Who is Somatic Therapy For? Somatic therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the mind-body connection and the ways in which emotional, psychological, and physical experiences are interconnected. It is designed to help individuals from infants to adults who may be experiencing a range of issues, including:
Trauma and PTSD: Somatic therapy can be particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma, as it helps them process and release the physical and emotional sensations associated with traumatic events.
Anxiety and stress: Somatic therapy techniques can be used to reduce anxiety and stress by promoting relaxation and helping individuals become more aware of physical sensations and tension in their bodies.
Depression: Somatic therapy can assist individuals in addressing the physical and emotional symptoms of depression, as it emphasizes the mind-body connection and self-awareness.
Chronic pain: It can be beneficial for people dealing with chronic pain conditions, as it helps them explore the relationship between their emotions and physical sensations.
Relationship issues: Somatic therapy can be useful in couples therapy and for individuals working on relationship issues, as it can improve communication and help partners connect on a deeper level.
Body image and self-esteem issues: Somatic therapy can be helpful for individuals struggling with body image concerns and low self-esteem by increasing self-awareness and promoting self-acceptance.
Postpartum issues: It can be utilized to address issues related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences, helping individuals process the physical and emotional changes associated with these life transitions.
Addiction and substance abuse: Somatic therapy can be incorporated into addiction treatment to help individuals become more aware of their physical cravings and emotional triggers.
Eating disorders: For individuals with eating disorders, somatic therapy can assist in exploring the emotional and physical components of disordered eating behaviors.
Mindfulness and personal growth: Somatic therapy techniques are also used by individuals interested in personal growth and self-discovery, as they can enhance self-awareness and mindfulness. Somatic therapy approaches vary, and different therapists may use techniques such as body-centered awareness, breathwork, movement, and touch to help clients better understand and work through their issues. It's important to consult with a qualified somatic therapist to determine if this approach is suitable for your specific needs and goals.
Here is an article written by Harvard University for further reading.
How many sessions are recommended? The number of Somatic Experiencing (SE) sessions recommended can vary widely depending on the individual's specific needs and goals. Somatic Experiencing is a body-focused approach to therapy designed to help individuals release the physical and emotional effects of trauma and stress. The length and frequency of SE therapy sessions can be tailored to each person's unique situation. Here are some factors that can influence the recommended number of SE sessions:
Severity of Trauma: The more severe and complex the trauma, the more sessions may be needed to address and process the effects.
Personal Goals: Some individuals may seek SE therapy to address a specific issue or symptom, while others may want to engage in more long-term personal growth and healing. The number of sessions can vary accordingly.
Progress: You and Kiara will continuously evaluate progress in therapy. If you are making significant progress and achieving your goals, you may require fewer sessions. On the other hand, if progress is slower, more sessions may be recommended.
Support System: The availability of a strong support system outside of therapy can influence the number of SE sessions needed. A good support system can complement the therapeutic work.
It's important to note that Somatic Experiencing is often a short- to medium-term therapy, and some clients may find benefit from just a few sessions, while others may engage in therapy for several months. A typical course of SE therapy may range from several sessions to around 12 sessions, but it can be extended as needed. The cost of each session is $1
Is Kiara a therapist? Kiara is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner trained by Somatic Experiencing International founded by Dr. Peter Levine. SEI is a 3 year program designed to train professionals to work more effectively with clients who experience nervous system dysregulation and/or trauma.
How will I know I'm getting better? Knowing that you're making progress in therapy is an important part of the therapeutic process. Here are some ways to gauge your progress in therapy:
Self-awareness: One of the key signs of progress is an increased self-awareness. You may start to better understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how they relate to the issues you're working on in sessions.
Improved coping skills: As you continue SE, you should develop new coping strategies and skills to deal with the challenges and issues that brought you to therapy in the first place. These could be better ways to manage stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional difficulties.
Increased insight: Progress in SE often involves gaining insight into the underlying causes of your issues or patterns of behavior. You may start to see connections between past experiences and your current challenges.
Improved relationships: SE can also help you improve your interpersonal skills and relationships. You may notice that your communication with others has improved, and you're better able to manage conflicts or set healthy boundaries.
Reduced symptoms: If you sought therapy to address specific symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, progress can be measured by a reduction in the intensity and frequency of these symptoms.
Goal achievement: Setting clear goals with your practitioner and working towards them is a common way to measure progress. When you start to achieve these goals or make meaningful strides toward them, it's a sign that therapy is working for you.
Positive feedback from your therapist: Your practitioner can provide valuable feedback on your progress. If they notice improvements in your mental and emotional well-being, it's a good indicator that you're making progress.
Increased self-acceptance: Progress in therapy often involves developing greater self-acceptance and self-compassion. You may become less critical of yourself and more self-accepting.
A sense of empowerment: Over time, you may start to feel more in control of your life and more capable of dealing with challenges. This sense of empowerment is a strong indicator of progress.
It's important to remember that progress in therapy is a highly individualized and ongoing process. It may not always be linear, and there may be setbacks along the way. It's also okay to discuss your concerns about progress with your practitioner. They can help you assess how you're doing and adjust the therapeutic approach if necessary. Patience and consistency in attending sessions and working on the insights and skills gained in therapy are key to making progress.