Somatic therapies work with the body and its felt sense. They include Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and approaches grounded in polyvagal theory. They can help with a range of difficulties, including trauma, relational issues, and anxiety. They have a scientific basis, though fewer studies have compared their effectiveness with other traditions such as CBT.
What are somatic therapies?
Somatic therapies are approaches to therapy or psychotherapy that pay particular attention to the body. They focus on the link between body and mind, with the idea that trauma leaves its imprint in the body. Among them are Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, Focusing, Somatic IFS (Internal Family Systems), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, some forms of EMDR, and other methods inspired by polyvagal theory.
Where do these methods come from?
Approaches that explore the mind–body connection are not new: Freud and the psychoanalysts already observed the link between the body and the unconscious. The somatic therapy movement grew mainly in the United States and is now well established in Scandinavia, Germany, and international communities of personal development.
Do these methods have a scientific basis?
They were developed by professionals — psychologists and therapists — with solid academic training and substantial clinical experience. They have integrated advances in neuroscience to explain their mechanisms. Their effectiveness has been shown in several comparative studies. It is not yet as widely documented as approaches such as CBT: these methods are more recent, and far fewer researchers work on them.
What kinds of difficulties can they help with?
They can help with many concerns: anxiety, relational difficulties, trauma (accidents, PTSD, childhood trauma, emotional neglect). Somatic therapies are also commonly used in coaching and personal development. For more serious conditions, it is better to turn to specialised psychiatric care, or to therapists trained in somatic therapy who specialise in psychiatry.
What is the difference between Somatic Experiencing and Hakomi?
Somatic Experiencing and Hakomi are close and share many principles and interventions. Somatic Experiencing is especially specialised in shock trauma, which can show up as PTSD. Hakomi gives more attention to childhood and relational trauma.