A Guide to the Different Types of Somatic Therapy

Emotional distress and mental illness can manifest in so many different ways. Each person and each situation is different — so much so that we sometimes can’t discern what is and isn’t a symptom. Since our minds and bodies are more accurately one entity, getting the treatment you need can require you to take a very holistic approach.

This is where somatic therapy can be an excellent therapeutic choice. Since symptoms can manifest physically, why not try a modality that recognizes the mind-body connection? From shame to poor posture, from anxiety to chronic pain — you can heal and thrive again.

What is Somatic Therapy?

Traditional psychotherapy most often involves talk therapy. Somatic therapy is more body-centered. It blends talking with physical treatments like yoga, dance, exercise, breathing, vocal work, and massage. This powerful combination can address an incredibly broad range of issues that include substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and relationship strife. 

The basic premise is that the healing your body experiences allows your mind to release negative feelings and memories. It’s like a major weight has been lifted. By utilizing different somatic therapy methods, you can be freed to try new ways of living.

5 Different Types of Somatic Therapy

1. Somatic Experiencing (SE) 

This effective approach is the result of watching wild animals in action. In a nutshell, animals are frequently threatened by predators, yet they seem to return to a state of calm much quicker than humans. It’s theorized that because animals shake and tremble, it releases the fearful energy and keeps them on an even keel. SE is a therapeutic method by which people are guided through the movements needed to soothe themselves.

2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) 

EMDR is one of the more unusual and short-term approaches to therapy. An EMDR therapist guides a client to choose a particular negative memory or belief. The client focuses intensely on this image while the therapist performs hand and finger movements in front of the client’s face. All the while, the client follows the therapist’s movement with their eyes. This induces a state that allows a person to access distressing memories without being triggered and, thus, process them and replace them with a positive belief. 

3. Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) 

You can feel alone while experiencing strong emotions like fear, anger, guilt, and grief. It’s as if no one understands what you’ve been through and how it’s made you feel. Hence, an AEDP therapist becomes an active participant in the recovery process. They directly interact with their clients about what they feel in their mind and body. This process occurs during intense emotional episodes and has been found to be validating and healing for clients.

4. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

This modality is founded on our understanding of attachment styles and how they directly impact our relationships. How we connect with others is based on our earliest experiences. Sensorimotor psychotherapy focuses on the physical manifestations of early attachment trauma and can clear the way for a secure, new attachment style to be created.

5. Gestalt 

Gestalt, like the two therapies directly above, is focused on processing the present moment. Your therapist will assist you in feeling your emotions more fully and deeply. In this manner, physical and psychological pain is drawn to the surface, examined, and resolved. 

Is Somatic Therapy the Right Option for You?

Keep in mind that not every practitioner is trained in somatic therapy. Look for a skilled therapist with whom you feel trust and compatibility. Reach out and talk to a few. Try some free consultations. You’ll have the chance to learn as much as you can, and when you’re ready, take the leap. Contact us to learn more about anxiety therapy.