Unlocking the Wisdom of Your Body: An Introduction to Somatic Awareness in Psychotherapy

Welcome! If you’re reading this, you may be new to the world of psychotherapy, and perhaps you've heard terms like "body awareness" or "somatic awareness" tossed around. These concepts might sound abstract, but they are fundamentally rooted in the tangible, lived experience of your body. Today, we'll delve into what somatic awareness means and how it can be a transformative element in your therapeutic journey.

Understanding Somatic Awareness

Somatic awareness is the practice of tuning into the physical sensations within your body. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses primarily on the mind, somatic awareness bridges the gap between the mind and body, recognizing that they are deeply interconnected. This concept is central to the work of renowned experts like Eugene Gendlin, Bessel van der Kolk, and Peter Levine, who have explored how our bodies store and process experiences, particularly traumatic ones.

The Body's Silent Language

Our bodies have a unique way of holding onto experiences. According to Bessel van der Kolk in his groundbreaking book, "The Body Keeps the Score," our muscles, tissues, and nervous systems can store the remnants of past traumas, even if our conscious minds have forgotten them. This is why you might feel a knot in your stomach when anxious or a tightness in your chest when overwhelmed.

Peter Levine, in "Waking the Tiger," emphasizes the importance of releasing this stored energy through an understanding of our body's natural processes. He suggests that by fostering an awareness of these physical sensations, we can unlock the body’s innate capacity to heal itself.

Introducing the Focusing Technique

One effective method of engaging with somatic awareness is through the Focusing technique, developed by Eugene Gendlin. Focusing is about paying attention to the "felt sense," a term Gendlin coined to describe the vague, often unarticulated bodily sensations that accompany our emotions and thoughts.

Steps to Practice Focusing:

1. Find a Quiet Space: Start by sitting in a comfortable and quiet place. Close your eyes if it feels right, and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.

2. Clear a Space: Allow yourself a moment to clear your mind. Let go of any immediate concerns or distractions.

3. Invite a Felt Sense:Direct your attention inward and invite a felt sense to emerge. This might be a tightness, warmth, or any other sensation. Don’t rush; let it come to you naturally.

4. Describe the Felt Sense: Once you notice a sensation, try to describe it. Is it heavy or light? Does it have a shape or color? Use descriptive language to articulate your experience.

5. Resonate and Check: Go back and forth between the sensation and your description. Does your description accurately capture the sensation? Adjust it until it feels right.

6. Ask and Listen: Gently ask what this sensation might be related to. Is it connected to a specific emotion or memory? Listen to what comes up without judgment.

7. Receive and Acknowledge: Accept whatever insights or feelings arise. Thank your body for sharing its wisdom with you.

The Benefits of Somatic Awareness in Therapy

Integrating body awareness into your therapeutic process can lead to profound healing. By forming a deeper connection with your body, you can:

- Enhance Emotional Regulation: Recognizing bodily sensations can help you identify and manage emotions more effectively.

- Resolve Trauma:Understanding how past experiences are stored in the body can facilitate the release of traumatic energy.

- Improve Self-Awareness:Developing a nuanced understanding of your body’s signals can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Final Thoughts

As you embark on your psychotherapy journey, consider embracing somatic awareness as a powerful tool for healing. By tuning into your body's wisdom, you can uncover insights that might remain hidden if you rely solely on verbal exploration. Remember, your body is not just a vessel for your mind; it’s an integral part of your identity and experience.

Feel free to discuss any questions or thoughts you have about somatic awareness with your therapist. Together, you can explore how this approach can be tailored to support your unique path to healing and growth.

With love and light, 

Sherri

Nurse Psychotherapist, Yoga & Meditation Teacher, and Reiki Practitioner