Somatic Therapy

Speech is a wonderful way to communicate, but it is not the only way. Somatic therapy looks beyond speech and explores the meaning of the signals our bodies send outward.

Your body speaks its own language. This language is shared across humans of all ages. Babies who have not yet learned to speak are masters at expressing themselves and interpreting others through body language.

Body language is also shared among animals. This explains how different species can communicate with each other. You may be able to tell when your dog is excited to walk or when your cat wants to be alone. You may also notice other signals in animals, such as fear, aggression, pain, or contentedness.

When we first start learning to speak, we often put our body’s natural ways of communicating on the back burner in favor of language. But this does not mean our bodies stop expressing themselves.

What is somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy honors experiences stored in our bodies and uses our bodies as tools to heal. Much of our body communication happens subconsciously. Paying attention to our body signals can help bring our subconscious experiences into conscious awareness.

Ultimately, somatic therapy involves repairing your relationship to your body, rebuilding trust in your body, and relearning how to listen to your body’s communications.

What is it like?

This varies significantly based on each client’s needs, therapy goals, and the current status of their relationship with their body. Many factors can influence your comfort level with your body, such as trauma history, dissociation, neurodivergence, relationships, medical events, life experiences, and more. We will assess where you are at and go at your pace.

I may invite you to bring your attention to the “here and now” which means looking at what you are experiencing during your therapy session. What level of activation are you noticing? How does this change throughout the session or between sessions?

If any somatic inquiries feel inaccessible, we can pause and notice that without judgment. Therapy is about stretching your comfort zone, but not to the point of overwhelm or shutdown. We always remain focused on your needs in the present moment.

How does somatic therapy work?

We may try grounding exercises, movement, or stillness. We may bring our attention to breaths or heartbeats. There can be a playful nature to it. We start with your consent. All my interventions are merely invitations, and “no” is always a perfect answer.

How will it help me?

Getting to know your body better and improving your relationship with your body can lead to greater self compassion, self love, and self awareness. When you are better able to read your body signals, you will gain more clarity to make decisions that serve your needs in all aspects of your life. What this looks like can vary significantly from person to person, but learning to tune into your body can be life-changing in myriad ways.