What is the treatment?
Somatic therapy is a part of counseling in mental therapy in which individuals can heal from their past traumatic incidences. Unlike behavior therapy which involves only the treatment of mind and thoughts, it also involves the body and its sensations. Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach to psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between mind and body to deal with physical, emotional, and psychological issues. Individuals who receive somatic therapy become aware of their body sensations and movements which helps them to release tension from their body due to past trauma.
Philosophy/Origin
Somatic therapy was developed from the work of Wilhelm Reich and later Peter Levine and Alexander Lowen further practiced and improved the somatic therapy techniques. The somatic therapy originated from the belief that trauma and stress not only affect the human mind but it also stored in the body. So, Somatic therapy deals with both the mind and the body to improve the overall health of the patient. Somatic therapy works on psychology, body, and neuroscience principles to promote holistic healing.
Some of the physical, mental, and long-term health benefits of somatic therapy include the following
Physical Benefits
Mental/Emotional Benefits
The mental or emotional benefits may include
Long-Term Wellness
In the long term, somatic therapy helps individuals to cope with stress conditions more effectively. They can face life challenges without any problems or illness. They build their psychology on the belief that if the root cause is identified and solved, it can promote a lasting sense of well-being and emotional balance.
Ideal Audience
Somatic therapy is suitable for anyone dealing with trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, or chronic pain. It is particularly helpful for individuals who feel disconnected from their bodies or those who have experienced trauma that talk therapy alone has not fully resolved.
Specific Conditions
Somatic therapy is commonly used for treating
The somatic therapy procedure involves many steps which include mind-body awareness, sensations, and movement therapies. The following steps are involved in somatic therapy:
Initial Consultation
The somatic therapist first evaluates the individual by asking about various information such as history, emotional challenges, and physical symptoms. They also examine the patients physically to find out the stress areas in the body.
Body Awareness Exercises
After the initial evaluation, the therapist may suggest some exercises to help the individuals become aware of their body sensations, posture, and tension.
Identifying Triggers
The therapist may help the individual identify areas of the body where trauma or stress is stored and teach them how to notice changes in these areas.
Release Techniques
Therapists guide the patient to release tension from the body. This may involve hypnosis, breathing techniques, and acupressure. Through a combination of breathing exercises, movement, or touch, the therapist helps release tension or trauma held in the body.
Verbal Processing
Verbal processing is an important part of somatic therapy. In this technique, therapists ask the individual to feel sensations in the body while thinking about the trauma. It is important to integrate the body’s responses with mental and emotional awareness.
Resourcing
In this technique, therapists ask individuals to think about the happy times, places, and people in their lives. This technique promotes relaxation and also eases the tension areas all over the body.
Experience During the Treatment
During a somatic therapy session, the individual is encouraged to feel different types of sensations and movements in the body. People usually stay calm and supportive while performing various exercises of breathing and posture. It also involves emotional release as the individual becomes aware of the responses.
Immediate Effects
Immediately after a session, many people feel relaxed, lighter, or more emotionally grounded. Some may also feel an emotional release or a reduction in physical tension or pain.
Long-Term Effects
Over time, somatic therapy can lead
Before the Treatment
There is no special preparation needed for somatic therapy, but it is helpful to wear comfortable clothing and have an open mind. Individuals should be prepared to discuss their physical and emotional history with their therapist.
Aftercare
After a session, it's beneficial to practice self-care, such as taking time to rest, drink water, and perform exercises instructed by the therapist. Home-based program is also associated with somatic therapy to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
Somatic therapy cost in India ranges from 70 USD to 100 USD. Holistic treatments are an essential part of the Indian healthcare system and many platforms like Wellencia offer individualized treatment programs of Ayurvedic treatments including somatic therapy for people across the globe.
