What is Somatic Healing?
Types of Somatic Healing: Releasing, Experiencing, and Therapy
All three of these therapeutic modalities share a focus on the body and its role in healing and personal growth. However, there are distinct differences between them.
Let's explore each approach individually:
Somatic Releasing:
Somatic Releasing is a therapeutic modality that emphasizes releasing tension, trauma, and emotional imprints stored within the body. It is a holistic approach that encourages individuals to tune into bodily sensations, explore movement, and engage in practices that promote the release of stored emotions and energy. Somatic Releasing focuses on creating a safe container for individuals to witness, express, and release what arises in their bodies. It can be practiced individually or with the guidance of a trained facilitator.
Somatic Experiencing:
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a specific therapeutic modality Dr. Peter A. Levine developed. It is rooted in the understanding that trauma is primarily a physiological and nervous system response rather than a psychological issue. SE aims to resolve the effects of trauma by working with the body's innate ability to self-regulate and heal. Through gentle guidance and attunement to bodily sensations, SE helps individuals renegotiate and discharge the trapped energy and survival responses activated during the traumatic event. This approach focuses on restoring balance to the nervous system and promoting resilience.
Somatic Therapy:
Somatic Therapy is an umbrella term that encompasses various therapeutic approaches that emphasize the body-mind connection in the healing process. Somatic Therapy recognizes that our bodies hold the imprints of our experiences, including trauma, and that working with the body is essential for holistic healing. It integrates talk therapy with mindfulness, movement, breathwork, and body awareness to facilitate self-awareness, emotional regulation, and trauma resolution. Somatic Therapy approaches, including Body Psychotherapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Hakomi Method, can vary.
Below are the Somatic Cliff Notes for those in a hurry:
While these Somatic modalities have overlapping principles and techniques, the primary distinction lies in their specific approaches, theories, and methodologies for working with the body in therapy.
Somatic Releasing focuses on the release of stored tension and trauma.
Somatic Experiencing focuses on the resolution of trauma and restoring nervous system regulation.
Somatic Therapy encompasses a broader range of therapeutic approaches that integrate the body and mind for healing, growth, and self-awareness.
The Rise of Somatic Healing in Los Angeles:
In recent years, the demand for trauma-informed care has grown exponentially in Los Angeles. As individuals become more aware of the long-term effects of unresolved trauma, there is a growing recognition of the need for specialized therapies that address the root causes rather than just managing symptoms. Somatic based healing has gained considerable popularity due to its non-invasive and body-centered approach, offering a unique pathway to healing.
Somatic based healing in Los Angeles is not limited to the therapeutic setting alone. The city offers a plethora of complementary practices and activities that promote a holistic approach to healing. From yoga and meditation studios to wellness retreats and mindful movement classes, individuals can explore and integrate practices that support their Somatic journey. Los Angeles provides a fertile ground for individuals to find various modalities that nurture mind and body.
Los Angeles Resources for Somatic Healing are Available to Everyone
In the realm of movement and self-expression, a sacred space exists where authenticity and healing converge. A movement based practice that invites us to listen to the wisdom of our bodies, intertwines beautifully with the principles of Somatic Healing. This dynamic connection becomes a transformative journey of self-discovery, liberation, and profound healing.
Movement Based Experiences in Los Angeles are not just for Dancers
Moved LA is series of adult creative movement workshops that are inclusive, playful, and accessible. Designed to shift your energy and boost your mood, Moved LA gives you a chance to break a sweat, connect with others, and laugh until you cry. Come exactly as you are to free your mind and body through imaginative movement prompts and feel good vibes that are sprinkled around like confetti!
the founder of Moved LA Sarah Rodenhouse has classes every Sunday at this studio Genesis Studio [note: you will need to scroll through the schedule to find individual classes]
she also has created a deck of cards to encourage movement exploration entitled Make Moves
Genesis Studio also offers Breath to Movement [ a form of yoga ] classes given by Harper Jewel Harris, as well as Movement & Magic by Gina Starbuck which is described as an immersive movement healing experience.
these classes are happening at this Los Angeles studio Genesis Studio [note: you will need to scroll through the schedule to find individual classes]
from their website
Beginning as a small Sunday morning movement practice, Dance Church was created by Kate Wallich in 2010.
Over the course of a decade, a joyful community of dancers and non-dancers alike have turned Dance Church into a massive gathering of people around the world, dancing and sweating together.
They also offer online live classes.
they also have have live classes at this Los Angeles studio Genesis Studio [note: you will need to scroll through the schedule to find the individual class]
Ecstatic dance is a form of free-form movement and expression that encourages individuals to tap into their inner selves, unleash their creativity, and experience a sense of liberation and joy through movement. It is a practice that transcends traditional structured dance routines and focuses more on self-discovery, personal expression, and emotional release.
find out about upcoming events happening in Los Angeles on their website https://www.ecstaticdancela.com/tickets
Less Dance / More Restful Alternatives: that Still Help You Release Somatically
from their website
The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education uses gentle movement and directed attention to help people learn new and more effective ways of living the life they want. You can increase your ease and range of motion, improve your flexibility and coordination, and rediscover your innate capacity for graceful, efficient movement. Since how you move is how you move through life, these improvements will often enhance your thinking, emotional regulation, and problem-solving capabilities.
they have many online course available https://feldenkrais.com/events/
Somatic Self Care from Johns Hopkins Medicine
from their website
What do you need right now: centering and a sense of calm, or a boost of energy to get you through the work? Join Peabody Institute faculty, Jen Graham, as she leads you through a gentle movement series to promote mind-body connection and well-being. All you need is a little bit of time and a little bit of space. No equipment or work-out clothes needed. Designed to be done in your home.
Releasing Weight through Ideokinesis
Trigger Point Release with Props
And Finally: As a Therapeutic Approach
If you would like to learn more about Somatic Therapy and how it can inform a traditional therapy session…
Rebecca Bruno MA, LMFT of Living Psychotherapy speaks about that subject here.