Somatic Psychology: The Cutting-Edge Science of Healing Through the Body

It’s easy to overlook the profound connection between mind and body. Many of us carry stress, trauma, and unresolved emotions within our physical selves, often without realizing it (1, 2). This is where somatic psychology comes in – it offers a unique and holistic approach to promoting mental and physical well-being. By understanding and working with the body’s sensations, somatic psychology provides a path to healing that integrates both physical and emotional well-being. Whether you’re new to this field or are looking to deepen your understanding, this article will explore the key aspects of somatic psychology and its therapeutic practices.

What Is Somatic Psychology?

Somatic psychology is all about understanding the mind-body connection. The term “somatic” comes from the Greek word “soma”, which means body (3). This branch of psychology is focused on the interplay between physical sensations and emotional experiences. It suggests that our bodies hold onto stress, trauma, and emotions, which can affect our mental well-being. Somatic psychology aims to tap into these bodily sensations to help release stored tension and promote healing (4).

Embodiment: Living in Your Body

Embodiment is about living in and through our bodies, and it plays an important role in both somatic and social psychology. Our bodies are the vehicles for communicating with others and performing everyday activities. It’s impossible to separate our bodies from who we are and what we do in the social world. 

On every level – individual, relational, and cultural – we see that something as seemingly personal and natural as the body is also intensely social (5). This idea suggests that our bodily states and processes affect our psychological experiences and vice versa, which is in contrast to the old idea that the mind and body are separate.

Embodiment suggests that our bodies mediate our interactions with the world and that our mental symbols must be grounded in forms, such as words. This view fits perfectly with somatic psychology, which emphasizes the importance of bodily sensations and the influence they have on our mental and emotional states. Pioneers such as Peter Levine in the mid-1960s and the Polyvagal Theory have made significant contributions to our understanding of how our physical state influences our mental health and social interactions (6).

Read More: The Best Somatic Exercise Program for Beginners: How to Begin with Somatic Workouts

Pioneers in Somatic Psychology

Peter Levine and Somatic Experiencing

Peter Levine, a prominent figure in somatic psychology, developed a therapeutic approach known as somatic experiencing (SE) in the mid-1960s. He noticed that despite facing constant threats, animals in the wild rarely show symptoms of trauma. He believed that the natural processes animals use to discharge trauma energy could be applied to humans.

Somatic experiencing focuses on helping people become aware of their bodily sensations and use these sensations to process and release trauma (7). Levine’s approach emphasizes the importance of ‘completing’ the body’s instinctual responses to traumatic events, which are often interrupted or suppressed in humans. This completion can help release the trapped energy that is associated with trauma, leading to healing and recovery.

Stephen Porges and the Polyvagal Theory

Stephen Porges introduced Polyvagal Theory in the 1990s, revolutionizing understanding of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the role it plays in emotional regulation and social behavior. The theory explains how the vagus nerve, which is a critical part of the ANS, influences our physical and emotional responses to stress and safety (8).

Porges identified three distinct pathways in the vagus nerve that correspond to different states of physiological and emotional regulation: the ventral vagal complex (associated with social engagement and calm states), the sympathetic nervous system (associated with fight-or-flight responses), and the dorsal vagal complex (associated with immobilization and shutdown responses). This framework helps explain how the nervous system adapts to different levels of threat and safety, which impacts our mental health and social interactions.

Somatic psychology opens a fascinating window into how interconnected our physical and emotional selves actually are. By recognizing and addressing how our bodies store emotions and stress, we can unlock new pathways to healing and well-being. Whether through breathing exercises, mindful movement, or other techniques, somatic therapy offers a valuable tool kit for anyone who is looking to integrate their mind and body in the pursuit of better mental health. This interconnected approach highlights the importance of embodiment and shows how deeply our bodily experiences are woven into our psychological and social lives.

What Is the Meaning of Somatic Psychology?

Somatic psychology is a fascinating and comprehensive approach to understanding the mind-body connection. The term “somatic” comes from the Greek word “soma”, meaning body (9). This branch of psychology delves into the interplay between our physical sensations and emotional experiences and suggests that our bodies hold onto stress, trauma, and emotions, which can affect our mental well-being.

Psychosomatic experiences play a significant role in understanding somatic psychology. The term “psychosomatic” refers to physical symptoms that arise from or are influenced by the mind and emotions rather than direct physical causes (10). For example, stress can manifest as headaches, stomachaches, or other physical ailments. Psychosomatic medicine recognizes that emotional and psychological factors can contribute to the development and progression of physical illnesses (11). This highlights the profound connection between mind and body, which suggests that our mental state can significantly impact our physical health.

Somatic psychology expands upon this understanding by focusing on how our bodily sensations can influence our emotional and mental states and vice versa. It aims to tap into these bodily sensations to help release stored tension and promote healing. By addressing the physical manifestations of psychological issues, somatic psychology offers a holistic approach to mental health that integrates the mind and body.

What Is an Example of Somatic Therapy?

Imagine that you feel worried and you notice your shoulders are tense and your stomach is in knots. With somatic therapy, rather than simply talking about your worry, a therapist may guide you to pay attention to these physical sensations. Techniques such as deep breathing, gentle movement, or visualization exercises can help you become more aware of your body’s responses. For example, a common somatic therapy practice may involve grounding exercises where you focus on feeling your feet on the ground, which helps center and calm your nervous system (12).

Another example is somatic experiencing therapy, which was developed by Peter Levine, where you work with a therapist to gradually and safely explore these physical sensations. This approach helps you release stored tension and process unresolved emotions. By tuning into your body and acknowledging its signals, you can find new ways to manage stress, which can lead to a greater sense of well-being.

Read More: Easy Somatic Exercises for Mental Health: Best Practices for Beginners

Is Somatic Psychology Legit?

Yes, somatic psychology is a legitimate field within the broader discipline of psychology. It’s supported by research and practiced by trained professionals who understand the intricate connections between body and mind. Studies have shown that somatic therapy can significantly reduce stress and alleviate trauma symptoms, including those that are associated with PTSD (13). Many people have found relief from chronic stress, trauma, and various psychological issues through somatic therapy, and benefited from its holistic approach to healing (14, 15).

Who Needs Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy can benefit anyone who feels their emotions and physical sensations are deeply intertwined. It’s particularly helpful for those who have experienced trauma, as trauma often becomes “stuck” in the body. People who are dealing with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and stress-related disorders, or simply coping with everyday work stress can also find relief through somatic therapy. Everyone can benefit from this approach, as it addresses the mind-body connection to promote overall well-being.

What Are the Criticisms of Somatic Psychology?

While somatic psychology has many advocates, it also faces a certain amount of criticism. Some skeptics have argued that the field lacks sufficient empirical evidence and that body-mind connection theories need more scientific backing. In addition, the success of somatic therapy can be highly individual and what works for one person may not work for another. As with any therapeutic approach, it’s important to find a qualified therapist and a somatic technique that resonates with you.

FAQs

• What is the literal meaning of somatic?

The literal meaning of “somatic” is “related to the body”.(3) In the context of somatic psychology, it refers to the physical sensations and experiences that are integral to our emotional and psychological states.

• What is somatic thinking?

Somatic thinking involves being aware of and integrating bodily sensations into your cognitive and emotional processes. It means paying attention to how your body feels and understanding that these sensations can provide valuable insights into your emotional well-being.

• Does a somatic therapist touch you?

Some somatic therapies involve touch, but it is dependent on the therapist’s approach and the client’s comfort level. Touch can be a gentle and non-invasive way to help clients become more aware of their bodily sensations. However, any physical contact is always discussed and agreed upon in advance to ensure the comfort and safety of the client.

• Where is shame held in the body?

Shame is often felt in areas such as the chest, stomach, and face. People may experience sensations such as a heavy chest, a knot in the stomach, or a flushed face when they feel ashamed. For example, shame can manifest in the stomach as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), where stress and emotional distress exacerbate digestive issues (16). Somatic therapy can help individuals become more aware of these sensations and work through the underlying emotions, leading to relief from both the emotional and physical symptoms that are associated with shame.

The Bottom Line

Somatic psychology offers a fascinating insight into the interconnectedness of our physical and emotional selves. By recognizing and addressing how our bodies store emotions and stress, we can unlock new pathways to healing and well-being. Whether through breathing exercises, mindful movement, or somatic therapy, this approach provides a valuable tool kit for anyone who is looking to integrate their mind and body in the pursuit of better mental health. Embracing somatic techniques can lead to profound improvements in both emotional resilience and overall physical health.