Somatic Therapy Training Resources

You’re likely curious about somatic therapy training and how it differentiates from other types of mental health therapy. We’ve got you covered! Somatic therapy is a unique approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind and body to facilitate healing. Unlike traditional therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which predominantly focus on mental processes, somatic therapy integrates body-oriented techniques like dance, breathwork, and meditation to promote mental well-being^[1].

The Core of Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy explores how harrowing experiences are embodied and expressed through the body, applying mind-body healing principles to aid in trauma recovery^[2]. It’s an integral approach that focuses on releasing physical tension and emotional stress stored in the body. By engaging the mind and body, practitioners help individuals achieve holistic healing.

In today’s digital age, somatic therapy training has adapted to include online options, making it more accessible for those who prefer or require remote learning. Online somatic therapy training programs offer the same comprehensive curriculum as in-person courses, covering essential topics such as trauma theory, neurophysiology, and practical healing techniques. These programs often include interactive components like live webinars, virtual workshops, and one-on-one mentorship sessions to ensure students receive a well-rounded education^[10].

One significant advantage of somatic therapy training online is the flexibility it provides. Students can learn independently, fitting coursework around their personal and professional commitments. This learning mode is particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have access to local training programs or need to balance their studies with other responsibilities. Additionally, online platforms often provide many resources, including video demonstrations, reading materials, and discussion forums, which can enhance the learning experience^[11].

Moreover, online somatic therapy training can be as effective as traditional in-person training. Many programs incorporate practical assignments and virtual practicum opportunities, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios. For instance, some courses require students to complete practice hours working on themselves or with peers, ensuring they gain hands-on experience even in a remote setting. By leveraging technology, online somatic therapy training can deliver a robust and immersive educational experience that prepares students to become skilled practitioners^[12].

Somatic Experiencing (SE) Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma and other stress disorders. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE focuses on the body’s natural healing ability. The training involves understanding the neurophysiology of trauma and learning techniques to help clients release stored trauma from their bodies. This method emphasizes the importance of creating a safe environment for clients to process their experiences.

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is considered a somatic therapy due to its foundational principles and therapeutic practices that directly emphasize the mind-body connection, bodily awareness, and the resolution of trauma stored in the body. Let’s break down the key components to understand why SE fits within the somatic therapy paradigm:

Conceptual Framework

1. Mind-Body Connection:
   • SE is built on the idea that trauma and stress are not just psychological phenomena but also physiological ones. Traumatic experiences can become “trapped” in the body, leading to chronic stress responses.
   • The approach acknowledges the bidirectional relationship between the mind and body, where emotional states can affect physical health, and vice versa.
2. Neurophysiology of Trauma:
   • Dr. Peter Levine, the founder of SE, based his work on extensive research into the autonomic nervous system’s role in trauma. The understanding of how the body responds to and stores trauma is central to SE.
   • SE leverages concepts of neuroplasticity—how the brain and nervous system can change and heal over time through specific interventions.

Therapeutic Techniques

1. Somatic Awareness:
   • SE helps clients become more attuned to their bodily sensations. This practice, often called “felt sense,” is crucial for identifying and processing trauma.
   • The therapy encourages awareness of sensations like tension, tightness, warmth, or shivering, which can indicate unprocessed trauma.
2. Release of Stored Trauma:
   • Through guided techniques, SE aims to release the physical and emotional energy associated with trauma.
   • Techniques might include grounding, orienting, titration (gradual exposure to traumatic memories), and pendulation (moving between states of distress and calm).
3. Creating Safe Environments:
   • Safety is paramount in SE. Therapists are trained to create a supportive and secure environment where clients feel safe enough to explore and process their traumatic experiences.
   • This safety allows the nervous system to re-regulate and move out of chronic stress patterns.

Types of Interventions

1. Gradual Exposure (Titration):
   • Instead of confronting traumatic memories head-on, SE uses a gradual approach to avoid overwhelming the client. Sensations and emotions are explored in small, manageable pieces.
2. Pendulation:
   • This technique involves guiding the client through cycles of experiencing distress (related to the trauma) and then returning to a state of calmness. The goal is to build the client’s tolerance for distress without becoming overwhelmed.
3. Resourcing:
   • Clients are encouraged to develop internal and external resources that provide a sense of safety and support. These might include positive memories, relationships, or physically grounding activities.

Discover Reclaiming Your Body’s Innate Guidance System with Esteemed Shift Network Faculty Member, Suzanne Scurlock and enjoy a free introductory somatic therapy training webinar to learn how to listen to your bones and 5 more wisdom areas to heal trauma and increase intuition here.

Holistic Approach

1. Non-Invasive and Client-Centered:
   • SE respects the body’s natural ability to heal and does not force change. The process is collaborative, with the therapist supporting clients as they discover their pathways to recovery.
   • The methodology emphasizes that each individual’s experience and healing process is unique.
2. Focus on Embodiment:
   • SE aims to restore clients’ ability to live fully in their bodies, enhancing their overall sense of vitality and well-being.
   • Fostering a deeper connection to bodily sensations can help clients experience greater autonomy and empowerment in their healing journey.

Conclusion

Somatic Experiencing is considered a somatic therapy due to its integrative approach that emphasizes the body’s role in processing and healing trauma. By focusing on the mind-body connection, the neurophysiology of trauma, and specific therapeutic techniques that prioritize bodily awareness and safety, SE aligns closely with the core principles of somatic therapies. This holistic and client-centered framework helps individuals release stored trauma, rediscover bodily wisdom, and achieve greater emotional and physical health.

The Feldenkrais Method® is a type of somatic therapy founded by Dr. Moshé Feldenkrais, a physicist and engineer, in the mid-20th century. This method is fundamentally grounded in the principles of awareness through movement and functional integration to enhance an individual’s physical and mental well-being. Here’s a deep dive into what the method entails, why it falls under the umbrella of somatic therapies, and its application:

Background and Principles

1. Awareness Through Movement (ATM):
   • ATM Classes: These are group sessions in which individuals are guided through various movements. The emphasis is on gentle, exploratory motions, encouraging participants to pay close attention to their bodies.
   • Goal: The objective is to enhance body awareness and improve movement patterns. Participants learn to develop more efficient and comfortable moving methods through conscious attention to movement.
2. Functional Integration (FI):
   • One-on-One Sessions: These private lessons involve a practitioner who uses their hands to guide the client through movements. The practitioner provides tactile feedback, helping the client to become more aware of how they move and to discover alternatives.
   • Customization: Sessions are highly individualized, focusing on specific needs and habitual movement patterns. They address physical pain, restricted movement, and postural problems.

Why It’s Considered Somatic Therapy

1. Mind-Body Connection:
   • Holistic Approach: The Feldenkrais Method is based on the understanding that the mind and body are interconnected. Changes in physical movement can lead to changes in mental patterns and vice versa.
   • Neuroplasticity: It leverages the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. By practicing new movement patterns, individuals can potentially reshape their neural pathways, resulting in improved physical and cognitive function.
2. Embodiment:
   • Somatic Awareness: Participants are encouraged to develop greater somatic awareness, a key component of somatic therapies. This involves becoming more attuned to the body’s sensations, movements, and tensions.
   • Self-Regulation: By fostering a deeper connection between mind and body, the method helps individuals learn to self-regulate, manage stress, and improve overall well-being.
3. Trauma and Emotional Healing:
   • Release of Stored Tension: Physical restrictions and habitual movement patterns can be manifestations of emotional stress or trauma. The Feldenkrais Method provides a gentle means for discovering and releasing such stored tension.
   • Non-Invasive: Its non-invasive, exploratory nature makes it suitable for people who have experienced trauma, as it does not force change but instead guides the body toward discovering more effective ways of moving and being.

Application and Efficacy

• Rehabilitation: It’s frequently used in rehabilitation settings for individuals recovering from injury or surgery, as it can enhance mobility and reduce pain.
• Performance Enhancement: Athletes, dancers, and musicians may use the Feldenkrais Method to refine their technical skills and increase their efficiency in movement.
• Chronic Pain: It is also employed to help individuals with chronic pain conditions, such as back pain or arthritis, find more comfortable and sustainable moving methods.

In conclusion, the Feldenkrais Method® is considered a somatic therapy because of its holistic emphasis on the mind-body connection, its focus on increasing somatic awareness and self-regulation, and its gentle, exploratory approach to improving movement and functionality. This method aims to enhance physical well-being and impacts mental and emotional health by fostering a deeper connection between body and mind.

Breathwork is considered a type of somatic therapy because it deeply engages the mind-body connection, using breath as a primary vehicle to access and influence physical and emotional states. Contextually, somatic therapies focus on integrating physical sensations, body awareness, and movement to promote psychological and emotional healing. Breathwork aligns with these principles by directly involving the autonomic nervous system and facilitating embodied experiences that can release stored tension and trauma.

Background and Principles

1. Mind-Body Connection:
   • Autonomic Nervous System: Breathwork primarily interacts with the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which governs involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion. By modulating breath, practitioners can activate the parasympathetic nervous system (which promotes relaxation) or the sympathetic nervous system (which prepares the body for action). This has a direct impact on mental states, such as reducing anxiety or increasing alertness.
   • Holistic Impact: Breathwork is inherently holistic, as changes in breathing patterns can lead to noticeable shifts in physical sensations and emotional states. For example, slow, deep breathing can signal the body to relax, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being.
2. Embodiment and Somatic Awareness:
   • Sensory Focus: Breathwork encourages heightened awareness of bodily sensations, such as the feeling of air entering and leaving the lungs or the movement of the diaphragm. This focus on sensory experience aligns with the core somatic therapy principle of increasing somatic awareness.
   • Present Moment: Like mindfulness practices, breathwork brings attention to the present moment, fostering a deeper connection with one’s body. This can help individuals become more attuned to their physical and emotional states, essential for effective self-regulation and emotional processing.
3. Trauma and Emotional Release:
   • Stored Tension: Trauma and prolonged emotional stress can manifest as physical tension in the body. Breathwork can help release this stored tension by facilitating relaxation or inducing altered states of consciousness where individuals can process and release deeply held emotions.
   • Safety and Control: Because breathing is a natural and controllable function, breathwork offers a sense of agency to individuals undergoing therapy. This is particularly important for people who have experienced trauma, as it allows them to engage with their bodies in a safe and manageable way.

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Application and Efficacy

1. Trauma Healing:
   • Vagal Tone: Breathwork practices such as deep, diaphragmatic breathing can improve vagal tone, enhancing the parasympathetic response and promoting safety and relaxation. This is crucial for trauma healing as it helps patients move out of a state of chronic hyperarousal.
   • Integration: Some forms of breathwork are used with other therapeutic techniques to help integrate traumatic memories. For example, techniques like holotropic breathwork can lead to cathartic experiences that facilitate emotional release and integration.
2. Stress Reduction:
   • Breathwork has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and improve markers of stress. Techniques like paced breathing or alternate nostril breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
3. Emotional Regulation:
   • Breathwork enhances emotional regulation by improving awareness of the interplay between physical sensations and emotional states. This can help individuals recognize and modulate their reactions to stressors more balancedly.

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Specific Techniques

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing: Involves deep breathing into the diaphragm rather than shallow breathing into the chest, which can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation.
2. Box Breathing: Involves inhaling, holding the breath, exhaling, and holding the breath again for equal counts (e.g., 4-4-4-4). This technique can help regulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce anxiety.
3. Holotropic Breathwork: Developed by Stanislav Grof, this technique involves accelerated breathing patterns to attain altered states of consciousness, which can facilitate deep emotional and psychological processing.

In conclusion, breathwork is considered a type of somatic therapy because it emphasizes the mind-body connection, enhances somatic awareness, aids in the release of stored trauma and tension, and promotes emotional and physical well-being through various controlled breathing techniques. Its holistic and embodied approach fits squarely within the framework of somatic therapies, making it a powerful tool for healing and transformation.

Discover all introductory somatic therapy training courses from The Shift Network here.

Dance is considered a type of somatic therapy because it aligns with the principles and objectives of somatic therapies, focusing on the integration of mind and body to promote healing, self-awareness, and overall well-being. Here are the key aspects and reasoning behind why dance is regarded as a somatic therapy and some exciting resources to begin your somatic movement training journey:

Mind-Body Connection

Holistic Approach: Dance involves the whole body and mind, directly linking physiological and psychological processes. This holistic approach is central to somatic therapies, which emphasize the importance of the body in psychological healing.

Movement and Emotion: Movement in dance can evoke and express emotions, making it a powerful tool for emotional release and regulation. This connection between physical expression and emotional states is a cornerstone of somatic therapy training.

Embodiment and Somatic Awareness

Heightened Body Awareness: Dance demands a heightened awareness of bodily sensations and movements. This enhanced somatic awareness helps individuals become more attuned to their bodies, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with their physical selves.

Grounding and Presence: Dance practices often emphasize grounding and being present in the moment. This focus aligns with somatic therapy principles that encourage individuals to stay connected to their bodily experiences and the present moment, aiding in trauma recovery and stress reduction.

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Discover all somatic movement training from The Shift Network here.

Trauma Healing and Emotional Release

Release of Stored Tension: Dance, especially forms like Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT), can help release physical tension and somatically stored trauma. Rhythmic movement and expressive dance facilitate the release of pent-up emotions and physical stress.

Safe Exploration of Trauma: Dance provides a safe and creative medium for exploring and expressing complex emotions and traumatic experiences. This aligns with somatic therapy’s goal of creating safe spaces for clients to process and heal trauma.

Specific Techniques and Applications

Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT): Developed by pioneers like Marian Chace, DMT uses dance and movement as therapeutic tools to enhance emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. It is recognized for its effectiveness in treating various psychological and physical issues.

Expressive Arts Therapies: Dance is often integrated with other expressive arts therapies, such as music and art therapy, to create a comprehensive mind-body therapeutic experience. These interdisciplinary approaches are valued in somatic treatment for their ability to address complex psychological issues holistically.

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Neuroscience and Physiology in Somatic Movement Training

Neuroplasticity: Research in neuroscience shows that dancing can enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This is particularly beneficial in therapy, aiding recovery from trauma and improving cognitive and emotional functions.

Physiological Benefits: Regular dancing has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, muscle coordination, and overall physical fitness. These physiological benefits contribute to overall well-being, a key objective of somatic therapies.

Community and Social Connection

Group Dynamics: Many dance therapies are conducted in group settings, which can enhance social connection and support. This communal aspect can be a powerful therapeutic tool, promoting feelings of belonging and mutual support.

Cultural Expressions: Dance often reflects cultural expressions and can be a means of reconnecting with one’s cultural identity. This reconnection can be healing, especially for individuals who have experienced cultural or identity-based trauma.

Conclusion

In summary, dance is considered a type of somatic therapy because it embodies the core principles of somatic practices: fostering the mind-body connection, enhancing somatic awareness, facilitating trauma healing and emotional release, and promoting holistic health. Its various techniques and applications create a safe and integrative psychological and physical healing environment.

Discover all introductory somatic movement training courses from The Shift Network here.

Yes, Qigong and Tai Chi are considered types of somatic therapy. To understand why, let’s break down the key aspects and principles that align them with the broader category of somatic therapies:

Core Principles of Somatic Therapy

Mind-Body Connection

• Holistic Approach: Somatic therapies emphasize the integration of physical sensations and psychological states, promoting overall well-being.
• Movement and Emotion: These therapies utilize movement to facilitate emotional expression and regulation, thereby aiding in trauma healing and stress reduction.

Somatic Awareness

• Heightened Body Awareness: Central to somatic practices is enhancing awareness regarding bodily sensations and movements.
• Grounding and Presence: A key therapeutic goal is developing an acute sense of presence and connection with the body.

Trauma Healing and Emotional Release

• Release of Stored Tension: Somatic therapies facilitate the release of pent-up physical and emotional stress.
• Safe Exploration of Trauma: These approaches provide safe environments for individuals to process and express traumatic experiences.

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Discover all Shift Network evergreen Qigong course introductions here.

Why Qigong and Tai Chi Fall Under Somatic Therapy

Mind-Body Connection

• Holistic Approach: Qigong and Tai Chi involve slow, deliberate movements synchronized with breath control, fostering a deep connection between mind and body. This holistic approach aids in balancing emotional and physical well-being.
• Movement and Emotion: These practices’ fluid and meditative movements help regulate emotions. Engaging in these exercises can reduce stress and enhance emotional clarity.

Somatic Awareness

• Heightened Body Awareness: Through consistent practice of controlled movements and postures, practitioners of Qigong and Tai Chi develop a refined sense of bodily awareness. This increased awareness contributes to greater self-regulation and mindfulness.
• Grounding and Presence: These practices emphasize being fully present in the moment, cultivating a sense of grounding. This aligns with the principles of somatic therapies, which promote staying connected to bodily experiences.

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Trauma Healing and Emotional Release

• Release of Stored Tension: Similar to other somatic therapies, the gentle, flowing movements in Qigong and Tai Chi can help release physical tension and facilitate the emotional release of stress and trauma.
• Safe Exploration of Trauma: The meditative aspects of these practices create a supportive environment for individuals to explore and process traumatic memories at their own pace.

Additional Benefits Specific to Qigong and Tai Chi

• Breath Regulation: Both practices incorporate a breath control shift troll, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promotes relaxation, and reduces stress-related symptoms.
• Energy Flow (Qi): Qigong and Tai Chi focus on the body’s flow of ‘Qi’ (vital energy). Maintaining and balancing Qi flow is believed to contribute to emotional and physical health. While unique to Eastern philosophies, this concept aligns with the somatic focus on the intrinsic connection between body and mind.
• Community and Social Connection: Many Qigong and Tai Chi sessions take place in group settings, which provide social interaction and community support and enhance the therapeutic experience.

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Discover all Shift Network evergreen Qigong course introductions here.

Conclusion

Qigong and Tai Chi meet the core criteria of somatic therapies through their holistic mind-body approach, promotion of somatic awareness, capability to facilitate trauma healing, and provision of a safe space for emotional release. Their unique components, such as breath regulation and focus on Qi, further enrich their classification as somatic therapies. Therefore, they are recognized as valuable practices within somatic treatment.

These five types of somatic therapy training offer diverse approaches to healing trauma and promoting overall well-being. Each method has its unique strengths and can be tailored to meet clients’ specific needs. By exploring these options, therapists can find the best fit for their practice and enhance their ability to support clients on their healing journey.

The Shift Network is one of the premier partners for introductory webinars on Qigong and Tai Chi. Discover all of The Shift Network’s introductory somatic movement training courses here.

Training Components and Duration

So, how long does it take to get trained in somatic experiencing? Brace yourself for an intensive part-time dedication over three years^[3]. The extensive training program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the neurophysiology of trauma theory and healing principles. It’s not a quick fix but a deep dive into the fascinating intersection of trauma science and practical healing.

What to Expect in a Session

Every somatic therapy session is unique and tailored to individual needs. Sessions generally incorporate talk therapy and physical therapy, helping people learn to identify and acknowledge bodily tension and discover what brings them calmness and relaxation^[4]. Techniques such as grounding—connecting your body with the earth—are standard practices to help clients feel centered and connected.

Certification and Course Requirements

Are you thinking about becoming a certified somatic therapist? You’ll need to complete 15 credit units of coursework, including an Introduction to Somatic Practices course that surveys various relevant practices^[5]. Additional requirements often include practical hours, examination, and possibly a practicum, depending on the certification body^[6].

Embodied Workshops and Advanced Training

Numerous workshops are available for ongoing education, such as those offered by the Embodied Education Institute of Chicago. These workshops cover various aspects of somatic therapy, from the basics of body awareness to advanced topics like somatic-centric sex therapy and the integration of dance movement therapy^[7]. For example, a workshop like “The Body as Teacher” aims to cultivate body awareness and language, improving therapists’ skills in working with clients’ somatic experiences^[8].

The Ethos of Somatic Therapy

Ultimately, the goal of somatic therapy training is not just to equip therapists with technical skills but also to foster an environment of empathy, mindful presence, and body-centered awareness. This training supports therapists in becoming more attuned to their client’s needs, helping clients navigate complex emotional landscapes and build resilience through embodied practices^[9].

So, if you’re thinking about embarking on this rewarding journey, know that it’s a commitment to learning and a transformative way of understanding and facilitating healing. It’s a deep, enlightening ride that requires dedication, curiosity, and a genuine passion for holistic well-being.