Somatic Therapy

Unlike traditional talk therapy which focuses primarily on thoughts and cognitive processes, Somatic Therapy incorporates awareness of the body and nervous system as an essential part of healing. Dominant culture teaches us that the mind and body are separate, prizing intellect as the highest form of self. We are trained from a young age to spend most of our time living in our heads and to dismiss the felt sense of our bodies. For example, you may have been taught to "be mentally tough" and "push through" physical pain and discomfort. Or you may have been told to "stop being so sensitive" when experiencing a strong emotion. These sorts of messages encourage us to ignore the body's cues and feedback, leading to fragmentation within ourselves and, ultimately, increased psychological suffering.

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Somatic Therapy supports us to reconnect with the body and to use the body's messages as a guide for wellness.​​ In Somatic Therapy, we may explore body sensations, identify internal resources that promote feelings of safety and strength, and develop awareness of your "felt sense" - the body's intuitive way of communicating important information. These techniques can help with nervous system regulation, processing difficult emotions and memories, increasing self-awareness, strengthening self-trust, and living more authentically.

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Somatic Therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, chronic pain, digestive issues, trauma, and complex trauma (CPTSD). By learning to listen to and work with your embodied experiences, you can build a deeper connection with yourself that supports growth and healing. 

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If you are looking for Somatic Therapy in Vancouver, I welcome you to reach out.