What is Somatic-Based Therapy?
Somatic-based therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on the mind-body connection and incorporates techniques that address the physical and emotional aspects of a person’s experience. This type of therapy emphasizes the importance of bodily sensations, movements, and expressions in understanding and healing psychological issues.
How does IH Psychotherapy utilize Somatic-Based Therapy?
At our practice, we utilize somatic-based therapy by incorporating techniques such as body-focused mindfulness, breathwork, movement therapy, and body awareness exercises to help clients connect with their physical experiences and explore how these experiences relate to their emotional well-being. By integrating somatic approaches with traditional talk therapy, we can help clients process and heal from symptoms of anxiety, and depression, and improve overall self-awareness and self-regulation.
What are the tenets of Somatic-Based Therapy?
The tenets of Somatic-Based Therapy include the belief that the body holds important information about a person’s emotional experiences and that by focusing on bodily sensations and movements, individuals can gain insight into their psychological well-being. This therapy also emphasizes the importance of building a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship that allows clients to explore and express their emotions in a supportive environment.
What issues does Somatic-Based Therapy address?
Somatic-based therapy can address a variety of issues, including trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, body image issues, and somatic symptoms related to stress and emotional distress. It can also be beneficial for individuals seeking to reconnect with their bodies, regulate their emotions, and cultivate a sense of grounding and presence.
What does research show about the effectiveness of Somatic-Based Therapy?
Research on the effectiveness of somatic-based therapy is growing, with studies suggesting that it can be effective in treating trauma-related symptoms (Kuhfuß et al., 2021), reducing anxiety and depression, and improving overall well-being (Kuhfuß et al., 2021; Brom et al., 2017). However, more research is needed to further understand the mechanisms through which somatic-based therapy works and its potential benefits for different populations and mental health concerns. Consult with a trained somatic therapist or practitioner to determine if this approach is suitable for addressing your specific concerns.
It’s important to note that research outcomes may vary across different populations and issues, and further research is ongoing to explore the effectiveness of somatic-based therapy in different contexts. It’s always advisable to consult a trained professional and consider multiple sources of evidence to make informed decisions about therapy approaches.
References
Kuhfuß, M., Maldei, T., Hetmanek, A., & Baumann N. (2021). Somatic experiencing – effectiveness and key factors of a body-oriented trauma therapy: A scoping literature review. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1929023.
Brom, D., Stoker, Y., Lawi-Vered, C., Nuriel-Porat, V., Ziv, Y., Lerner, K., & Ross, G. (2017). Somatic experiencing for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled outcome study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 30(3), 304-312. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22189