What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-based therapy that focuses on the connection between mind and body. Oftentimes, trauma is stored in the body, so this therapy helps individuals release muscle tension with a conscious intention for healing. Unlike with talk therapy, you will focus more on releasing trauma from the body. It is also common for body-based therapy to be done in conjunction with standard talk therapy.
This body-based therapy offers a wide range of benefits for well-being, including:
- Mind-body connection
- Stress-reduction
- Trauma healing
- Empowerment
Mind-body therapy is an effective way to release trauma stored in the body and find safety and comfort in the present moment.
Body-Centered Therapy in WPB
At the Trauma Therapy Center in WPB, we offer a holistic and effective approach to trauma healing. Individuals are given the opportunity to release trauma stored in the body in a safe and supportive environment to encourage sustainable well-being.
Understanding Somatic Therapy
Definition and Core Principles
Our mental and emotional state can influence our physical health. When we experience trauma, our bodies develop “stress hormones” such as cortisol and adrenaline.
In some people, an excess of these hormones can cause:
- Cardiovascular issues
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Immune system problems
- Insomnia
- Musculoskeletal issues
- Skin conditions
Body-based therapy facilitates the release of negative emotions stored in the body, initiating a process of unwinding the detrimental impacts of stress hormones.
Relaxing your body can help you regulate your nervous system and emotions. Throughout this process you will develop coping skills to help you deal with difficult situations.
Address your emotional and physical symptoms to help:
- Reduce anxiety
- Improve mood and emotional regulation
- Reduced physical and emotional pain
- Improved sleep
- Improved relationships
Our West Palm Beach therapists are skilled and experienced in helping individuals reduce trauma symptoms by utilizing somatic techniques, such as breathwork, body scan, and mindful movement.
Benefits of Somatic Therapy in Palm Beach
Benefits include:
- Reduced stress
- Decreased anxiety
- Reduced chronic pain
- Improved emotional regulation
- Increased self-awareness
- Improved body image
Somatic trauma therapy is a holistic approach that honors the body, brain, and spirit’s interconnectedness while empowering individuals to heal from past traumatic experiences and improve their well-being.
The mind-body connection can help you manage strong emotions more effectively and become more attuned to your body’s signals.
Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based?
Somatic therapy shows promise as a treatment for PTSD. Studies have shown it can be effective in reducing trauma symptoms.
According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, this form of therapy reduced trauma symptoms by 60%.
Common Techniques
What to Expect in Somatic Therapy
To prepare for therapy:
- Be open and honest about your intentions, goals, thoughts, and feelings with your therapist.
- Be patient. Any type of therapy takes consistency.
- Wear comfortable clothing. It’s important to feel safe and comfortable in therapy.
- Be gentle with yourself. You are learning something new for the benefit of your future and well-being. Give yourself grace.
During a typical session, you can expect a discussion about how this type of therapy works, your symptoms and experiences, body awareness exercises, and gentle movement or breathing exercises.
Remember that you can ask your WPB therapist any questions or share any concerns you may have. The more truthful you are, the better the quality of help you can receive.
I found that in my experience, clients who participated in body-based therapy for 6 weeks noticed a 50% decrease in post-traumatic symptom disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
Somatic techniques include:
- Breathwork: We will guide you through breathing exercises that will help you relax your body and alleviate anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. Breathing exercises are practical due to their accessibility and fast effectiveness.
- Five senses: We will guide you through using one of your five senses to relax your body.
- Movement: We will help you learn skills to help you identify and release tension in your body.
- Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help you manage stress, anxiety, and trauma symptoms.\
Different types of somatic therapy include:
- Somatic experiencing (SE): SE helps individuals relieve trauma stored in the body through breathing, meditation, and utilizing sensory perception. Somatic experiencing uses breathing, meditation, or other sensory modalities to heal from past traumas.
- Hakomi therapy: This form of somatic therapy uses mindful inquiry, experiential exercises, and bodywork to change limiting beliefs from trauma.
- Sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP): This therapy teaches you to self-regulate your nervous systems to cope with emotions.
You and your therapist will discuss and work together to decide which form of therapy is right for you.
What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Somatic Symptom Disorder?
Although it may seem counterintuitive, somatic therapy is not typically the first line of treatment for somatic symptoms disorder (SSD). The best treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). However, body-based relaxation skills can be beneficial for individuals with SSD because they help utilize specific techniques to alleviate stress and anxiety associated with SSD.
Somatic Therapy For Specific Concerns
Somatic therapy can address a wide range of conditions such as:
- Trauma: Healing can only happen in a relaxed body.
- Anxiety: Target physical symptoms of anxiety.
- Chronic pain: Identify and manage physical tension that may be contributing to discomfort.
- Relationship issues: Improving awareness of body and emotional regulation can improve your communication in relationships.
- Substance use disorders: Body relaxation can help manage triggers that lead to substance use.
- Eating disorders: Develop a healthier body image and relationship with food.
Try somatic therapy in WPB today and experience somatic healing and personal growth.
Finding a Somatic Therapist in WPB
To find a somatic therapist, you can:
- Read about therapists online
- Ask your doctor for a referral
- Search online directories
At the Trauma Therapy Center, we are passionate about helping the community of Palm Beach heal from trauma and thrive. We are excited about guiding you through a variety of techniques to help you feel less stress, anxiety, insomnia, and trauma symptoms.
What Does a Somatic Therapist Do?
A somatic therapist uses body-based techniques to help individuals heal from trauma. This helps clients release stored emotions in the body and process thoughts more effectively when the body is relaxed.
Does Insurance Cover Somatic Therapy?
While we don’t directly handle insurance claims at the Trauma Therapy Center in WPB, we’re here to help you navigate the reimbursement process with your insurance company. We’re committed to helping you access the resources you need to receive the care you deserve.
If you are ready to start somatic healing, contact us today to schedule a consultation in West Palm Beach or online with one of our caring therapists. With locations across Palm Beach County, from Boca Raton to Palm Beach Gardens, we make healing accessible to you.