Listen Up! Your Body’s Got the Secrets to Healing
Unlocking the Body’s Wisdom: A Somatic Approach to Holistic Wellness
Healing isn’t just about thinking differently—it’s about feeling differently, too. Too often, we get stuck in our heads, trying to reason our way through pain, when the body is holding onto so much of what needs to be released. Somatics is a way to tap into that body wisdom, to bring healing full circle by working with the nervous system, energy centers, movement, and even plant medicine.
When you take the time to listen to your body, you unlock the power to heal from the inside out.
Every ache, every tension, every breath—it’s your body’s way of guiding you back to balance. Trust it, honor it, and let it lead the way to your wellness.
The History, Founders, and Research Behind Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing (SE) was developed by Dr. Peter Levine, a psychologist and biophysicist who studied how animals in the wild process and release trauma naturally. He observed that unlike humans, animals instinctively complete the stress cycle through movement—shaking, running, or trembling—whereas people often become stuck in trauma responses. His work laid the foundation for SE, which helps individuals resolve trauma by tuning into bodily sensations and allowing for the completion of these natural processes.
Other notable contributors to somatic therapy include Dr. Pat Ogden, founder of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which integrates somatic awareness with attachment and cognitive therapy, and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, whose research on trauma and the body has influenced the widespread acceptance of body-based healing approaches.
Small actions like consciously placing a hand on your heart or hugging yourself can lower your cortisol levels, heart rate, and help you feel less stressed.
Pictured: A Self hold.
Research has shown that SE and other somatic therapies are effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma (CPTSD), anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, chronic pain, and even depression. Studies highlight that bottom-up processing—starting with the body rather than the mind—can be crucial for those who feel stuck in traditional talk therapy.
What Is Somatics, Really?
Somatics is all about reconnecting with your body as a source of wisdom and healing. It’s based on the understanding that trauma, stress, and emotions don’t just exist in the mind—they’re stored in the body. This is why certain triggers make your heart race or why stress might manifest as stomach issues or chronic pain.
By engaging in body-centered practices, you can rewire your nervous system, create new pathways for resilience, and break out of old survival patterns. Think of it as re-learning how to feel safe and present in your own skin.
So When Is It Appropriate to Use Somatic-Based Practices?
Somatic-based practices are particularly helpful for:
PTSD & CPTSD: Helps complete unprocessed trauma cycles.
Anxiety Disorders: Regulates overactive nervous system responses.
Chronic Pain & Fibromyalgia: Supports pain management through nervous system recalibration.
Dissociative Disorders & Emotional Numbness: Aids in reconnecting with the body in a safe way.
Perfectionism & Burnout: Encourages nervous system flexibility to reduce stress responses.
Types of Somatic Experiencing Practices
Titration: Gradually introducing traumatic memories in small, manageable amounts to prevent overwhelm.
Pendulation: Moving between states of discomfort and safety to build nervous system resilience.
Tremoring (Neurogenic Shaking): Encouraging the body’s natural shaking response to release stored trauma.
Body Mapping: Identifying areas of stored tension and safety within the body.
Self-Holds & Tapping: Applying gentle pressure to specific points to soothe the nervous system.
A short look into Emotional Freedom Tapping. If interested in 1:1 sessions, request a 15-consult!
Reclaiming Your Body’s Wisdom
Healing isn’t just about the mind—it’s about reconnecting with your body, your breath, your energy, and the natural world around you. Somatics gives you the tools to feel more present, safe, and at home within yourself.
If you’re feeling disconnected from your body, overwhelmed by emotions, or stuck in survival mode, know that there’s a path forward. Through movement, rhythm, energy work, and plant medicine, you can gently unwind old patterns and rediscover what it means to truly thrive.
Taking the Next Step in Your Healing Journey
No one type of therapeutic practice or intervention fits all. Creating a treatment and action plan with a mental health provider is the best way to start taking the next step toward healing safely. Healing is within reach—let’s take the next step together.
Interested in diving deeper?
Request 1:1 support through somatic-based therapy or coaching.
Explore home practices like breathwork, guided movement, and self-holds.
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