Tag

somatic therapy
Person stands with outstretched arms, surrounded by forest

Book Review: Somacultural Liberation: An Indigenous, Two-Spirit Somatic Guide to Integrating Cultural Experiences Toward Freedom by Dr. Roger Kuhn

Introduction Over the past few years, I have found myself reconnecting to my body as a source of knowledge and wisdom. As a white-body settler on Turtle Island, I’ve been exploring the generational layers that shape my present, recognizing that my past—the echoes of my ancestors—resides within me. This journey...
Read More
Person sitting in a grass field at sunset

Reclaiming the Body: The Healing Power of Somatic Therapy for Trans* and Queer Adults

Introduction: The Body as a Site of Healing and Resistance In my journey as a therapist, I have always believed that healing must go beyond words. For many trans* and queer individuals, myself included, the body has been a place of conflict, shame, and disconnection. Growing up in a world...
Read More
Parent and child walk in a field at sunset

Discovering Somatic IFS: Enhancing Collaboration and Healing Through Somatic Work

Introduction In the field of psychotherapy, Somatic Internal Family Systems (Somatic IFS) offers an innovative approach to healing that combines the principles of body-centered therapy with the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework. Developed by Susan McConnell, Somatic IFS integrates somatic practices such as movement, breathwork, and touch, allowing clients to...
Read More
Young person practicing breathing yoga in a field at sunset

From Trauma to Recovery: How Somatic Therapy Can Help

Psychological trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on a person’s mental and physical health. It can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected from their bodies. Traditional talk therapy can help process trauma, but it doesn’t always address the physical aspect of trauma stored in the body. That’s...
Read More
Detail of hand touching water surface of lake at sunset

Exploring the Mind-Body Connection: An Intro to Somatic Techniques

Somatic techniques are a form of therapy that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. Unlike traditional talk therapy, somatic techniques aim to address the physical sensations and experiences associated with emotions and trauma. Somatic techniques are often used in conjunction with traditional talk therapy to help individuals...
Read More
In nature at sunset a butterfly landing on a person's hand

A Holistic Approach to Mental Health: Exploring the Benefits of Somatic Psychotherapy

Somatic psychotherapy is a holistic therapeutic approach that recognizes the mind-body connection in addressing mental health issues. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on verbal communication, somatic psychotherapy integrates bodily experiences and sensations into the therapeutic process. By exploring the physical and emotional sensations that arise in the body,...
Read More
Silhouette of woman in lotus position sitting in sea and meditating

Polyvagal Theory in Psychotherapy: A Comprehensive Guide

Polyvagal Theory is a relatively new area of research in the field of psychotherapy that has gained increasing popularity in recent years. Developed by Stephen Porges, this theory seeks to explain the complex relationship between our nervous system and our emotional experiences. The theory is based on the understanding that...
Read More
Young person practicing breathing yoga in a field at sunset

Examining the Arguments Against Polyvagal Theory: A Balanced Assessment

The polyvagal theory has become an increasingly popular framework in the field of psychology and neuroscience. The theory has been used to explain the complex interplay between the autonomic nervous system and social behaviour and has been applied in a variety of settings, from clinical practice to education to corporate...
Read More
Carefree young person feeling relaxed outside in the morning light

Exploring the Benefits of Somatic Psychotherapy Through the Lens of the Polyvagal Theory

The polyvagal theory is a relatively new framework for understanding the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in regulating our physiological and emotional responses to stress and other environmental stimuli. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the polyvagal theory suggests that the ANS is not a single, uniform system, but...
Read More
Person lying down in the fall leaves

The Power of Mind-Body Integration: Exploring the Six Guiding Principles of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is an approach to therapy that integrates the body and mind to treat unprocessed traumas and their resulting symptoms. There are six guiding principles to this approach, each of which contributes to its effectiveness and transformative power. Organicity: The first principle of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is organicity. This principle...
Read More
1 2