Somatic Therapy: Connecting Mind, Body, and Emotion for Trauma Healing
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between the mind and body to heal trauma, stress, and emotional challenges. Many emotional and physical issues are stored in the body, and somatic therapy helps release this tension, offering a holistic approach to healing. In practice, it involves a therapist guiding the patient to become aware of physical sensations, breath, movements, and posture - helping them process emotions that may be held in the body. This approach works by using mindfulness, body awareness, and gentle touch or movement to help individuals reconnect with their body and release stored trauma or stress.
What Issues Can Somatic Therapy Help With?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Depression
Phobias
Grief and Loss
Childhood Trauma
Sexual Assault or Abuse Survivors
Addiction and Substance Abuse
Chronic Pain and Illness
Body Image Issues
Low Self-Esteem and Negative Self-Beliefs
Relationship Issues (e.g. attachment issues)
Dissociation
Intellectualization
Too Long, Didn’t Read:
Somatic therapy helps heal trauma and stress by focusing on the mind-body connection, using techniques like mindfulness and body awareness to release stored tension and nervous system regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Somatic Therapy incorporates talk therapy throughout the process. However, rather than focusing primarily on verbal processing of thoughts and feelings, somatic therapy integrates body awareness and physical sensations. It works on a deeper level by addressing how trauma and emotions are physically experienced in the body.
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The number of sessions needed can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the issues being addressed.
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Touch is not a mandatory component of somatic therapy. There may be few interventions that suggest limited gentle touch, but this is always optional and done with prior discussion and consent.
Our Somatic Therapists:
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Brynlyn Moore, MSW, RSW, PAT, ChT
Serving: Alberta, Ontario & Quebec
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Ash dela Cruz Yip, MCP, RCC, CT
Serving: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland & Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut
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Melissa Fonseka, Registered Psychologist
Serving: Alberta
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Kaitlyn Domingues, Counselling Intern
Serving: Alberta