How Somatic Therapy Can Transform Your Life

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body, using body-centered techniques to address the physical manifestations of trauma and emotional dysregulation. This approach helps you to become more aware of your bodily sensations, facilitating the release of stored tension and promoting healing.

Benefits of Somatic Therapy

• Enhanced Emotional Regulation: By increasing your awareness of bodily sensations, you can better understand and manage your emotional responses.

• Reduction of Physical Symptoms: Many people experience physical symptoms like muscle tension and fatigue as a result of trauma. Somatic therapy can help alleviate these issues.

• Improved Overall Well-Being: This holistic approach fosters a deeper connection with yourself, enhancing your overall sense of peace and resilience.

Our Approach at Embodied Wellness and Recovery

At Embodied Wellness and Recovery, we offer a safe and supportive environment where you can explore and heal from your challenges. Our somatic therapy sessions are tailored to your unique needs, incorporating techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and gentle movement. We begin by discussing your history and the specific difficulties you’re facing and then guide you through exercises designed to increase body awareness and facilitate healing.

Specific Somatic Modalities Offered

at Embodied Wellness and Recovery

Somatic Experiencing®

The Somatic Experiencing® method, which was developed by Dr. Peter Levine,  is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma and other stress disorders. Trauma affects the brain, mind, and body. However, the body often is neglected in the psychotherapy of trauma. Somatic Experiencing (SE) teaches that trauma is not caused by the event itself but rather develops by the failure of the body, mind, spirit, and autonomic nervous system to process extreme adverse events. Many approaches to treating trauma aim to correct faulty cognitions or access and express emotional content. In contrast, Somatic Experiencing (SE) engages the living body by contacting primal sensations that support core autonomic self-regulation and coherence. Work at this level allows one to attune to one’s body, intently “listening” to what the body is trying to communicate through these core sensations, moving upwards towards feeling, emotions, and cognitions. Both mind and body are given an equal place in an integrative and holistic treatment of trauma. This is why somatic therapy is referred to as a “bottom-up” vs. “top-down” approach to healing trauma. 

Trauma Sensitive Yoga

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) is a form of trauma-informed yoga, both of which are an adaptation of traditional yoga tailored specifically to support the needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. Developed by David Emerson and colleagues at the Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute, TSY is designed to help trauma survivors reclaim their sense of agency and safety within their bodies. Emphasizing present-moment awareness through mindful attention to the body and breath, which helps individuals stay grounded, this trauma modality is built on key somatic principles that prioritize the safety and empowerment of participants. TSY offers choices in poses, fostering a sense of control and empowerment, and places a strong emphasis on interoception, encouraging participants to develop awareness of their internal body sensations. Instructors use a non-judgmental and invitational approach, avoiding physical adjustments and respecting personal boundaries to create a safe and supportive environment for trauma survivors.

Somatic Surf Therapy

Surfing as somatic therapy can be particularly helpful for teens struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, and stress. Adolescence is a turbulent time filled with rapid changes, intense emotions, and significant stressors. For many teens, traditional therapy alone might not be enough. Surfing can be considered a somatic modality because it involves engaging the body in a dynamic and mindful activity that connects physical movement with mental and emotional processes. Surfing can be a powerful somatic modality for healing trauma as it engages the body and mind in a mindful physical activity that fosters presence and connection. 

The rhythmic motion of the ocean and the physical demands of surfing help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and enhance body awareness. Surfing builds confidence and empowerment, providing a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, the therapeutic benefits of nature, community support, and the joy of the activity contribute to emotional and psychological healing, making surfing a holistic approach to trauma recovery. Surfing as somatic therapy offers a unique and transformative approach to mental health and emotional well-being. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation with our Somatic Surf Coach.

Neuroaffective Touch

The NeuroAffective Touch model was developed by Dr. Aline LaPierre, a psychotherapist specializing in integrating touch and somatic psychotherapy for healing trauma. She is also a co-author of the book "Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image, and the Capacity for Relationship," alongside Dr. Laurence Heller. The model emphasizes the use of touch as a therapeutic tool to address developmental trauma and attachment issues by integrating touch with neurobiological and psychological principles to facilitate healing from trauma. It focuses on the body’s innate capacity for self-regulation and emotional resilience by using gentle, intentional touch to create a sense of safety and connection. This approach helps clients access and process deep-seated emotional and somatic experiences that are often beyond verbal expression. By engaging the body’s sensory and affective systems, Neuroaffective Touch can help release stored trauma, reduce anxiety, and promote a greater sense of embodiment and well-being, supporting the healing process on both physical and emotional levels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Somatic Therapy

What if I’ve never tried somatic therapy before?

It’s normal to feel uncertain about trying a new therapy method. We take the time to explain each step and ensure you’re comfortable with the process. Many clients find somatic therapy to be a refreshing and effective complement to traditional talk therapy.

How long does it take to see results?

The timeline for seeing results varies from person to person. Some individuals notice improvements within a few sessions, while others may take longer. Consistency and openness to the process are key.

Embodied Wellness and Recovery: Your Partner in Healing

At Embodied Wellness and Recovery, we specialize in helping individuals heal from trauma and emotional dysregulation through somatic therapy. Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care. We have seen many clients achieve significant improvements in their mental health and overall quality of life. With over ten years of experience, we are confident in our ability to support you on your journey to wellness.