From the Research
Somatic therapy is a highly effective body-centered approach to healing that focuses on the connection between the mind and body to address trauma, stress, and emotional issues, as evidenced by a recent study published in 2021 1. This approach works by helping people become aware of bodily sensations and physical responses that relate to their psychological experiences. Practitioners guide clients through various techniques such as:
- Breathwork
- Physical movement
- Touch
- Vocal expression
- Mindfulness to release tension and trauma stored in the body. Common forms of somatic therapy include:
- Somatic Experiencing
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
- Hakomi. These approaches are based on the understanding that traumatic experiences can become trapped in the body, creating physical symptoms and emotional distress. By attending to physical sensations and completing interrupted stress responses, somatic therapy helps the nervous system return to a regulated state, as supported by a study published in 2015 2. This therapy can be particularly effective for:
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic pain, as it addresses both psychological and physiological aspects of distress rather than relying solely on verbal processing, as shown in a randomized controlled study published in 2017 3. Sessions typically last 50-90 minutes and may be incorporated into traditional talk therapy or practiced as a standalone treatment. Overall, the current evidence suggests that somatic therapy is a valuable treatment option for individuals experiencing trauma, stress, and emotional issues, with a recent study published in 2021 providing preliminary evidence for its effectiveness 1.