How Does Somatic Psychology Promote Healing And Self-Awareness?

Medically reviewed by Laura Angers Maddox, NCC, LPC and Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW

Updated October 2, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Content Warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Somatic psychology can be defined as a body-oriented therapeutic approach that may be beneficial for various mental health concerns, particularly those related to trauma. It generally uses the mind-body connection to address mental health challenges, employing physical exercises like massage and dance as well as traditional talk therapy principles. Somatic therapy may be helpful for those who wish to gain self-awareness, treat PTSD, and improve their self-esteem and confidence. You may find a somatic therapy practitioner in your local area or through an online therapy platform.

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How does somatic psychology foster awareness of the body?

Somatic psychology, also known as somatotherapy or somatic psychotherapy, is generally a body-oriented therapeutic practice. The basis of this method is often attributed to Wilhelm Reich, a student of Sigmund Freud, who supplied the theoretical bases for somatic psychology and the somatization definition.

The word "somatic,” from the Greek word “soma,” normally refers to the body, as opposed to the mind, soul, or spirit.

Reich's work can be considered fundamental in establishing a connection between trauma and the body. Building on the work of his teacher, Freud, Reich argued that repressed emotions and personality traits can be seen in body language, muscular tension, and movement.

Reich believed that a corresponding physical release could be necessary to let out emotions. Although he received some criticism, Reich's work later led to developments in somatic psychology.

In the 1970s, for example, Dr. Peter Levine worked on a psychological approach that emphasized the body and its connection to the mind. This could be seen as a clear refutation of much Western thought since René Descartes, who famously posited a dualism between mind body, arguing for the centrality of thought with his well-known expression, "I think, therefore I am" (Cogito, ergo sum).

How somatic therapy heals the mind and body

Somatic therapy or psychology generally depends on this connection between mind and body and the belief that traumatic experiences can create tangible changes in the human body, especially our nervous system. Somatic therapy typically aims to release tension through physical and mental treatments, potentially healing the mind and body together.

The goal of somatic therapy is usually to identify physical and mental pain and work to heal any psychological scars inflicted by the traumatic event.

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How somatic psychology helps improve well-being

Somatic therapy usually emphasizes the body and physical factors in mental health. For example, it normally understands that diet and exercise can play fundamental roles in our mental well-being.

Practitioners of somatic therapy may also look to body language. For example, the way people carry themselves can often say a lot about their present and past circumstances. By considering both the body and mind, somatic psychology's holistic approach can offer a well-rounded perspective.

The role of somatic therapy in enhancing body awareness and healing

Most somatic therapy also uses some form of talk therapy, a common staple of psychoanalysis since Sigmund Freud. However, the psychologists who theorized somatic therapy tend to agree that talk therapy alone may not address the full picture, particularly pertaining to how the body absorbs trauma.

Ultimately, somatic therapy may endeavor to bring greater awareness to the body by cultivating this sense in patients. Individuals may become better at releasing certain emotions and tensions by becoming more aware of bodily sensations and how they relate to trauma.

As such, somatic therapy often uses deep breathing, dance, and massage exercises. In this way, some find it more relaxing and effective than treatments that only consist of talk therapy.

Here are a few ways that somatic therapy may be helpful.

Self-awareness through somatic psychotherapy

Somatic therapy can increase one's self-awareness. Almost everyone has some degree of unconscious actions and thoughts. Somatotherapy may help by teaching you about unconscious behavior and mental activity, potentially increasing your awareness. As a result, you may see changes and identify your emotions more easily.

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptom relief and healing

Somatic therapy may be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When an individual experiences trauma, it can manifest in different ways. Somatic therapy generally looks for more subtle signs of trauma and seeks to address them.

Confidence and self-esteem

Somatic therapy may be beneficial for your confidence and relationships. This may be because it can make you more self-aware and mindful of what you say and your body language.

Possible shortcomings of somatic psychology

Everyone tends to be different, so therapists usually must ensure that they work to find the best treatment for each individual. For example, some people may not enjoy or need somatic therapy, potentially preferring a more traditional talk therapy treatment.

If a therapist tries to force someone into somatic therapy when it isn't a good fit, this could be a disservice to the patient. The same can be true of trying to force anyone into any school of psychology or therapy that they don’t feel aligned with.

Individualism of somatic psychology

Even within somatic psychology, exploring various exercises and finding the best outlet for each individual can take some time. For instance, some may benefit from voice work, while others may prefer grounding exercises. If the time isn't taken to explore various options, the individual may not experience significant benefits.

There can also be the question of touch. Some people can be sensitive to being touched, particularly if they have experienced physical trauma. It can be essential to establish firm boundaries to ensure that the client always feels safe and respected. If carried out haphazardly, somatic therapy can create more stress and trauma.

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Support through online therapy

Some people may prefer online somatic therapy, which can involve many of the same somatic experiencing methods without being in the physical presence of the professional. Practicing bodywork from the comfort of your home might make it easier to engage with somatic exercises.

More research may be needed regarding the efficacy of online somatic therapy. However, a large body of evidence generally suggests that online therapy can be just as effective as its face-to-face counterpart. Online therapy can be used to address and treat many mental health disorders and concerns.

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Takeaway

Somatic psychology generally focuses on the connection between mind and body to address mental health concerns, especially those related to traumatic experiences. It may use talk therapy in conjunction with physical exercises, such as deep breathing, dance, and voice work, to alleviate symptoms of PTSD and other mental health disorders. Somatic therapy can increase self-awareness, self-esteem, and confidence. You may attend somatic therapy sessions in person or online via an online therapy platform.

Frequently asked questions

Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.

What are examples of somatic psychology techniques?

Somatic psychology is a field within psychology that focuses on the connections between the mind and body, emphasizing the importance of the body in understanding and treating psychological issues. Here are some examples of concepts and approaches related to somatic psychology:

Somatic Experiencing (SE): Developed by Peter A. Levine, SE is a body-oriented trauma therapy that addresses trauma and stress-related disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by focusing on bodily sensations and the body's innate ability to heal. It emphasizes the importance of tracking physical sensations and releasing tension to resolve trauma. Research through a scoping literature review reveals that SE is effective at treating symptoms of PTSD.
Mind-Body Connection: Somatic psychology explores the bidirectional relationship between the body and the mind. It considers how emotional and psychological experiences can manifest as physical sensations and symptoms and vice versa.
Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique that helps individuals gain awareness and control over physiological functions like heart rate, muscle tension, and skin conductance. By monitoring these bodily processes, individuals can learn to control them and manage stress and anxiety.
Mindfulness and Body Scan: Mindfulness practices often include body scan exercises, where individuals systematically focus their attention on different parts of their body, tuning in to physical sensations, tensions, or discomfort. This can promote self-awareness and stress reduction.
Body-Centered Psychotherapy: Some therapeutic modalities, such as Hakomi, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Integrative Body-Mind Training, incorporate somatic principles into their approaches. These therapies recognize the body as a source of valuable information and healing.
Expressive Arts Therapy: Expressive arts therapies, like dance/movement therapy and art therapy, incorporate bodily expression as a means of exploring and processing emotions and experiences. Movement and creative expression can be therapeutic tools.
Yoga and Tai Chi: Practices like yoga and tai chi blend physical movement, breath control, and mindfulness to promote holistic well-being and mind-body integration. They can be used to manage stress, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms.
Trauma-Informed Yoga: This approach combines yoga principles with an understanding of trauma to create a safe and empowering environment for individuals with trauma histories. It recognizes that trauma can be stored in the body and aims to release it through mindful movement.
Body Psychotherapy: Body psychotherapy approaches, such as Reichian therapy and Bioenergetics, explore the ways in which emotional and psychological issues are held in the body. These therapies often involve physical exercises, breathing techniques, and body-awareness practices.
Sensory Integration Therapy: This therapeutic approach is commonly used with children who have sensory processing disorders. It helps individuals control their sensory experiences and improve their ability to interact with the environment.

What is somatic treatment and healing in psychology?

Somatic treatment in psychology refers to therapeutic approaches that emphasize the importance of the body in understanding and addressing psychological issues. These approaches recognize that emotional and psychological experiences are closely linked to bodily sensations, and they aim to promote healing and well-being by working with the body-mind connection. Somatic treatment can be used by somatic therapists for a variety of mental health concerns, including trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Examples of somatic therapies and approaches include Somatic Experiencing (SE), Hakomi, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Bioenergetics, and Dance/Movement Therapy, among others. These approaches are often used alongside traditional talk therapy to provide a holistic and body-centered approach to healing and personal growth. Somatic treatment can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with emotional regulation, trauma-related symptoms, or mind-body imbalances.

What are the 4 somatic psychotherapy practices?

There are numerous somatic practices that focus on the integration of the body and mind for therapeutic and holistic well-being. While there are many variations and techniques within somatic practices, here are four prominent ones:

Somatic Experiencing (SE): Developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, Somatic Experiencing is a body-centered approach to healing trauma. It recognizes that traumatic experiences can lead to physical and emotional dysregulation, and it aims to help individuals renegotiate and discharge trapped traumatic energy stored in the body. SE therapists guide clients in tracking bodily sensations and promoting natural processes of healing and resilience. In a randomized controlled outcome study SE was found to be an effective treatment for PTSD.
Hakomi: Hakomi is a mindfulness-based somatic therapy that incorporates principles of mindfulness, nonviolence, and organicity. It emphasizes the importance of body awareness and the use of gentle, mindful experiments to locate and transform unconscious beliefs and core material held in the body.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Developed by Dr. Pat Ogden, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy integrates traditional talk therapy with body-focused interventions. It's particularly useful for individuals who have experienced trauma. This approach aims to help clients develop greater awareness of bodily sensations, control their emotional responses, and process trauma through movement and mindfulness practices.
Bioenergetics: Bioenergetics is a body-centered psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between the body and emotions. It incorporates physical exercises, postures, and breathing techniques to release physical tension and emotional blockages. The goal is to help individuals gain insight into the link between their emotional and physical experiences.

How does this psychology work?

Somatic psychology is a field within psychology that focuses on the connections between the mind and body, recognizing the intricate interplay between physical sensations, emotions, and psychological well-being. Somatic psychology works by using various approaches and techniques at home or in-person practice to help individuals understand, process, and heal emotional and psychological issues through the body-mind connection. Here's how somatic psychology typically works:

Body Awareness: Somatic psychology begins with developing body awareness. Clients are encouraged to tune into their bodily sensations, tensions, and feelings. This heightened awareness allows individuals to connect with their physical experiences as a way of tapping into emotional and psychological content.
Exploration of Physical Sensations: Therapists may guide clients in exploring physical sensations and discomfort. They help clients notice and describe these sensations without judgment, allowing the sensations to be expressed and processed.
Emotional Regulation: Somatic approaches often involve techniques to help clients control their emotions. Breathwork, for example, can be used to calm the nervous system and reduce emotional arousal. Clients learn to use their breath to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional responses.
Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness is a central component of somatic psychology. Clients practice being fully present in their bodies and the moment. Mindfulness exercises help individuals stay grounded and reduce rumination or dissociation.
Emotional Release: For individuals who have experienced trauma or intense emotional experiences, somatic psychology provides a safe space for emotional release. Clients may express and release emotions that have been stored in the body, leading to a sense of relief and healing.
Body-Centered Techniques: Somatic psychology may incorporate movement, posture, and other body-centered techniques to develop a sort of body armor. Dance, yoga, and specific exercises can help clients explore and express their emotions, as well as release physical tension.

What is somatic vs behavioral psychology?

Somatic and behavioral approaches are two distinct but complementary perspectives within psychology, each with its own focus and techniques. Here's a comparison of somatic and behavioral approaches:

Somatic Psychology:

Focus: Somatic psychology emphasizes the connection between the body and the mind and psychosomatic symptoms. It explores how emotional and psychological experiences are stored in the body and how physical sensations and movements can be used to understand and address psychological issues.
Techniques: Somatic approaches involve practices that encourage individuals to develop body awareness, such as mindfulness, body scans, and paying attention to physical sensations. Techniques may also include body-centered therapies like Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, or Bioenergetics.
Goal: The primary goal of somatic psychology is to promote emotional and psychological healing and well-being by facilitating the release of physical tension, processing emotions, and integrating the body-mind connection.
Applications: Somatic psychology is often used to address physical issues and mental conditions related to trauma, stress, emotional regulation, and personal growth. It can be particularly effective for individuals who want to deepen their self-awareness and explore the role of the body in their psychological experiences.

Behavioral Psychology:

Focus: Behavioral psychology primarily focuses on observable behaviors and the principles of learning. It seeks to understand how behaviors are acquired, maintained, and changed through environmental factors, reinforcement, and conditioning.
Techniques: Behavioral approaches use techniques such as classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and behavior modification to shape and modify behaviors. These approaches often involve setting specific goals, implementing behavior change strategies, and measuring outcomes.
Goal: The main goal of behavioral psychology is to help individuals change maladaptive behaviors, reduce symptoms, and improve functioning. It emphasizes measurable and observable changes in behavior.
Applications: Behavioral psychology has broad applications in areas such as clinical psychology, education, and organizational psychology. It is commonly used to treat conditions like anxiety, phobias, addiction, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

What is an example of somatic and emotional states?

An example of the interaction between somatic (related to the body) and emotional states is the experience of anxiety. Anxiety is both an emotional state and a somatic experience. Here's how it works:

Emotional State (Anxiety): Anxiety is a common emotional state characterized by feelings of unease, apprehension, worry, and nervousness. It can be triggered by various stressors or perceived threats, such as impending deadlines, social situations, or uncertain circumstances.

Somatic Experience (Physical Sensations): When a person experiences anxiety, it often manifests in various physical sensations and symptoms. These somatic experiences can include:

Increased Heartrate
Sweating
Muscle Tension
Shortness of Breath
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Trembling or Shaking
Difficulty Sleeping
Pupil Dilation

Why is somatic therapy good for your emotions?

Somatic therapy, also known as body-centered therapy, offers several benefits and can be highly effective for individuals seeking to address various emotional, psychological, and physical challenges. Here key factors or reasons why somatic therapy is considered beneficial:

Holistic Approach: Somatic therapy takes a holistic approach to well-being by recognizing the interconnectedness of the body and mind. It acknowledges that emotional and psychological experiences are stored in the body and that physical sensations can impact mental health.
Trauma-Informed: Somatic therapy is often trauma-informed, making it particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma. Trauma can be held in the body, and somatic techniques provide a safe and supportive way to release and process traumatic memories and emotions.
Emotional Regulation: Somatic therapy equips individuals with tools to control emotions by working with physical sensations. Techniques like breathwork and mindfulness help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and emotional arousal.
Increased Self-Awareness: Clients develop greater self-awareness through somatic therapy by tuning into bodily sensations and patterns. This heightened awareness can lead to insights into the connection between physical sensations and emotional states.
Resilience Building: Somatic therapy promotes resilience by helping individuals build the capacity to tolerate and manage difficult emotions and physical sensations. This can lead to increased emotional stability and coping skills.
Release of Physical Tension: Many people carry physical tension in response to stress or trauma. Somatic therapy provides techniques for releasing this tension, which can alleviate physical discomfort and reduce the risk of stress-related health issues.
Integration of Body and Mind: Somatic therapy encourages the integration of the body and mind, fostering a sense of wholeness and balance. This can lead to improved overall well-being and a sense of alignment between one's physical, emotional, and cognitive experiences.
Tailored to Individual Needs: Somatic therapy is highly adaptable and can be tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each client. Therapists use a variety of techniques and approaches to address specific issues and goals.

What are somatic responses to trauma?

Somatic responses are physical and physiological reactions or sensations that occur in response to emotional, psychological, or environmental stimuli. These responses are part of the body's natural way of reacting to and coping with various situations and experiences. Somatic responses can manifest in a wide range of bodily sensations and functions, and they play a significant role in our overall well-being. Understanding these responses can help in the healing process by making sure to address both the physical and emotional aspects of trauma.

How can somatic techniques be used to calm the mind in everyday life?

Somatic techniques can be valuable tools for managing stress, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing overall well-being in everyday life. These techniques emphasize the connection between the body and mind, helping individuals develop greater self-awareness and the ability to cope with various emotional and physical challenges. Here are some ways somatic techniques in psychology today can be used in everyday life:

Mindful Breathing: Incorporate mindful breathing exercises into your daily routine. Take a few moments to focus on your breath, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. This can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and increase your awareness of the present moment.
Body Scanning: Practice a quick body scan throughout the day. Start from your toes and work your way up to the top of your head, paying attention to any areas of tension or discomfort. This can help you identify and release physical stress.
Grounding Techniques: Use grounding exercises when you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Focus on your physical sensations by touching various textures, taking note of the sensations of your feet on the ground, or holding an object and describing its characteristics.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Learn and practice progressive muscle relaxation, a technique in which you systematically tense and then relax different muscle groups. This can help release physical tension and promote relaxation.
Yoga or Tai Chi: Consider incorporating yoga or tai chi into your routine. These practices combine movement, breath, and mindfulness to promote balance, flexibility, and emotional well-being.
Breath Awareness: Pay attention to your breath during stressful situations. If you notice shallow or rapid breathing, take a moment to consciously slow and deepen your breath. This can help calm the nervous system.
Sensory Mindfulness: Engage your senses mindfully. When you eat, savor each bite, paying attention to taste, texture, and aroma. When you take a shower, focus on the sensation of the water on your skin. These practices can enhance your connection to the present moment.
Journaling: Write in a journal to explore and process your physical and emotional experience. Reflect on any bodily sensations or discomfort you may be feeling and how they relate to your emotions and thoughts.
Self-Care Practices: Engage in self-care practices that prioritize the body, such as getting adequate sleep, eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity.

What is a somatic activity?

A somatic activity is any physical or movement-based practice that engages the body to enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. These activities emphasize the connection between the body and mind, recognizing that physical sensations and movements are intricately linked to emotional and psychological states. Somatic activities can include practices like yoga, tai chi, dance, mindfulness meditation, body scan exercises, and somatic therapy.