Somatic therapy is a broad term to describe a body-centered form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the connection between the mind and body to help people heal from trauma, stress, and emotional distress. It is based on the understanding that emotional pain and traumatic experiences can become stored or "trapped" in the body, manifesting as physical tension, pain, or other symptoms.
Somatic therapy works by increasing awareness of bodily sensations and using body-focused techniques to process and release these stored emotions, thereby promoting mental and emotional well-being.
The goal of somatic approaches is to help clients feel safe in their bodies, release pent-up trauma or stress and improve emotional regulation and integrate traumatic experiences in a gentle and holistic way. Unlike traditional talk therapy that often focus on thoughts and emotions, somatic approaches start with the body as the door to emotional healing. This can have profound impact for trauma survivors, those with chronic pain or health conditions as well as other issues where traditional therapy has not been useful.
Julie Bellamy has a certificate in Trauma as well as Attachment from The Embody Lab and Caron Leader is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner.
For more information on these somatic therapies, visit these websites:
