Mindfulness Based Somatic Therapy

What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic psychotherapy is a unique type of therapy that focuses on integrating one’s mind and body to facilitate emotional healing. The word somatic comes from the latin root ‘soma’, meaning body. This type of therapy focuses on learning about your emotional responses by bringing mindful awareness to sensations you feel in your body. For example, we often know we are feeling anxious because of the signals we are receiving from our bodies. Our heart rate may start to increase or palms may begin to sweat. These are very real physical sensations that are connected to an emotional experience. By bringing neutral, compassionate awareness to physical sensations and symptoms we can begin to reconstruct our relationship to the uncomfortable sensations.

This type of therapy is rooted in the theory that past experiences of trauma or intense distress disrupt the functioning of the autonomic nervous system- the system that controls our threat responses (fight, flight, freeze, collapse). This type of disruption can have long term effects on our bodies and can manifest through panic attacks, physical pain, digestive issues, sexual dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances.

In a moment of anxiety, we are responding to a perceived threat, and we often mistakenly label the feeling of anxiety as a threat in and of it self. But anxiety is not a threat, it is simply a signal. When we experience a traumatic or highly stressful event, our nervous systems can become “stuck” in a fight, flight, freeze, or collapse state, which can cause intense distress and lower ability to function day to day. Somatic therapy allows us to rebuild a sense of safety in our bodies, and helps to guide us in understanding that our bodies reactions and signals (although difficult at times) are adaptive and have played a role in trying to keep us safe. These symptoms do not need to be permanent. With somatic therapy, you can learn to trust your body and your mind if you have experienced trauma.

Somatic Therapy for Trauma

Throughout our lives, many of us may experience deeply unpleasant or traumatic experiences. What defines a traumatic experience is different for every individual, but the symptoms of PTSD can negatively alter one’s mental health, and last for a long period of time. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder often follows an event, or recurring events, of shocking, disturbing, or dangerous experiences. As a reliable, trusted therapist in the Hermosa Beach area, I often work with people experiencing PTSD. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD, please reach out to a therapist near you today.

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder often begin to appear within 3 months of the traumatic event, but in some cases can begin manifest after a longer period of time. It is important to begin treatment as soon as you can after experiencing trauma, as treatment looks different for each individual person. If you have experienced a traumatic event or a series of traumatic events, you may be experiencing these symptoms:

  • Flashbacks

  • Nightmares

  • Avoidance

  • Negative change in mood

  • Difficulty with timeline or recollection of event

  • Irritability/feeling on edge

Please reach out if you have any questions about somatic therapy and to find out if somatic therapy is right for you!