Somatic therapy is one of the medications and treatments available to help treat PTSD. This therapeutic approach emphasizes the relationship between the mind and the body. The mind and body are believed to be interrelated systems, where emotional, traumatic, and stressful experiences can be reflected as physical symptoms in the body and vice versa.

Aside from treating PTSD, somatic therapy is effective for dealing with complex grief, depression, anxiety, confidence issues, stress, and self-esteem issues.

Various Techniques In Somatic Therapy

The main idea of somatic therapy is that what happens in life is not only in the mind but also stored in the body. Several techniques are used during therapy, including:

• Increasing awareness of the body and physical sensations, including perceived sensations, feelings, and movements that arise during the therapy session
• Helping you feel safe in your own body while accessing your memories, emotions, and thoughts
• Engage the connection of the body and surroundings to create a feeling of balance and safety through touch, sound, or physical objects in the environment
• Encourage descriptions of experiences, whether physical sensations or emotional experiences, to increase awareness and understanding
• Explore self-expression through body movement
• Learning self-soothing techniques such as breathing, meditation, or other relaxation exercises
• Replaying past situations to help deal with trauma, determining if there are accompanying physical sensations, and altering the body's response to memories
• Providing space to feel and release emotions associated with traumatic or stressful experiences
• Helping to strengthen personal boundaries and feel more secure in relationships with oneself and others

Read more: Types Of Therapies To Overcome Phobia

What's the Difference Between Somatic Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

The main difference between somatic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) lies in the approach to mental and emotional health issues. Here are a few key differences:

Differences in focus

Cognitive therapy (CBT) typically emphasizes the interconnectedness of conscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Cognitive therapy can help you deal with problems more positively and desensitize you to uncomfortable sensations.

Somatic therapy, on the other hand, focuses on your body and the physical sensations that you experience. While discussing the problem, you may be asked to perform physical movements that help you release stored tension and trauma.

How to achieve recovery

The goal and method of recovery in CBT are to identify and change negative thought patterns, modify behaviors, and help you break free from negative cycles. You will be helped to become stronger in the face of uncomfortable sensations.

Meanwhile, because somatic therapy involves body movements and focuses on physical sensations, you may be asked to participate in activities such as breath work, massage, grounding, or dancing.

Read more: Get To Know Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, A Therapy For Various Psychological Problems

If you are interested in somatic therapy, you can ask for references from doctors who specialize in it. Also, explain what your expectations are when undergoing somatic therapy. Remember that everyone has unique and different problems. Your doctor may suggest other types of therapy that are more suitable for your needs and problems.

Do you want to learn more about somatic therapy or other forms of therapy? You can use our health consultation service by downloading the Ai Care app through the App Store or Play Store.

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