By Jennifer Barzey, LCSW
Do you ever feel like just talking about something isn’t enough?
Do you find yourself continuing to react strongly to situations even when your mind says not to?
In the realm of mental and emotional well-being, traditional talk therapy has long been the go-to approach. However, in recent years there has been an increasing awareness of the importance that our bodies play in mental health. Somatic therapy is a modality that seeks to work with the intricate dance between our minds and bodies.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy helps to bridge the gap between our physical sensations and our emotional experiences. Unlike traditional mental health therapy, which primarily focuses on the mind, somatic therapy recognizes that our bodies hold memories of past experiences. This can help to explain why so often there may be a discrepancy between what you know and what you feel. For example, when exposed to a reminder of frightening experience you may rationally know that you are safe now, but you still have the experience of feeling unsafe in your body.
Somatics recognizes that the majority of information coming into our brain is from the bottom-up. This is especially true in regard to traumatic or overwhelming experiences. Information travels through our nervous systems in a bidirectional manner between our brain and body, but some studies show over 80% starts in the body. This makes sense when survival relies on being able to react quickly. If a tiger jumps out at me, the reaction to run quickly is more important than thinking about my options. However, when experiences or sensations get stifled before completion, they can become stuck in the body. These stored memories, feelings and experiences can manifest as changes in posture, gestures, and body language. By working with these physical manifestations, we can alleviate stress, tension, and trauma.
Techniques
The core premise of somatic therapy is simple: our bodies are the container for our life experiences. Instead of merely talking about their problems, somatic therapists guide clients to focus on their underlying physical sensations. This is a gradual process that is paced to meet the individual’s comfort level and needs.
Some of the techniques used in somatic therapy include:
Breathwork: Harnessing the power of conscious breathing to release tension.
Grounding: Connecting with the present moment through sensory awareness.
Movement: Expressing physical feelings through various forms of movement.
Emotional Release: Allowing suppressed emotions to find an outlet.
Strengthening Boundaries: Learning to set healthy limits.
Conclusion
Somatic therapy invites us to listen to our bodies, honor our physical experiences, and recognize that healing transcends mere words. By addressing both mind and body, somatic therapy offers a comprehensive approach to healing. It’s about moving toward wholeness and resilience of both mind and body.
Remember, healing isn’t just in our minds—it’s in every heartbeat, every breath, and every movement.
Jennifer Barzey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker #86851 who provides in-person therapy services in Chico, CA and telehealth sessions for clients throughout California. Jennifer is an integrative practitioner trained in EMDR, Somatics, Internal Family Systems and Nutrition for Mental Health.
To find our more or to request an appointment with Jennifer, visit www.jenniferbarzeylcsw.com
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