Somatic Therapy (noun)

A therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between the mind and body, using body awareness, movement, and physical sensations to help process and heal trauma, stress, and emotional distress.

Somatic therapy has gained significant popularity in recent years, especially as awareness of the mind-body connectionhas grown. With increasing research on trauma, stress, and nervous system regulation, more people are seeking alternatives to traditional talk therapy.

Reasons for Its Rise in Popularity:

Trauma Awareness – Books like The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk have highlighted how trauma is stored in the body, making somatic therapy more mainstream.
Mental Health Trends – People are moving beyond cognitive approaches and exploring body-based healing methods.
Social Media & Influencers – Therapists and wellness influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram have spread awareness about somatic techniques.
Holistic & Alternative Wellness Boom – Interest in yoga, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation has made somatic practices more accessible.
Effectiveness for PTSD & Anxiety – Studies have shown somatic therapies can be highly effective for conditions like PTSD, chronic stress, and emotional dysregulation.

Somatic therapy and yoga are deeply connected, as both emphasize the mind-body relationship and use movement, breath, and awareness to promote healing.

How Yoga and Somatic Therapy Overlap

Body Awareness – Both practices encourage tuning into physical sensations, helping individuals recognize where they hold tension, trauma, or emotions in the body.
Nervous System Regulation – Yoga, especially slow practices like Yin Yoga or Restorative Yoga, activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest mode), just like somatic therapy techniques.
Breathwork (Pranayama) – Breath control in yoga mirrors somatic practices that use deep breathing to calm the nervous system and process emotions.
Movement as Healing – Somatic therapy often incorporates gentle movement to release stored trauma—similar to how yoga poses (asanas) help unwind physical and emotional tension.
Mindfulness & Presence – Yoga and somatic therapy both emphasize being present in the body, which helps people move out of overthinking and into embodied healing.

Why Somatic Therapy is Growing in Yoga Spaces

With the rise of trauma-informed yoga, many instructors are integrating somatic techniques into their teaching. This approach makes yoga more accessible to people with trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress.

Some somatic-based yoga styles include:

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TSY) – Designed for trauma survivors, focusing on choice and empowerment.
Restorative & Yin Yoga – Slow, gentle, and deeply calming, ideal for nervous system healing.
Somatic Yoga – A mix of traditional yoga and somatic movement therapy.

While somatic therapy and yoga can be incredibly beneficial, there are also potential dangers or challenges to be aware of, especially for those with unresolved trauma or certain physical conditions. Here are some key considerations:

1. Emotional Overwhelm

Somatic release (the process of releasing stored trauma or emotion through body awareness or movement) can sometimes bring up intense emotions or memories that people are not ready to confront. For individuals with significant unresolved trauma, this may feel overwhelming or triggering.
Danger: Without proper support, individuals may become re-traumatized or struggle to process these emotions effectively.

2. Lack of Proper Guidance

Both somatic therapy and yoga are most effective when practiced under the guidance of a trained therapist or instructor. Untrained instructors or poorly adapted practices can lead to misinterpretation or improper handling of emotions, potentially hindering healing.
Danger: Without a skilled practitioner, individuals may misapply somatic techniques, leading to confusion, injury, or emotional distress.

3. Physical Injury

In yoga, especially when practitioners push their bodies too far in pursuit of postures (asanas) or when practicing without proper technique, there’s a risk of physical injury. For individuals with trauma or chronic pain, certain movements might exacerbate their conditions or even cause harm.
Danger: Inappropriate or unsupported physical movements can lead to muscle strain, joint injury, or worsening of pre-existing conditions.

4. Releasing Trauma Too Quickly

If the process of somatic release happens too fast, it can lead to a nervous system crash. Trauma that is released before an individual has developed the necessary coping mechanisms or emotional regulation skills can leave them feeling disoriented or unsettled.
Danger: Rapid release of emotions without support may result in emotional instability, exhaustion, or heightened anxiety.

5. Psychological Vulnerability

For people with severe mental health conditions (like dissociative disorders, psychosis, or severe depression), somatic therapy or intense physical practices like yoga might inadvertently destabilize their emotional or mental state if not done with caution.
Danger: Certain therapeutic movements or intense emotional exploration may not be appropriate for everyone and could trigger unwanted psychological responses.

6. Inconsistent Application or Misuse

Somatic techniques are best used in a therapeutic context with a qualified practitioner. If they are applied without the proper understanding (e.g., in a non-therapeutic setting like a general yoga class), they may not provide the desired benefits and could lead to confusion or frustration.
Danger: Without understanding the therapeutic purpose of somatic techniques, individuals may use them inappropriately or without the necessary emotional support.

How to Minimise Risks

Work with qualified professionals: Whether it's a somatic therapist or a yoga instructor with trauma-informed training, it’s essential to have expert guidance.
Go at your own pace: Gradually building comfort with somatic practices or yoga ensures a safer approach. It’s important not to rush or force emotional releases.
Communicate openly: Whether in therapy or a yoga class, being open with the practitioner about your mental health, physical condition, and comfort level is crucial to ensuring your safety.
Integrate mindfulness: Stay present in the process and be mindful of your body’s limits. It’s okay to stop or modify a practice if it becomes overwhelming.

While somatic therapy and yoga offer powerful healing tools, the importance of a safe, supportive environment and gradual progress cannot be overstated. Taking it slow, being aware of your emotional and physical limits, and working with a professional will minimize the risks associated with these practices.

With love,

Laura x