Somatics is becoming a bit of a buzz word which is really, really exciting because people are finally starting to realise the significance and success of incorporating the physical body in the emotional healing process.

The term "somatic" comes from the Greek word "soma," which means the living body. 

Somatic therapy recognizes that unresolved emotional experiences and trauma can become "stuck" in the body, leading to physical tension, chronic pain and a range of emotional difficulties. 

When working Somatically we release these stored experiences through various techniques that involve engaging your body in the therapeutic process and it’s so beneficial for a wide range of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, stress-related disorders and physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation.

The weight of your trauma

When we experience challenging situations the trauma imprints first through our body (the soma), then our emotions and then our mind. Think of your trauma as a weighted ball and you are holding on to it. The more trauma you experience the more weighted balls you have to carry and the longer you hold on to them the heavier they get making it more difficult and uncomfortable to sustain.

In our modern world talk and traditional therapy has become increasingly common and is what we refer to as “Top Down Therapy”. It addresses the mind and emotion first and foremost and while talk therapy can be highly beneficial and effective for many individuals, it may not fully address the somatic or physical aspects of trauma.

Those weighted balls you are carrying stay with you at traditional therapy, you don’t let them go with meditation and you keep holding onto them when you journal.

Somatics is what we call “Bottom UP” therapy as we address the physical body first and foremost. 

Inviting somatics into your healing encourages you to release those weighted balls so you can free yourself from that trauma, heaviness and burden once and for all.

CONSIDER THIS …

A great way to make sense of the order in which trauma is imprinted within your body is to imagine someone breaking into your house.

You feel it first don’t you. You feel that fear clutch within your body (Soma), you then feel scared (Emotion) and after those initial and immediate responses you shift to your thoughts (MIND) and consider your plan of action.

The alternative scenario is similar to the order of TOP Down Therapy. The Mind, then Emotion and then the Body.

You hear someone is breaking into your house.

You calmly consider what you are going to do. 

Then you decide to become scared and next you contract your body in fear?

It just doesn’t work that way does it. Which helps us realise why it’s so important to include the body and the emotional charge that is trapped within it as a crucial part of our healing.

Traumatic events (such as someone breaking into your house) can create an emotional "charge" within us. This charge refers to the intense emotional energy associated with the traumatic experience. This emotional charge can remain stored in the body, contributing to physical sensations, behavioural patterns, and emotional responses in the future. Somatic therapy works to discharge or release this emotional charge from the body, facilitating healing and resolution.

It's important to know that not all challenging situations lead to trauma, but when an event overwhelms our capacity to cope or threatens our sense of safety and well-being, it can result in trauma. Trauma occurs when the natural process of integrating and resolving the challenging experience is interrupted, leaving emotional and somatic imprints that can continue to affect us long after the event has passed.

Somatic therapy focuses on addressing these imprints in the body helping you release and process the unresolved emotions associated with traumatic experiences. By working through the body-mind connection, somatic therapy aims to support healing and promote a more integrated and balanced state of being.

Positive outcomes of somatic therapy

The overall goal of somatic therapy is to help you develop a greater sense of embodiment, emotional regulation and resilience. By integrating the mind and body in therapy you can facilitate healing and growth on a deeper level.

Some outcomes of Somatic Therapy and Healing are - 

• Healing from Trauma: Somatic therapy is really effective in addressing trauma and its effects on the body and mind. It helps you process and release traumatic experiences that may have become trapped in your body causing symptoms like anxiety, hyper-vigilance or emotional numbness. By gently working through these sensations you can find relief and regain a sense of safety and control.
  
• Reducing Anxiety and Stress: Somatic therapy teaches you how to recognise and manage the physical manifestations of anxiety and stress. Through techniques such as body awareness and breathwork you can learn to regulate your nervous system, leading to a calmer and more centred state of being.
  
• Improved Emotional Regulation: Understanding the connection between your emotions and bodily sensations empowers you to recognise and express your feelings in healthier ways. Somatic therapy provides tools to process emotions, leading to more balanced reactions and increased emotional resilience.
  
• Emotional Release Through the Body: Physical exercises, movement, and body awareness techniques in somatic therapy facilitate the release of emotional energy that may be stored in the body. This release can lead to emotional processing and healing.
  
• Enhancing Self-Awareness: By becoming more attuned to your bodily sensations and movements you can gain deeper insights into your emotional experiences and behavioural patterns. This heightened self-awareness allows for greater self-understanding and personal growth.
  
• Relief from Physical Discomfort: Somatic therapy can liberate you from experiencing chronic pain or unexplained physical symptoms. By exploring the emotional roots of your physical tension and discomfort you can create a better understanding of the mind-body connection and find the relief you desire.
  
• Promoting Mindfulness and Presence: Somatic therapy encourages mindfulness, which involves being fully present in the moment without judgment. This practice cultivates a sense of grounding and helps you manage racing thoughts or overwhelming emotions.
  
• Building Resilience: As you work through emotional challenges and develop a deeper sense of embodiment, you will become more resilient in handling life's difficulties. Somatic therapy equips you with coping strategies to navigate future stressors with greater strength and flexibility.
  
• Enhancing Body Image and Self-Esteem: For those struggling with body image issues, somatic therapy can foster a more positive relationship with the body. You will learn learn to appreciate your body as a valuable source of wisdom and experience, leading to improved self-esteem.
  
• Supporting Personal Growth: Somatic therapy is not only about addressing problems but also about fostering personal growth and transformation. By embracing the mind-body connection, you will embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and empowerment.

Do what works best for you!

Somatic therapy emphasizes the integration of your mind and body in the healing process. By incorporating your body into the therapeutic approach, it recognises how trauma is stored in your body, influencing your emotional and cognitive experiences. Working with your body's responses, sensations and movements allows you to release your 'weighted balls' of trauma promoting deeper healing and resolution.

Somatic therapy complements traditional talk therapy, enhancing the effectiveness of the therapeutic process. By inviting somatics into your healing, you will experience a more comprehensive and transformative journey to free yourself from the burdens of trauma.

Remember, therapy should be tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Combining talk therapy with somatic therapy or exploring various therapeutic modalities offers a well-rounded and personalised approach to healing from trauma and other emotional challenges."

The one person you forgot to ask

When we experience pain and tension, many of us instinctively seek relief by outsourcing our well-being and relying on others for the answers we seek. Unfortunately, in doing so, we often forget to turn to the one source that knows exactly what we need – our own body!

Easier said than done, I know! In today's world, filled with information overload, convenience, and endless promises from gadgets and products, we find ourselves increasingly disconnected from our bodies. There's always a new product or shortcut claiming to provide the feeling or outcome we desire, making it easier to ignore our body's innate wisdom.

Instead of tuning in and trusting our bodies, we've learned to rely on external solutions. The default mode of modern living is to outsource our well-being rather than tap into the deep wisdom within ourselves.

Sacred Union

This is where SACRED UNION comes in, bridging the gap between not knowing your body and then relying on the body to facilitate healing.

We don’t go from first date to marriage in the first night and if we do we all know what the likely outcome will be.

Sacred Union is your opportunity to rekindle the Relationship between you and your body, to get to know her again and to help regain connection and trust.

I liken jumping into Somatic Healing to a date with a stranger. Let’s face it you’re not truly showing up as you. For many people you’re pretending to be something you’re not, you’re swallowing your tongue and not speaking your truth and often only showing one side of who you are.

You’re not completely relaxed, there’s a subtle tension and caution resulting in a protective response within your body.

Sacred Union helps break down those barriers so when you experience Somatic Therapy or healing you’re defences are down and you get the outcome you deserve and a truly transformational experience.

FOR MORE INFO ON SACRED UNION CLICK HERE 

TO CONNECT WITH SARAH VIA A COMPLIMENTARY CONNECTION ZOOM CLICK HERE 

Thanks for reading!

I hope you enjoyed it and learnt something new. If you would like to hear more about Somatic Therapy check out my podcast episode 'What is Somatic therapy and how does it heal emotional (and physical) pain?'

Be sure to share this link with someone you believe needs to hear this transformational info.