If you tend to frequent the healing or personal growth space, you have ABSOLUTELY come across the term “Somatics.”

It’s become a real buzzword these days hasn’t it, everyone and anyone working in this industry has been talking about it, and with good reason!

For as long as Therapy has been relevant, the focus has always been on the “talking aspect.” In fact, if you closed your eyes and asked yourself “what is Therapy,” the first thing that might come to mind is “a place to chat about my problems.”

And, you’re not alone in that, that has been the only thing we have ever been taught.

Here is the thing though, when it comes to working through trauma specifically, it’s going to take a lot more than simply talking about it and intellectualizing it.

While yes, there are a world of benefits to “unpacking” what you have experienced through the power of conversing with someone you feel safe and secure with, there is an entire other set of practices that can enhance trauma processing.

Queue Somatic Practices!

You might be asking yourself “but Denise, what does that even mean?!?!?!” I have an idea but I can’t seem to find a single definition online that really makes sense.

And I totally understand that, that’s why were here today, that’s why you’re still reading this post now.

Allow me a moment to really shed some light on what Somatic Practices are and how they can support you in moving through some of the trauma you have experienced.

What’s important to realize is that the spoken word was never your first language – say what!?!?!

Think about it for a moment, when you were first born you didn’t have words, they weren’t accessible or available to you.

Instead, you explored the world and understood your needs through how you were feeling in the BODY first and foremost.

So, when we think about it this way, your deep connection to your body was your first language, it is how you communicated with the world, its the only thing you really understood.

With all that said, let’s explore how these practices can be a game-changer, especially when it comes to processing trauma.

First things first, what are somatic practices? Simply put, somatic practices involve reconnecting with the body to promote healing and well-being. This approach recognizes that our bodies hold onto experiences, memories, and emotions, and that by tuning into bodily sensations, we can access a deeper level of awareness and understanding.

Now, you might be wondering why this matters, especially in the context of trauma processing. Well, here’s the thing: trauma isn’t just something that happens in the mind—it’s stored in the body, too. When we experience trauma, our nervous system goes into overdrive, activating the fight, flight, or freeze response. Over time, these unresolved sensations can manifest as physical tension, pain, or discomfort.

Somatic practices offer a pathway for releasing these trapped sensations and restoring balance to the nervous system. Through gentle movements, breathwork, mindfulness, and body awareness exercises, we can create a safe container for exploring and processing trauma in a non-verbal way.

One of the key benefits of somatic practices is their ability to bypass the cognitive mind and access the deeper layers of the subconscious. This can be especially helpful for individuals who struggle to articulate their emotions or find traditional talk therapy challenging. By tapping into the body’s innate wisdom, we can uncover hidden truths, release stuck energy, and pave the way for profound healing.

But perhaps the most beautiful aspect of somatic practices is their capacity to reconnect us with our innate sense of aliveness and vitality. Trauma can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves, numb to our emotions, and trapped in a state of survival mode. Through somatic exploration, we can reclaim our embodied presence, cultivate self-compassion, and rediscover the joy of simply being in our bodies.

So, whether you’re embarking on your healing journey or simply curious about alternative approaches to therapy, I invite you to explore the transformative power of somatic practices. Together, we can create a space where you feel safe, supported, and empowered to embrace the fullness of your experience, one breath at a time.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into somatic healing and discover how it can support you on your path to wholeness, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s embark on this journey together and unlock the healing potential that lies within your own body.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to learn more about incorporating somatic practices into your therapeutic work. Until then, may you find peace, presence, and profound healing on your journey forward.