What to Expect in Somatic Therapy
You have heard about Somatic Psychotherapy and its benefits for treating emotional and physical pain, but you are unsure about what goes on in an actual session. Here are 5 things to expect when you come to a somatic psychotherapy session.
Initial Assessment and Exploration
You and your therapist will discuss your personal history and current symptoms, such as less tension in your body, less fatigue and higher mental sharpness, increased emotional regulation or deeper understanding of triggers and what to do when you get activated. In this first session, your therapist may guide you in a simple scan to connect with your body and its sensations to access your body’s innate wisdom. Your initial sessions are important as you begin to learn about resourcing your body’s resilience, adaptivity, and strength. This is the base from which later psychotherapeutic work will develop.
Mind-Body Techniques:
As you continue sessions, you will be introduced to various techniques, such as breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and grounding exercises to help you feel more present in your body and its sensations. You will also be guided to pay attention to how you feel when you think about specific memories or situations. Your therapist may introduce gentle movements or point out certain postures that you make with your body to identify how your body responds to content discussed during session.
Exploring Trauma and Emotional Release:
When you’re ready, your therapist can help you revisit past traumatic experiences with curiosity towards the physical sensations associated with them. When you do this work, you may experience normal reactions such as shaking, tingling, or warmth, the impulse to cry, crouch, or gesticulate as your body releases trauma. Your therapist will always help you process these sensations, either by staying with them little by little or by increasing your resilience. Emotional release is healthy, and you can feel a great sense of relief or peace in your body as you process past experiences.
Developing Self-Regulation & Grounding Skills:
After working with your therapist with techniques during sessions, you will develop the ability to self-regulate on your own. You'll be able to calm your nervous system and respond to stress in a healthier way. You will know how to use grounding practices to connect with your body and the present moment, fostering a deep sense of self-knowledge and self-compassion. These exercises can involve focusing on your breath, knowing where to go in your body for respite and empowerment, and anchoring yourself in the safety of the present moment.
Ongoing Exploration and Process:
Somatic therapy is an ongoing process, and it will take time to fully process past traumas and develop new coping mechanisms. Your therapist will work with you to identify your growing edges, helping you to increase your sense of ease and well-being.
Reach out to book your somatic psychotherapy session with Arianne and receive its profound benefits!