What is Embodied Processing? A Guide to Somatic Healing

Many people feel held back by their trauma. They might be grappling with depression, controlled by anxiety, or just feeling a wash of restlessness. These experiences are more than just thoughts – they are deeply rooted in the body. 

This is where somatic healing comes in. It focuses on the mind-body connection, bringing unprocessed experiences to the surface in a safe container. This approach incorporates movement, breathwork, and body awareness to guide your nervous system back to a state of safety. 

The Mind-Body Connection: More Than Just a Feeling 

Healing goes beyond simply exploring your thoughts and emotions. Somatic psychology is built on the principle that your body carries the memories and weight of these experiences just as your mind does. The two are deeply interconnected, making attention to the body an essential part of any true healing journey.

This mind-body connection has tangible effects. For example, when a person experiences high levels of anxiety and stress, they often become more susceptible to illness. This happens because these powerful emotions, when left unprocessed, can become stored in the body's tissues and nervous system, contributing to long-term physical issues.

This is especially true in the case of trauma. When we experience an overwhelming event, we often disconnect from ourselves as a way of coping with the pain. However, somatic healing gently eases us back into addressing these bodily sensations, teaching us how to feel safe in our own bodies once again.

Core Modalities of Embodied Therapy

Embodied therapy is a profound and transformative approach to healing that is centred on the mind-body connection. These modalities go beyond the limits of traditional talk therapy by using the body’s signals to process trauma and regulate the nervous system.

• Somatic Experiencing
  This modality recognises the power of the mind-body connection in healing trauma by creating body awareness. It pays close attention to the physical sensations that arise in the body and slowly aims to regulate and calm the body’s reactive state. 
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
  EMDR is a therapy that uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. During a session, a therapist guides the client through these stimulations as they recall the trauma, allowing them to heal without needing to talk about the event in detail.
• Dance Movement Therapy
  Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) uses dance and movement as a way to truly experience the mind-body connection. For those experiencing stress, anxiety, and trauma, it’s a powerful way to provide emotional expression and exploration in a safe environment. 
• Yoga Therapy 
  This modality is a contemplative practice that prioritises breathwork and meditation to help people stay in the present moment. It is a trauma-informed approach that teaches people how to listen to their bodies and process difficult emotions. 
  

Who Can Benefit from Somatic Healing?

Somatic healing can be incredibly beneficial for a wide range of individuals. It is particularly effective for those who:

• Have Experienced Trauma
  Somatic therapy offers a gentle approach to release stored survival energy that words alone often cannot access. 
• Struggle with Chronic Stress or Anxiety
  These conditions are often rooted in a dysregulated nervous system stuck in a fight or flight response. Somatic work directly teaches your body how to return to a state of safety.
• Feel Disconnected from Their Body
  This can feel like numbness or being out of touch with your own needs. Somatic therapy can help you feel safe in your body and rebuild that connection.
• Feel Stuck in Traditional Talk Therapy
  You might understand your issues intellectually, but still feel the same physically or emotionally. This is often a sign that your body’s side of the story hasn’t been addressed, which is exactly what somatic therapy is for.

Ready to explore this mind-body connection for yourself? Our yoga retreat centre offers a wide range of workshops and classes that are designed for your personal healing. 

Contact us to begin your somatic healing journey today. We’d love to see you there.