Why Somatic Therapy?
The mind-body connection is evident: what happens to us does not just happen in the mind, it happens in the body, in our nervous system. Somatic therapy helps you navigate difficulty with emotions, from a more embodied approach. It gives you the tools you'll need to connect, hold and feel emotions which will make you feel more whole and alive.
Somatic work makes what's unconscious in our body more conscious for us - in a more compassionate way. Somatic work gets to the root cause of what's holding you back, it allows for a deeper lens to understand yourself better.
Usually we know what we need to do. But a lot of us don't know how to get there. This is where somatic therapy comes in. The body will show you the way, the body is the answer.
Somatic work makes what's unconscious in our body more conscious for us - in a more compassionate way. Somatic work gets to the root cause of what's holding you back, it allows for a deeper lens to understand yourself better.
Usually we know what we need to do. But a lot of us don't know how to get there. This is where somatic therapy comes in. The body will show you the way, the body is the answer.
Beliefs in Somatic Therapy
When I work with a client, I hold and honor these beliefs in each session:
1) Body is the Messenger - the body holds the memories of our past and shows us information through our breath, felt sensations, movement, body structure, impulses, etc.
2) The nervous system works to keep us alive, no matter what. Even if it doesn't make sense to us, it's what happens.
3) Emotional Safety is #1 priority - When I work with my clients, I take this very seriously. We don't want to override our boundaries or resistances - we want to honor them first and foremost.
4) The inner child is always present. I am always thinking of the "little kids" inside of all of us, through each session. When I bring re-parenting to the session, there can be a huge shift in how we see and work with ourselves. It can also be powerful learning tools.
5) Somatic Therapy is Trauma work - when we are working with the body and the body holds the memories of our past, we are doing trauma work. We are working on releasing stored stress and trauma each time we feel safe to embody our experiences.
1) Body is the Messenger - the body holds the memories of our past and shows us information through our breath, felt sensations, movement, body structure, impulses, etc.
2) The nervous system works to keep us alive, no matter what. Even if it doesn't make sense to us, it's what happens.
3) Emotional Safety is #1 priority - When I work with my clients, I take this very seriously. We don't want to override our boundaries or resistances - we want to honor them first and foremost.
4) The inner child is always present. I am always thinking of the "little kids" inside of all of us, through each session. When I bring re-parenting to the session, there can be a huge shift in how we see and work with ourselves. It can also be powerful learning tools.
5) Somatic Therapy is Trauma work - when we are working with the body and the body holds the memories of our past, we are doing trauma work. We are working on releasing stored stress and trauma each time we feel safe to embody our experiences.
What does a typical Somatic Therapy session look like?
While each session is unique to each client, I often start by asking:
"What do you need today?"
Based on what you want or need from the session (and it's also okay if you don't know what you need!), we can focus our attention on the body, using meditative and grounding techniques to help you feel safe and comfortable.
Based on what you want or need from the session (and it's also okay if you don't know what you need!), we can focus our attention on the body, using meditative and grounding techniques to help you feel safe and comfortable.
There are certain areas of focus that come up regularly in my work:
1) Experiential Work - this kind of session is working directly with the body on feeling, sensing, grounding and settling. This is where we co-regulate, in real time. We can hold a lot of pressure and tension in different parts of the body and these kind of sessions are wonderful for working directly with them. If you are unaware of where you hold tension, that is okay. I help guide you and work with your nervous system to uncover the blocks directly, and then help you release the stored stress and trauma being held in your body.
2) Embodiment Work - this kind of session is around present day situations. You may come in with a conflict at work, a struggle in your marriage, or overwhelm of some kind. This kind of session helps you to embody those senses and feelings and feel more connected to the experience. These sessions help you to feel while also learning about how you cope with present day situations. There is always a connection these situations have with our past.
3) Somatic Insight Work - we speak about and "feel into" the different themes and patterns that your body holds. This kind of session allows for more clarity and focus on where your growth lies. This also helps you deepen into your own story, both from a nervous system perspective and inner child perspective.
1) Experiential Work - this kind of session is working directly with the body on feeling, sensing, grounding and settling. This is where we co-regulate, in real time. We can hold a lot of pressure and tension in different parts of the body and these kind of sessions are wonderful for working directly with them. If you are unaware of where you hold tension, that is okay. I help guide you and work with your nervous system to uncover the blocks directly, and then help you release the stored stress and trauma being held in your body.
2) Embodiment Work - this kind of session is around present day situations. You may come in with a conflict at work, a struggle in your marriage, or overwhelm of some kind. This kind of session helps you to embody those senses and feelings and feel more connected to the experience. These sessions help you to feel while also learning about how you cope with present day situations. There is always a connection these situations have with our past.
3) Somatic Insight Work - we speak about and "feel into" the different themes and patterns that your body holds. This kind of session allows for more clarity and focus on where your growth lies. This also helps you deepen into your own story, both from a nervous system perspective and inner child perspective.
Can Somatic Therapy be done virtually?
You may think it's odd that this deep work in therapy can be done in a virtual format. You'll be surprised - it works. Video sessions can be just as effective as in person, and in some ways more so.
It can be hard for some people to enter a new space with a new person and be able to open up. If you are able to do sessions in your home, you are already in an emotionally safe environment and thus can feel more comfortable.
Doing virtual sessions also allows for boundaries. I've noticed that being in front of a professional can trigger feelings of performance and insecurity in how one looks, among other things. Doing it virtually can take away some of these insecurities so you can be more present.
And the best part is that I get to see your space, your environment, even your pets! This way, the experience doesn't have to stay in the therapy room, you can bring it home with you.
It can be hard for some people to enter a new space with a new person and be able to open up. If you are able to do sessions in your home, you are already in an emotionally safe environment and thus can feel more comfortable.
Doing virtual sessions also allows for boundaries. I've noticed that being in front of a professional can trigger feelings of performance and insecurity in how one looks, among other things. Doing it virtually can take away some of these insecurities so you can be more present.
And the best part is that I get to see your space, your environment, even your pets! This way, the experience doesn't have to stay in the therapy room, you can bring it home with you.
A bit of science backing up Somatic TherapyEmma McAdam on Nervous System and Trauma, and how to use the body to help heal ourselves
**Note: I don't use the Somatic Experiencing approach** |
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In-Person at 285 Governor St, Providence, RI 02906
Mailing Address: PO Box 1302, PAWTUCKET, RI 02860
PH: 401-285-2319 FAX: 401-441-6519
Erica Albert (formerly Gebhart) Social Work Licenses: Rhode Island #ISW02348; Massachusetts #116267