Somatic Psychotherapy

Working with a NYC somatic psychotherapist

New York City, with its fast-paced lifestyle, can often lead to mental health challenges as a result of heightened stress. Somatic therapy offers an opportunity for individuals seeking a holistic approach to address their psychological well-being. Somatic therapy is grounded in the belief that the mind and body are one and that physical movement can significantly impact emotional health and healing. Somatic practices employs techniques such as relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, EMDR therapy, and physical movement to help individuals reduce stress, release tension, and improve all aspects of physical and mental health.

What happens during Somatic Experiencing Sessions?

Somatic Experiencing is a form of therapy aimed at relieving and resolving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical trauma-related health problems by focusing on the client’s perceived body sensations or somatic experiences. It was introduced in Dr. Peter Levine's 1997 book "Waking the Tiger." In it, he discusses at length, his observations of animals in the wild, and how they deal with and recover from life-threatening situations. He concludes that their behavior gives us "an insight into the biological healing process" (p.98), and that "the key to healing traumatic symptoms in humans lies in our being able to mirror the fluid adaption of wild animals" (p.17-18) as they avoid traumatization in reacting to life-threatening situations.

The theory postulates that the symptoms of trauma are the effect of a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It further postulates that the ANS has an inherent capacity to self-regulate and that it is undermined by trauma, and that the inherent capacity to self-regulate can be restored by the procedures of Somatic Experiencing or SE.

Somatic Experiencing attempts to promote awareness and release of physical tension that proponents believe is stored and remains in the body in the aftermath of trauma. Another notion is that the client's experience should be "pendulated." Pendulation refers to the movement between regulation and dysregulation. The client is helped to move to a state where he or she is believed to be somewhat dysregulated (i.e. aroused, distressed, or frozen) and then helped to return to a state of regulation (loosely defined as not aroused or frozen). "Resources" are defined as anything that helps the client's autonomic nervous system return to a regulated state. In the face of arousal, "discharge" is facilitated to allow the client's body to return to a regulated state. Through this process the client's inherent capacity to self-regulate is believed to be restored.

The procedure, which is normally done in a face-to-face session similar to psychotherapy, involves a client tracking his or her own "felt-sense" experience. SE is considered by practitioners to be effective for "shock" trauma in the short term (typically one to six sessions). It is also considered effective for developmental trauma as an adjunct or instead of more conventional psychotherapy that may span years. Somatic Experiencing is very effective and can be integrated with EMDR sessions and traditional talk therapy or psychotherapy.

Somatic Experiencing is considered by practitioners to be useful for two broad categories of trauma: shock trauma and developmental trauma. Shock trauma is loosely defined as a single-episode traumatic event such as an accident, natural disaster, battlefield incident, etc. Developmental trauma refers to various kinds of psychological damage that occur during child development, such as chronic abuse, insufficient attention and neglect from primary caregivers, and insufficient nurturing relationship with the parent.

what are the benefits of working with the body?

Working with a somatic therapist offers unique benefits that go beyond the cognitive focus of traditional talk therapy. Somatic therapy centers on the mind-body connection, recognizing that trauma, stress, and emotional wounds are often stored in the body. This approach helps individuals release physical tension, emotional blocks, and unprocessed trauma through techniques such as breathwork, body awareness, and gentle movement. Unlike talk therapy, which primarily addresses mental and verbal processing, somatic therapy encourages clients to tune into their physical sensations and explore how these sensations are tied to emotional experiences. As a result, it can offer a deeper, more holistic healing process by integrating both physical and emotional release, promoting long-term relief from anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress. This mind-body connection can often lead to more profound and lasting shifts in emotional well-being, helping clients to feel more grounded, connected, and empowered in their daily lives.

Somatic therapy to improve your emotional and physical health…

Somatic therapy can significantly improve both your mental and physical health by addressing the deep connection between the mind and body. Here are some key ways it can benefit you:

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety - By focusing on body awareness, somatic therapy helps you recognize and release physical tension associated with stress and anxiety. Techniques like breathwork and grounding exercises allow you to stay present, reducing the intensity of anxiety and promoting a calmer, more balanced emotional state.

• Trauma Release - Trauma is often stored in the body, and somatic therapy allows you to process and release these stored emotional experiences. Through gentle movement, touch, or body scans, you can access and heal trauma that may not be fully accessible through traditional talk therapy alone.

• Improved Emotional Regulation - Somatic therapy helps you become more attuned to your physical sensations, enabling you to better understand and regulate your emotions. This increased self-awareness can lead to better emotional control, reducing mood swings, irritability, or emotional reactivity.

• Increased Energy and Vitality - When your body is free from tension and emotional blockages, you may experience a boost in energy and vitality. Somatic practices encourage the body to return to a state of balance, improving overall well-being and promoting a sense of physical aliveness.

• Pain Relief and Improved Posture - Chronic pain or physical discomfort often stems from emotional or psychological issues. By addressing these root causes, somatic therapy can help reduce chronic pain, improve posture, and enhance your physical flexibility, leading to a more comfortable and pain-free life.

• Enhanced Mind-Body Connection - Through somatic therapy, you learn to listen to your body more intuitively. This stronger mind-body connection helps you better manage stress, make healthier lifestyle choices, and foster a deeper sense of inner peace and well-being.

Overall, somatic therapy helps you heal on a holistic level by integrating mental and physical health, fostering long-lasting improvements in both emotional resilience and physical well-being.

is somatic therapy similar to energy psychology?

Yes, somatic psychotherapy shares some similarities with energy psychology, but they are distinct approaches. Both modalities emphasize the connection between the mind and body, and both aim to help individuals release emotional blockages, trauma, and stress that can manifest physically. Energy psychology, which includes techniques like Thought Field Therapy (TFT) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), specifically targets the body's energy systems, often using tapping or other methods to address emotional disturbances by stimulating acupuncture points or meridians. The focus is on balancing the body’s energy to facilitate emotional healing.

On the other hand, somatic psychotherapy focuses more on bodily awareness, using techniques such as breathwork, body movement, and mindfulness to help individuals process emotions and trauma that are held in the body. While both approaches aim to release stored emotional trauma, somatic psychotherapy does not directly manipulate the body's energy systems but instead encourages individuals to become more attuned to their bodily sensations to facilitate healing.

Somatic psychotherapy is a good fit for the following challenges:

Somatic psychotherapy is particularly effective for individuals dealing with a range of physical and emotional challenges, especially when these issues are rooted in or exacerbated by stress, trauma, or chronic tension. Some common challenges that are a good fit for somatic psychotherapy include:

• Trauma and PTSD - Somatic psychotherapy helps individuals process trauma that may be stored in the body, such as tension, pain, or tightness, which often manifests from unresolved emotional experiences.

• Anxiety and Panic Disorders - Physical symptoms of anxiety, like shallow breathing or muscle tightness, can be addressed through somatic techniques that help regulate the nervous system and reduce overwhelming feelings.

• Chronic Pain - For those dealing with unexplained or persistent physical pain, somatic psychotherapy can help uncover emotional or psychological causes behind the discomfort, while teaching strategies for pain management through body awareness.

• Depression - Individuals with depression often experience a sense of heaviness or disconnect from their bodies. Somatic psychotherapy helps reconnect them with their bodily sensations, promoting mindfulness and a more integrated emotional experience.

• Stress and Burnout - High-stress levels can manifest in physical tension and fatigue. Somatic psychotherapy offers tools to release that tension and help manage stress more effectively, restoring balance and energy.

• Relationship Issues - Unresolved emotions, often stored in the body, can affect personal relationships. Somatic therapy can help individuals recognize and release patterns that may be affecting communication or emotional connection.

• Self-Esteem and Body Image Issues - Somatic psychotherapy encourages a healthier relationship with one's body, helping individuals address negative self-perceptions or insecurities that are physically and emotionally manifest.

• Sleep Disorders - Physical tension and stress can contribute to difficulties falling or staying asleep. Somatic techniques help regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation, improving sleep patterns.

• Dissociation and Fragmented Self - Individuals who have experienced trauma may feel disconnected from their bodies or have difficulty staying present. Somatic psychotherapy helps them reintegrate body awareness, promoting grounding and helping them reconnect with their physical and emotional selves.

• Somatic Symptoms Without Clear Medical Cause - Sometimes, emotional distress manifests as physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or unexplained pain. Somatic psychotherapy can help individuals uncover and release the emotional underpinnings of these symptoms.

• Attachment Issues - Those with insecure attachment styles (e.g., anxious or avoidant) may have trouble with emotional regulation and intimacy. Somatic psychotherapy can help individuals feel safer in their bodies and develop healthier emotional responses in relationships.

• Sexual Trauma and Dysfunction - Somatic therapy is particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced sexual trauma or struggle with sexual dysfunction. It addresses the body’s memory of trauma, helping individuals reclaim their bodily autonomy, heal from past experiences, and restore a healthy relationship with their sexuality.

• Phobias and Fear Responses - Somatic psychotherapy can assist in addressing the physical manifestation of phobias, such as muscle tension, panic attacks, or heart palpitations. By working with the body’s sensations, clients can release these fears and responses in a grounded and controlled way.

• Post-Surgical Recovery or Physical Rehabilitation - Individuals recovering from surgery or injury may experience emotional and physical stagnation. Somatic psychotherapy can support the healing process by addressing body awareness, emotional trauma related to the injury, and encouraging physical movement to restore the body’s full range of motion.

• Perfectionism and Overworking - Those struggling with perfectionism or chronic overworking may carry tension in their bodies, especially in the form of tight shoulders, jaw clenching, or other areas of stress. Somatic psychotherapy can help release these patterns, promote relaxation, and encourage a more balanced approach to work and self-expectations.

• Grief and Loss - The body often holds the emotional weight of grief, manifesting as fatigue, tightness, or even physical pain. Somatic psychotherapy helps individuals process grief by acknowledging and releasing the physical sensations tied to loss, making it easier to move through the emotional experience.

• Addiction Recovery - Somatic therapy can be a valuable part of addiction recovery, as it helps individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions in a healthier way. It addresses the physical cravings, emotional triggers, and bodily responses that can drive addictive behaviors.

About somatic Therapy NYC

This practice provides a range of psychological & wellness services in NYC and throughout NY state. The goal is to individualize treatment to your unique physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs. I have experience working with a broad range of symptoms and approaches in psychotherapy, including but not limited to EMDR Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Holistic Mind-Body Medicine. Therapy begins with a therapeutic consultation, where you will gather a wealth of information about your difficulties. Many people feel better after the first session. The initial consultation also lays the groundwork for future treatment as we determine the best modalities to help you heal.

Somatic Awareness Therapist With Nearly 20 Years Of Experience

This practice offers supportive, compassionate, and comprehensive care, staying current on research related to mental health. My goal is to use my expertise and extensive training to get you back to living your life as quickly as possible.

Book An Appointment For Somatic Therapy NYC Today

Book an appointment directly or text 212-529-8292 to get started. Integrative Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan can help you with your healing journey guiding you towards optimal mental health.