What is somatics?
Coming back to the body
Somatics is a field of study that explores the subjective experience of the body, including movement, sensation, perception, emotion, and consciousness. It emphasizes the integration of the body, mind, and spirit, as well as the relationship between the body and the environment and space it’s in.
Thomas Hanna coined the term somatics in the 70's when he realized that every psychological process occurs along with changes in the various systems of the body. Issues of the psyche cannot be fully addressed without working with the functioning of the physical body, and vice versa. Somatics refers to “soma” - which in ancient Greek described “the living body in its wholeness.”
According to Thomas Hanna, “The human body is not an instrument to be used, but a realm of one’s being to be experienced, explored, enriched and, thereby, educated.” This conscious connection to the body changes our perception of ourselves and of life. Ultimately, it changes who we are.
Some examples of somatic practices:
Mindful breathing: Focusing on the breath and using it as a tool to calm the mind and body.
Body scan meditation: Systematically scanning the body from head to toe and noticing sensations, thoughts, and emotions as they arise.
Yoga: Combines movement, breathwork, and mindfulness and improves physical, mental, and emotional health.
Tai chi: Involves slow, gentle movements that improve balance, flexibility, and strength.
Somatic movement therapy: Working with a trained practitioner to explore movement patterns and develop new, more efficient ways of moving.
Feldenkrais Method: Using slow, gentle movements to improve movement patterns, reduce pain, and increase body awareness.
Alexander Technique: Focused on improving posture and movement patterns by releasing unnecessary tension and using the body more efficiently.
Dance/movement therapy: Uses movement and dance as a tool to explore emotions, improve body awareness, and promote healing.
Body Mind Centering: Involves guided movement explorations and body awareness practices that help us become more attuned to our body and develop more efficient movement patterns, while also balancing our emotions.
Somatic Experiencing: Uses body awareness to help process traumatic experiences and improve overall well-being.
Bodywork: Includes massage therapy, acupuncture, and other forms of hands-on therapy that help release tension and improve body awareness.
In my work as a psychotherapist I use several somatic practices, such as mindful breathing, somatic experiencing, Body Mind Centering, and yoga. You can read more about my work here.
If you want to schedule a session with me, you can do it here.
