Somatic Therapy

Somatic Therapy is a powerful body-centered therapeutic approach that combines mindfulness and physical awareness to promote deep emotional healing. It is designed to help individuals access and release trauma, anxiety, and stress that are often stored in the body. This method goes beyond traditional talk therapy by incorporating the wisdom of the body, allowing individuals to address unresolved pain and blocked emotions on a somatic level.

In a somatic session, the therapist guides the client to focus on bodily sensations, often starting with areas of tension, discomfort, or numbness. These physical cues are seen as doorways to deeper emotional experiences or memories that may not be immediately accessible through cognition alone. As the client tunes into their body, they learn to observe these sensations without judgment, creating a compassionate and supportive environment for the body to release stored trauma. This process can lead to significant shifts in emotional well-being and self-awareness.

Focalizing is particularly effective for those who have experienced trauma, as trauma can become "frozen" in the body. Traditional therapeutic methods may only address the cognitive aspects of trauma, leaving the physical and emotional layers unprocessed. By focusing on the body, this approach enables the client to process and integrate these layers of experience, fostering holistic healing.

Benefits

  • Trauma Release: By gently accessing and processing trauma stored in the body, clients can experience deep healing and resolution of past wounds.

  • Emotional Regulation: The practice helps individuals become more aware of their emotions and provides tools to regulate feelings of anxiety, anger, or sadness in the present moment.

  • Stress Reduction: Somatic awareness promotes relaxation, eases physical tension, and calms the nervous system.

  • Increased Self-Compassion: Clients develop a deeper, more compassionate relationship with their bodies, which enhances self-awareness and self-acceptance.

  • Mind-Body Connection: This approach encourages the integration of mind and body, empowering individuals to live with greater authenticity, presence, and vitality.

Somatic practices can be integrated with other therapeutic modalities, including talk therapy, mindfulness practices, and energy work. Whether used as a stand-alone practice or in conjunction with other methods, it is an excellent tool for anyone seeking a deeper connection with themselves, and it is particularly beneficial for those who feel disconnected from their bodies or overwhelmed by trauma or stress.

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Eva Whitmer, LPC, NPT-C

Eva Whitmer is a Licensed Trauma Therapist, who knows healing is possible. She has lived experience of relational trauma and knows just how difficult it can be to trust. Utilizing tools that create lasting change, such as EMDR and Somatic Practices, she offers compassionate support and encouragement for those wanting to live in freedom.

https://www.therisingsol.com
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EMDR: A Brain-Based Approach to Trauma Healing