A Note on Somatics
What even is Somatic Therapy?
If you’re in any sort of wellness space on the internet, you’ve probably heard “somatic” being talked about lately. It’s the latest buzz worthy word —and for good reason! I’m excited to see more folks paying attention to our bodies’ form of communication and bringing it into a holistic vision of wellness. It’s super cool to see mental health bringing in other intelligences. AND, like most buzz words and topics, they are often oversimplified and flattened. Somatic therapy is not: feeling your back/dancing in your kitchen/breathing deeply. These are somatic tools: practices that can be used with the intention of deeper exploration with a thoroughly trained, certified practitioner or therapist. It’s not just how you move your body or even being in tune with it; as a methodology, it’s so much more.
Somatics is actually a form of depth psychology.
We work with your body’s intelligence (your emotions, sensations, memories, etc.) to uncover where your subconscious may be driving patterns that no longer serve you. During the two years I intensively trained with the Hakomi Institute–a highly experiential, mindfulness-based method of somatic psychotherapy–I went through my own personal transformation and I am passionate about bringing this approach out into the world. When you work with me, we’re not just noticing the tension in your shoulders to notice it. We’re bringing our attention there, with mindfulness, as a way to access your unconscious self that’s calling the shots in your life. We’re walking, together, into dark corners to shine a light on what you’re ready to bring into your awareness in order to transform it. Together, we discover the “maps” you created to navigate this big, big world at a young age, and actually repattern your nervous system to live a life with more possibility. It is meaningful and incredibly rewarding work that can result in a life filled with more freedom, compassion, and authenticity, if you choose to say yes to it.
Somatics can go deep and be a lot.
It can be joyful and filled with levity. It’s important to be with a guide who is trained to take you there. Noticing what’s happening in your body (emotional, spiritual, physical) is great and valuable, but it is only the first step. With 1-on-1 sessions and/or group programs like Attune, you are establishing the foundation and the first building block needed to do the deeper work. When you start to distinguish things like, what shame feels like versus guilt, you are learning the subtle language of the body. It’s often slow and thick like molasses, taking time to settle and parse out. The more we practice, though, the clearer it becomes and the more sensitized we become to the cues that lead us home.
Curious to learn more?
I offer free 30-minute 1-on-1 virtual consultations to learn more about how I practice Somatic Therapy. You can also sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know about group programs!