Definition
Somatic means relating to the body and nervous system.
Psychosomatic therapy integrates traditional talk therapy with body-based tools to support a mind-body approach to healing.
Connection Between Experience and Physical Response
Stress, overwhelm, and trauma don’t only live in our thoughts, they can also show up in the body through patterns like tension, shutdown, chronic stress, pain, or anxiety.
Psychosomatic therapy gently explores how emotions and experiences may be held in the body, helping you build awareness and safely process what has been carried for a long time.
The goal is to support nervous system regulation, deepen self understanding, and help you reconnect with your body as a place of safety.
Wisdom of Nature
Based on research observing animals in the wild, it’s been shown that they process and respond to stress within their bodies in natural settings, without intervention.
Animals are wired to unconsciously and instantly respond to trauma with somatic behaviours, such as fleeing, stiffening, or collapsing, to protect themselves, while also naturally recovering from traumatic states by engaging in actions such as yawning, trembling, and shaking to release excess energy.
Over time, humans have lost this counter response, therefore suppressing the natural response of resetting the nervous system, which can result in the body becoming stuck in a dysregulated state.
Who Will This Benefit and How?
If you’re looking for a holistic approach to healing, or are experiencing symptoms such as:
- PTSD
- grief
- depression or anxiety
- trust issues
- low self-esteem
- issues with intimacy
- chronic stress
- trauma
- unresolved emotions
- disturbed sleep patterns
- feeling emotionally drained
- difficulty concentrating
Psychosomatic therapy aims to regulate the nervous system, release pent-up physical tension, address unresolved emotions, improve body awareness and help you feel safe in your body, restore the mind-body connection, and support insight, relief, and regulation.
What Does a Session at Thrive Look Like?
Through integrative methods such as somatic therapy, mindfulness, breathwork, movement, and nervous system regulation, you’ll be guided toward balance, emotional release, and inner harmony. Bring your eye mask, journal, and settle into a setting that feels most aligned with you (in-person or virtual).
Here are 5 examples of somatic healing techniques that may be incorporated into your session, and can also be practiced at home:
If you're ready to explore deeper ways to support your well-being, book a free 15-minute consultation or learn more about Victoria here.
Recommended Reading
- Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine, PhD
- The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body In the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
- When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor Maté, M.D.
- The Wakeful Body: Somatic Mindfulness as a Path to Freedom by Willa Blythe Baker
- In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness by Peter A. Levine, PhD
- Living Like you Mean It: Use the Wisdom and Power of Your Emotions to Get the Life You Really Want by Ronald J. Frederick, PhD
- Somatic Psychology: Body, Mind and Meaning by Linda Hartley
Resources
- Salamon, M. (2023, July 7). What is somatic therapy? Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951
- Thrive Urban Wellness. (n.d.). Psychosomatic counselling session. https://thriveurbanwellness.com/products/psychosomatic-counselling-session?_pos=1&_psq=psychosomatic&_ss=e&_v=1.0
- Aura Institute. (2024, May 21). Top 10 must-read books on Somatic Experiencing for trauma-informed education. https://www.aurainstitute.org/somatics-training-3/2024/05/21/top-10-must-read-books-on-somatic-experiencing-for-trauma-informed-education
- Ramirez-Duran, D. (2020, November 11). Somatic Experiencing therapy: 10 best exercises & examples. PositivePsychology.com. https://positivepsychology.com/somatic-experiencing/
- 5 Somatic Healing Techniques Image via Pinterest
