Somatic Therapy – A glimpse into: Somatic Therapy, Focusing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and IFS
Somatic Therapy such as Focusing Oriented Therapy, IFS or Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in Australia is reshaping the therapy world. As a Somatic Therapist, I will work with you through depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, using this modality. Somatic Therapy is truly a profound and integrative way in working with challenges.
If you’ve tried traditional talk therapy, or looking for something which takes a more holistic approach, my somatic therapy practice may be of interest. I really love this approach, as it offers a complete different way in working with my clients.
While I still incorporate traditional “talk” therapy, the integration of somatic therapy offers an incredible paradigm shift in working and understanding and working through emotions.
What to Expect in Somatic Therapy Sessions
Somatic therapy offers a comprehensive approach to healing that includes:
- A non-judgmental approach to help connect with the body
- A collaborative environment to explore difficult traumas and emotions safely
- Acceptance of life experiences, helping to find steps toward lasting changes
- Greater awareness of emotions held within the body
- Better understanding of physical reactions to emotions
- Significant reduction in stress and anxiety
- Improved resilience and emotional regulation
Therapeutic Integration:
Somatic therapy can be integrated with more traditional therapeutic modalities for a holistic treatment approach. Techniques such as psychodynamic psychotherapy, Attachment Based Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and existential therapy are often combined with somatic work for comprehensive healing.
This integrative approach can help with a variety of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, and grief. Somatic therapy is effective for trauma work, relationship counselling, marriage counselling, and specialized areas such as LGBT counselling.
Focusing Oriented Therapy & The Felt Sense
Focusing Oriented Therapy (FOT) is a key healing technique used in somatic therapy practice. FOT has similarities to other somatic therapies such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), or parts work, focusing on releasing trauma held within the body.
It is a person-centered therapy based on the belief that people already possess the answers they need to solve their problems.
FOT is grounded in what is called focusing theory, which concentrates on the internal experience and bodily awareness.
The Felt Sense
A central concept of Focusing is the “felt sense”. Connecting with the felt sense during FOT can be an important guide to emotions, thoughts, and feelings.
Somatic therapists help clients develop awareness of the body’s felt sense through directing attention towards an internal landscape that dips below the conscious mind.
With the use of focusing techniques, therapists guide clients through a somatic experiential process.
This process can assist in creating a visceral felt shift as the nervous system restores and returns back home.
The body has its own innate wisdom. It knows what it needs.
Somatic therapy works to acknowledge and affirm both the knowledge and emotions that the body possesses, which benefits clients in their emotional journey toward healing and wholeness.
FaQ
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a holistic therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between mind and body. It emphasizes awareness of bodily sensations (introperception) to help process and release trapped emotions and trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy that relies primarily on cognitive processing, somatic therapy uses the wisdom of the body to facilitate healing at a neurobiological level.
How is Somatic Therapy different from traditional talk therapy?
While traditional talk therapy focuses primarily on cognitive processes and verbal expression, somatic therapy incorporates body awareness and physical sensations. It recognizes that trauma and emotions are stored in the body, not just the mind. By working with bodily sensations, trapped trauma can be accessed and released more effectively, often achieving faster and more profound results.
What is the "felt sense" in Somatic Therapy?
The “felt sense” is a central concept in Focusing Oriented Therapy, a type of somatic therapy. It refers to the subtle, pre-verbal bodily awareness that exists below conscious thought. By learning to connect with the felt sense, individuals can access deeper emotional wisdom and experience “felt shifts” – liberating moments when trapped emotions are released and the nervous system returns to a state of safety and rest.
How long does a Somatic Therapy session last?
Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes long. For deeper work, extended sessions of 80 minutes may be recommended. The frequency and duration of treatment varies depending on individual needs and goals. Many therapists offer both in-person and online video counselling options.
Can Somatic Therapy help with trauma and PTSD?
Yes, somatic therapy is particularly effective for trauma and PTSD. It recognizes that traumatic experiences can cause dysfunction in the nervous system, preventing full processing of the trauma. Through somatic approaches, the body’s nervous system can be restored back to its safe resting place, releasing trauma that has been “trapped” in the body.
Is online Somatic Therapy as effective as in-person sessions?
Online somatic therapy via video platforms like Zoom has proven to be highly effective for many clients. While some may initially prefer in-person sessions, video counselling offers flexibility and accessibility while maintaining the therapeutic connection necessary for effective somatic work. Both options can facilitate deep healing and body awareness.
What other therapies are combined with Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy often takes an integrative, holistic approach that combines somatic techniques with traditional modalities including psychodynamic psychotherapy, Attachment Based Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and existential therapy. This eclectic approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to specific individual needs.
What issues can Somatic Therapy address?
Somatic therapy can help with a wide range of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship struggles, and PTSD. It’s particularly effective for addressing emotional challenges that haven’t fully responded to traditional talk therapy approaches. The body-centered focus allows for deeper processing of emotional and physical symptoms.
What happens during a Somatic Therapy session?
During a somatic therapy session, therapists guide clients through body awareness exercises, helping them notice sensations, tensions, and emotions held in the body. This may include breathwork, gentle movement, or focused attention on specific bodily sensations. The therapist creates a safe, non-judgmental space for exploring these experiences and facilitating release and integration.
New FAQ
New faq content
Available Therpaists
Marcus Thompson
Marcus Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 14 years of experience in addiction recovery and dual diagnosis treatment. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia...
- LGBT
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Grief
Dr. Linda Chen
Dr. Linda Chen is a clinical psychologist specializing in adolescent mental health and family systems therapy. With a PhD from Stanford University and over 18 years of clinical experience, she...
- Relationship
- Sex
- Depression
- PTSD
- Stress
- Grief
James Rodriguez
Dr. James Rodriguez is a licensed clinical psychologist who has devoted his 12-year career to helping individuals overcome anxiety disorders and recover from traumatic experiences. He completed his doctoral training...
- PTSD
- Grief
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Male (Men’s Issues)
Dr. Sarah Mitchell
Dr. Sarah Mitchell brings over 15 years of specialized experience in couples therapy and relationship counseling to her practice in downtown Seattle. She earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and...
- Anxiety
- LGBT
- Divorce