How Does Somatic Therapy Help Someone Deal with Stress and Anxiety?

Somatic therapy is a type of body-mind therapy that aims to relieve stress and tension in the body by focusing on the way we use our bodies. It takes its name from the Greek word soma, meaning ‘body.’ 

The theory behind somatic therapies is those negative thoughts, feelings, and experiences are stored in the body as physical tension or armor. This can lead to chronic pain, poor posture, or other physical problems. 

To relieve these issues, therapists will ask you a series of questions about your posture, habits, and lifestyle; then use this information to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. There are several different types of somatic therapy that individuals can benefit from. 

Reichian Therapy

Reichian therapy, or orgone therapy, focuses on the relationship between emotions, muscles, and the autonomic nervous system. Therapists use a variety of techniques to manipulate the patient’s muscles and help them reconnect with the emotions they have been holding in. 

Today, orgone therapy is recognized as a somatic therapy that uses the body to heal itself. Orgone therapy involves a variety of manual techniques and exercises that help patients release emotions and trauma from their bodies. Therapists work with patients to unclench their muscles, break down trapped emotions, and release the negative energy that has been holding them back.

Bioenergetic Therapy

Bioenergetic therapy is a somatic therapy that focuses on the energy in the body and the specific ways in which the autonomic nervous system responds to stress. This therapy helps patients identify and release emotions that are trapped in their bodies, including those related to trauma.

Bioenergetic therapy uses a few different techniques, including breathing exercises, movement exercises, and various forms of self-regulatory exercises. Each of these techniques helps to restore the body’s natural ability to self-regulate, which is often impaired by trauma.

Trauma-Centered Somatic Therapy

Trauma-centered somatic therapy focuses on healing trauma wounds through the body. This therapy works with the autonomic nervous system to release the effects of past trauma from the body and promote healing. This therapy is often used to treat PTSD and other anxiety disorders, as well as chronic pain that is not easily treated with traditional methods or even medicine.

It is also used to help people with eating disorders and addictions overcome these problems by healing their bodies and re-establishing their boundaries. Treating trauma is a complex process that requires the therapist and patient to work together to overcome the past and find healing in the present. 

Trauma-centered somatic therapy uses the integrative approach of helping patients feel safe, be in their bodies, and express their emotions in order to move towards a healthier and happier life.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor psychotherapy, like trauma-centered somatic therapy, focuses on healing present-day trauma through the body. However, this therapy also focuses on helping patients re-establish their body boundaries as well.

This therapy is often used to treat people who struggle with eating disorders and addictions, but it can also be helpful for people who have experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, and other forms of trauma. Sensorimotor psychotherapy uses a variety of techniques to help patients overcome the past and heal in the present. Therapists may use gestalt, sand play, psychodynamics, movement, and other techniques to help their patients.

Breathing and Breath-Work-Based Therapies

Breathing and breath-work-based therapies help people overcome a variety of issues through the power of breath. These therapies focus on helping people manage their stress levels so that they can lead happier, healthier lives. 

Breathing and breath-work-based therapies are helpful for anyone who wants to learn how to reduce the stress they experience both in and out of their bodies. These therapies can be used to treat anxiety, depression, eating disorders, PTSD, and even addiction.

Who Can Benefit from Somatic Therapy?

Anyone can benefit from somatic therapy as long as they are open to exploring themselves on a deeper level. People with chronic pain, anxiety, or depression often find that somatic therapy helps them to manage their symptoms, as well as encourages a healthier lifestyle. 

Somatic therapy can be beneficial for people of all ages and backgrounds. This includes those who experience chronic pain, those who have trouble relaxing, people who want to improve their posture, people who want to manage their anxiety or depression, and people who are looking for a more holistic approach to healthcare.

 In general, people who are open to deep exploration, who are curious about how their bodies and minds work, and who are willing to try new things will benefit most from somatic therapy.

Side Effects

As with most therapies, somatic therapy can cause a range of side effects, including fatigue, nausea, headaches, and dizziness. These are usually due to the fact that therapy is an introspective process that requires you to confront powerful emotions.

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t be afraid to take a break. Remember that feelings are supposed to be complicated they are supposed to make you uncomfortable. You will emerge from this process with greater emotional intelligence and an even stronger sense of self. 

Somatic therapy may also cause emotional release, where pent-up emotions are suddenly expressed in tears, sobs, and even screams. This is a natural reaction to the therapy and part of the healing process.

Conclusion

Overall, somatic therapy is a promising form of treatment that could revolutionize mental and physical health. There’s still more research that needs to be done before this therapy can be used in hospitals, but it’s clear that it works.

Somatic therapy is truly transformative, taking you from the outside in. It can help you understand your emotions better and express them in a healthy way. If you’re having trouble dealing with your emotions or if you’re feeling like your emotions are affecting your body, somatic therapy can help.

If you are interested in trying somatic therapy, you can speak with your doctor or therapist about whether it’s a good fit for you.