What is Somatics?

The field of Somatics encompasses many forms of holistic bodywork and movement studies, including dance therapy, meditation, and touch therapy. These practices thrive under a common definition of Somatics, which "emphasizes internal physical perception and experience." (Wikipedia).

So what does that mean?

To put it simply, Somatics aims at improving one's relationship between body and mind. The "Soma" represents an integration of the two, or "the body as percieved from within." (Thomas Hanna). Commonly treated as two separate entities, the body and mind are inextricably linked. Exploration mind-body connection is key in both healing trauma stored in the body and unpacking harmful cognitive distortions that contribute to stress and low self worth. Somatic exercises achieve this by helping people improve their awareness of their physical sensations. In doing so, people learn how to identify how emotion is stored in the body, as well as how to self-regulate and heal those emotions.

It is important to note that Somatic principles exist beyond the limits of various techniques. Rather, Somatic exercises are the first steps towards a lifestyle of embodied living. Heightened internal physical perception can be transformative. Somatic experiencing can help you recognize how physiological symptoms effect your mood, outlook, and behavior. Additionally, it raises awareness to how your mood, outlook, and behavior can present in your body.