What Does a Somatic Therapist Do?

Somatic therapy is a unique and profound approach to healing that addresses the mind, body, heart, and spirit. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses primarily on thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy delves into the physical sensations and symptoms that our clients experience in their daily lives. As a somatic therapist, I use the language of sensation to uncover underlying patterns in the nervous system and employ targeted interventions to facilitate healing and transformation.

Understanding the Language of Sensation

When clients come to me with symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, sleeplessness, feelings of isolation, or loss of motivation, I listen deeply to the sensations they describe. These sensations provide invaluable clues about where their nervous system might be stuck and how we can begin to retrain, repair, and repattern it. For instance, a client might report feeling a tightness in their chest when they think about a stressful situation. This sensation can be an entry point for exploring and resolving the underlying trauma.

In somatic therapy, we take these symptoms and sensations and formulate a plan that increases the window of tolerance and strengthens the mind-body connection. The goal is to restore resilience and help clients reconnect with their core selves, moving from a state of disconnection and distress to one of confidence, calm, and compassion.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

Safety and support are paramount in somatic therapy. To create a therapeutic environment where clients feel secure and understood, I use empathetic listening, giving clients agency and choice, and practicing emotional attunement. This means being fully present with clients, validating their experiences, and co-creating a therapeutic journey that aligns with their goals.

From the very first session, we focus on creating change. By working collaboratively, we guide clients toward the life they envision, using interventions tailored to their specific needs. This process involves exploring physical sensations, emotions, and memories, and helping clients develop tools to navigate and transform their inner landscape.

Facilitating the Release of Emotional Tension

One of the core aspects of somatic therapy is helping clients release emotional tension that is physically stored in their bodies. This tension often results from unresolved trauma or chronic stress, leading to a range of symptoms such as muscle tightness, chronic pain, or digestive issues.

When the conditions are right—when there is safety, nervous system regulation, and appropriate guidance—the body knows how to process and release this emotional tension. In sessions, I support clients in creating these conditions. Enabling their bodies to complete and resolve the stuck fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses. By tracking and allowing sensations, emotions, and memories to emerge, we facilitate the reorganization and healing of the nervous system.

Enhancing the Mind-Body Connection

In somatic therapy, we view physical sensations and emotional states as deeply interconnected. Emotions are essentially combinations of physical sensations, shaped by cultural context, life experiences, and early emotional attunement. To enhance the mind-body connection, I invite clients to explore and be curious about the feedback loop between their physical sensations and emotional states.

This process involves naming and acknowledging sensations, observing them without judgment, and understanding how they relate to emotions and meaning-making. By practicing this awareness, clients learn to connect more deeply with their inner experiences, fostering greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.

Promoting Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation

Increasing self-awareness and self-regulation is a central goal of somatic therapy. These qualities enable individuals to navigate the ups and downs of life with greater ease and resilience. When clients develop self-awareness, they can recognize and address stressors more effectively, leading to a more balanced and connected life.

In therapy, we monitor progress by tracking the symptoms clients initially report and adjusting interventions as needed. As clients achieve their goals, we reassess and either set new objectives or prepare to conclude therapy. The aim is to empower clients with healthier, more adaptive patterns so they can thrive independently.

Long-Term Benefits of Somatic Therapy

Engaging in somatic therapy can lead to profound and lasting changes. Clients often experience increased stress tolerance, resilience, and the ability to recover from setbacks more quickly. They develop natural practices that promote rest and calm, enhance their capacity to face fears and make decisions, and deepen their connections with others.

Somatic therapy also fosters overall health and well-being by integrating the nervous system into every aspect of life. Clients learn to self-soothe, navigate stressful situations, and enjoy a richer, more connected existence.

Considering Somatic Therapy?

If you're thinking about trying somatic therapy with Compass Healing Project, I encourage you to give it a three-month trial. For some, it feels like a breath of fresh air; for others, it may initially feel vulnerable and unfamiliar. This discomfort can be a sign of underlying disconnection that needs attention. Be honest about your experiences in the session. Somatic therapy is a judgment-free space where your feedback helps tailor interventions to your unique needs. Stay curious, embrace the process, and remember that this journey is about repairing and reconnecting with your true self.

Practical Tips for Dealing with Emotional Tension

Here are three tips to help you manage emotional tension right now:

1. Pause and Breathe: Take a moment to stop whatever you're doing and focus on your breath. Simply notice your inhale and exhale without trying to change it. This simple act of awareness can create a sense of calm and presence.

2. Ground Yourself: Be where your feet are. Notice the contact between your feet and the ground, or your body and its surroundings. This grounding technique helps you stay present and connected to the here and now.

3. Find Beauty Around You: Look up and observe your environment. Find something that draws your attention—something pleasing, beautiful, or calming. Allow yourself to fully appreciate it, letting this sensory experience bring you into the present moment.
   

Somatic therapy is a powerful path to healing and transformation. By honoring the wisdom of your body and working with a skilled therapist, you can embark on a journey toward greater resilience, connection, and well-being.

Start Your Somatic Therapy Journey with Compass Healing Project

You don’t have to live with the distress of nervous system dysregulation or feel disconnected from your true self. At Compass Healing Project, our counseling services are designed to help you reconnect and find your natural flow. Our compassionate therapists in Colorado and California specialize in somatic therapy and are here to support your healing journey.

To begin your path to wellness, follow these steps:

1. Reach Out and Fill out our New Client Inquiry Form to get started.

2. Schedule a discovery call with one of our specialized therapists to discuss your needs and goals.

3. Embark on your journey to heal your heart, mind, body, and spirit through the transformative power of somatic therapy.

Additional Counseling Services at Compass Healing Project

At Compass Healing Project, we provide a holistic approach to therapy, incorporating a variety of modalities to address a wide range of issues. Alongside our somatic therapy, we offer EMDR, hypnotherapy, ketamine-assisted therapy, Clinical Sexology, and embodiment practices. These therapies are effective in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, sexuality concerns, and relationship challenges. For more information and to get to know us better, visit our blog. Our Colorado and California clinics are staffed with caring therapists who specialize in trauma resolution, emotional healing, and integrative therapy. Ready to start your healing journey? Fill out our contact form, and we'll assist you in taking the first step towards a healthier, more connected life.