WHAT IS SOMATIC EXPERIENCING?
"Somatic" derives from the Greek word 'soma' meaning body.
In touch and talk therapy the body is included in the talk aspect of traditional therapy. In this work the body, mind, emotions and sense of spirit are inseparable so all are addressed—the body is the starting point rather than the thinking mind in order to get us out of our heads and in tune with what we are experiencing. Instead of talking about an emotion, we resource the experience of that emotion and engage it directly. Instead of talking about issues, we engage with them in the body and in the present.
Somatic Therapy helps you explore all of you, by resourcing the embodied senses, emotional expressions and communicating with the nervous system directly.
Your body is an imprint of your collective experiences, story, history, emotions as a living and changing human being. Trauma, fear, clarity, authenticity and the capacity for change are within.
Sometimes we think something though feel differently. Somatic Therapy bridges that divide by listening, and understanding how your feelings are trying to keep you safe. This connection of mind and body allows you to move forward no longer divided but as one whole.
With the combination of touch and talk we incorporate not just the thinking mind, but the subconscious, sense of self, and the emotions within. This therapy is very collaborative, self realizing and self actualizing. Touch makes this a therapy you really feel.
HOW DOES SOMATIC EXPERIENCING WORK?
WHERE DOES SOMATIC EXPERIENCING COME FROM?
Somatic Experiencing is many things blended together in order to combine touch and talk therapies in a meaningful way.
Gestalt Talk Therapy
Gestalt talk therapy, which is based on the gestalt (whole) of the client's present experience. Oftentimes role playing is used in the present to revisit and heal past events. This talk therapy also focuses on Non-Judgmental self awareness and on the client-therapist relationship. Instead of talking about being a sad child for example, you are encouraged to BE that sad child.
Alexander Technique
Alexander technique, an educational way to move through and past harmful tensions in the body during day to day activities and reconnect ourselves to sensory amnesia we may have created through stressful and dysfunctional holding patterns.
Feldenkrais Method
Feldenkrais method, a system designed to promote bodily and mental well-being by conscious analysis of neuromuscular activity via movements that improve flexibility and coordination and increase ease and range of motion.
Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk
Bessel van der Kolk is a psychiatrist, author, researcher and educator in the area of post-traumatic stress. In the past 3 decades, we have learned an enormous amount about neuropathways and interpersonal attachment systems. Dr. Van der Kolk's work is focused on integrating therapy with science, and the mind body connection.
The Polyvagal System
Dr. Stephen Porges’ research of the 3 major branches of the nervous system and how to work with each of them to return our bodies to homeostasis. Dr. Porges’ studies of the nervous system also teaches us how trauma responses are living in the body and with that understanding how to disrupt and reconcile trauma responses such as shut down, fight or flight and fawn (people pleasing).
Relationships inside and out
Stress and Anger
Sleep issues
Anxiety and Depression
Confidence
WHAT CAN SOMATIC EXPERIENCE HELP WITH?
Healing past wounds
CPTSD
Physical pains and aches (Dis-Ease)
Mindfulness
Panic and Pressure