The concept behind somatic therapy is that the body stores memories of traumatic events. When reminded of them, seniors may experience bodily symptoms such as flashbacks, headaches, sleeplessness or stomach pain.
Somatic therapy uses a combination of psychotherapy and physical therapy. It's based on the concept that the emotions in the mind and physical sensations in the body are closely connected. In some ways, somatic therapy is an extension of conventional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), better known as talk therapy.
In addition to talk therapy, somatic therapists pay attention to what's going on in the patient's body. Somatic therapists may ask questions such as "What are you experiencing physically?" or "What is your body telling you now?" during a therapeutic session. Some therapists use touch therapy to help release physical and emotional stress. Somatic therapies have much in common with emotion-related therapies like music therapy and the role of emotions in human cognitive processes.
Modern somatic practices first appeared in the 1970s with three broad concepts:
Somatic therapy is primarily rooted in psychology. The work done by Thomas Hanna and Dr. Levine in developing somatic therapies was based on experimental work with their patients.
Many Christian counselors use somatic therapy to help people deal with anxiety, grief, poor self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorders, together with other therapies like cognitive behavior therapy and biblical counseling. An independent literature review performed in 2021 and reported in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology concluded that somatic experience therapy has a positive impact on PTSD-related symptoms.
The only form of somatic therapy with Eastern religious connotations is the Hakomi form of therapy, which incorporates Buddhist and Dao (Taoism) beliefs.
The benefits of somatic therapy are gradual, and full recovery may take time. It's always best to work with a registered therapist who has experience in somatic and other therapies. Areas where somatic therapy may help include dealing with chronic pain, trauma, anxiety and depression.
Somatic therapy can help seniors cope with chronic pain that's aggravated by unresolved stress and anxiety. Examples include tension headaches, unexplained stomach problems and chronic back pain.
Many people suffer from trauma-related stress due to accidents, injuries or traumatic events such as the loss of a loved one. Somatic body-focused therapy helps seniors deal with these negative feelings and move on emotionally.
As people age, they often develop anxiety disorders that overwhelm their emotions. Stressors include unfamiliar environments, meeting new people, financial stress and separation anxiety. Symptoms include trembling, palpitations, nausea and shortness of breath. Somatic therapy mind-body techniques can help seniors release these pent-up emotions and resolve anxiety issues.
Senior depression is common and frequently related to loneliness, functional limitations and poor health. Somatic therapies combined with psychotherapy and medication may help reduce the symptoms of depression in seniors.
A somatic therapist may use several techniques, including:
Although the Western discovery of somatic therapy is relatively new, the interaction between the human body and mind is something Eastern therapists have understood for a long time. If you're considering somatic therapy from a Christian perspective, it’s important to choose therapists who differentiate between Eastern religious experiences and the practical application of somatic techniques.
As practiced by many Christian and other therapists, somatic therapy focuses on the natural interaction between the body and mind and is a therapy practicing Christians can comfortably embrace.
