Whereas traditional therapy focuses on talking about your problems, and through that possibly getting an insight or new understanding, somatic therapy takes a different approach.
Somatic therapy is sometimes called a “bottom-up” therapy approach, because instead of focusing on intellectualizing about our problems or experiences (something that many of us are already really good at), somatic therapy is a way to start deeply listening to your body, nervous system, and emotions, and utilizing them for deep healing.
The field of trauma and PTSD therapy have become increasingly somatic focused. With best selling books such as “The Body Remembers”, “The Body Keeps the Score”, “Waking the Tiger” (i.e. befriending our body and instincts), and “Trauma and the Body”, it is clear that a huge shift is going on in the trauma and PTSD treatment field. Whereas somatic therapy approaches used to be only practised by a minority, somatic approaches to trauma and PTSD treatment are coming to the center of the therapeutic stage.
Somatic Therapy – The Key To Facing Your Stressors
While awareness in talk therapy is assumed to be insight into your patterns, in somatic therapy awareness is emphasized from a mindfullness approach. Awareness of the present moment includes sensations in our body, emotions, impulses (eg to reach out, hit someone, or to hold oneself), as well as becoming present to the people and the environment we are currently in.
When we are filled with anxiety, or have unresolved trauma or PTSD, one of the most important things we lose is awareness of the moment. Some people get lost in their thoughts and mind, and disconnected from their bodies. Some people are left in a state of high alert (hyperarousal and/or hypervigilance) where they are always getting prepared for the next possible danger that might occur. Though these are perfectly understandable reactions to traumatic events, the loss of how we become disconnected from our bodies and the present is profound.
In Somatic Therapy, step by step we find ways to bring you into the present moment. Whether this is bringing yourself more into the present with your environment, which is often calming, or bringing you more in touch with what is happening in your body. As we pay attention to your body, we might find anxiety that we need to regulate, or boundaries that you need to speak. Beyond sensations, your emotions live in your body and are central to your human experience – sadness/grief, anger/rage, guilt, shame, love and joy. People’s symptoms of anxiety and depression are often surface symptoms the cover up their deeper emotional world that they have become disconnected from.
Working Through Your Past Experiences With Therapy
In your initial somatic therapy sessions, we are usually not focusing in depth on your past traumatic experiences. Although it might be important for you to name these, it is important that we build the foundations for your healing.
The more we develop a safe and trusting bond between us, filled with both compassion and honesty, the more strong the container we will build for you. The more present you can be with your bodily sensations and emotions, the more resourceful you will feel as we peel back the layers into your most impactful life experiences (positive and negative/traumatic).
Each person proceeds on this path at a different pace, but if you are motivated to heal, you will likely be greatly rewarded for following a somatic therapy path to healing.
ICBC Counselling & Neurofeedback Services – Ready And Able To Guide You Through Your Healing Journey!
We are here to help you regain a sense of health and wellbeing. With the help of our expert team members, we aim to deliver high-quality mental health services to various clients. We specialize in a range of conditions, including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, concussions and head injuries, and more.
Somatic Therapy is but one way to tackle your problem. Visit ICBC Counselling Vancouver official site to see our range of offerings, including EMDR trauma therapy and brain optimization through neurofeedback. You’re not alone and we want to help you get through whatever issue it is you’re dealing with.
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