concerns that can Benefit from Somatic Therapy

01.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

We can help individuals suffering from the effects of past traumatic experiences, reducing symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and emotional distress.

02.

Anxiety disorders

Somatic Therapy offers effective tools to manage and alleviate symptoms of anxiety, including excessive worry, panic attacks, and generalised anxiety.

03.

Depression

Mindpy can support individuals experiencing depression by addressing the underlying somatic and emotional components, restoring a sense of vitality and joy.

03.

Chronic pain

We work to provide relief and improved quality of life for individuals living with chronic pain conditions, helping to manage physical discomfort and enhance overall well-being.

03.

Stress-related disorders

Somatic Therapy helps individuals navigate the effects of chronic stress, providing techniques to regulate the nervous system, reduce stress-related symptoms, and promote resilience.

03.

Relationship difficulties

Our team can assist couples or individuals in resolving relationship challenges, enhancing communication, building trust, and fostering deeper emotional connections.

Personalised Treatment Plan: Duration and Frequency of Somatic Therapy

Your healing journey is guided by a personalised treatment plan, which includes considerations for the duration and frequency of sessions. Typically, each session lasts approximately 60 minutes, providing ample time for deep exploration and integration. The frequency of sessions is determined in collaboration with your Somatic Therapist and is tailored to your specific needs and goals. While some individuals may benefit from weekly sessions for ongoing support and progress, others may prefer a more spaced-out approach with biweekly or monthly sessions. Your therapist will work closely with you to create a session schedule that aligns with your preferences and optimises your healing process.

Techniques or modalities used in Somatic Therapy

01.

Breathwork

Utilising conscious breathing techniques, Somatic Therapy helps regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Breathing exercises enhance self-awareness and provide a powerful tool for self-regulation, allowing individuals to manage emotional states and promote well-being.

02.

Body-Oriented Psychotherapy

In these sessions, we integrate principles from body-oriented psychotherapy modalities, such as Hakomi, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, or Body-Mind Centering. These approaches use body awareness, movement, and mindfulness to address underlying emotional patterns and promote holistic healing.

03.

Embodied Awareness

Somatic Therapy focuses on cultivating embodied awareness, fostering a deep connection between body and mind. Through various practices, individuals develop the ability to attune to their bodily sensations, emotions, and inner wisdom, promoting self-discovery and healing.

Compassionate Guides on Your Healing Journey: Meet Our Team

Meet the compassionate and highly skilled Somatic Therapy team at Mindpy. Our therapists are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support as you embark on your healing journey. With advanced training in Somatic Experiencing and related modalities, they possess a deep understanding of trauma healing and stress reduction. Our therapists bring a holistic approach to their practice, honoring the mind-body connection in facilitating profound transformation. They are committed to creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for your healing process, working collaboratively with you to address trauma, restore resilience, and cultivate well-being. Our team continuously engages in ongoing professional development, ensuring they stay at the forefront of Somatic Therapy practices and techniques. Rest assured, you will receive guidance and compassionate care from our Somatic Therapy team.

Frequently asked questions

What happens in a somatic experiencing session?

Who Can benefit from Somatic Experiencing?

How Does SE Differ From Other Therapeutic Modalities?

The more traditional cognitive and emotional based ‘talk’ therapies can be considered as being “top-down” approaches. They focus on insight and emotions first and only secondarily focus on somatic responses to trauma. Talking about the trauma can have an adverse effect as the person can be re-traumatised with the flooding of reactions and overwhelm that arises during the process if their nervous system is not able to regulate itself.

In contrast Somatic Experiencing is a “bottom-up” approach. It focuses on the brain stem – the reptilian brain and its survival-based functions that are not under conscious or emotional control. Access to these instinctual action and arousal systems is through the mode of physical bodily sensations, imagery and motor patterns. In the process of working with the ‘felt sense’ of the body other elements of the trauma experience may arise such as meaning and emotions. Thus cognitions and emotions are included in SE practice but they are secondary or derivative from physical sensations through the bottom-up processing.

SE uses techniques and interventions that work directly and gently with the neurophysiology of the body. SE avoids some of the issues that catharsis, re-enactment or talking about the story may create such a re-traumatisation or re-arousal of intense emotional states that can be frightening or too confronting to clients and may discourage them from continuing on their healing journey.

What kinds of conditions can somatic therapy treat?

Through somatic therapy one can develop a deeper connection to their body, what it means to listen to their body, and how the body is communicating its wants and needs. By attending to oneself in this way, one can live more presently, getting out of the thinking mind and more into their feeling body. This releases “old stories” so that stagnant traumas can let go and freedom and movement is restored in vibrant health.