FAQs about Somatic Therapy San Francisco
So you have decided to explore different types of therapy and somatic therapy seems appealing. It is natural to have questions, especially as you are trying to decide on what therapy is right for you. As a somatic therapist in San Francisco, I have experience guiding newcomers to somatic therapy and helping them understand more about the process. The following are frequently asked questions about somatic therapy and their answers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Somatic Therapy
1) What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-centered form of therapy that focuses on the mind-body connection to promote holistic healing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy incorporates physical components such as breathwork, movement, and mindfulness to support emotional and physical well-being. One of the modalities I use is dance therapy, which taps into the psychotherapeutic use of movement to help you feel more connected to your emotions and body.
This approach helps release stored stress, tension, and trauma that may be causing physical symptoms or emotional distress. By focusing on the body’s natural responses, somatic therapy enables you to tune into your physical sensations, fostering deep healing. It is particularly effective for individuals dealing with chronic stress, trauma, and emotional release issues by addressing both mental and physical health.
2) What Are Some Of the Top Benefits of Somatic Therapy San Francisco for Mind-Body Healing?
Full Mind-Body Integration: Unlike conventional therapy, somatic therapy focuses on the interconnectedness of your body and mind. By exploring how your body stores emotions, we can uncover and release tension that may be holding you back from achieving personal growth.
Changing Movement Patterns: Somatic therapy, in particular dance therapy, helps diagnose and change movement patterns and helps you to change how you feel and change your life!
Holistic Healing for Chronic Stress & Trauma: Somatic therapy doesn’t just treat surface symptoms—it targets the underlying nervous system imbalances. Techniques like Grounding, Pendulation, and Titration help your body reset from the “freeze” state of trauma, allowing for a full emotional and physical release.
Long-Lasting Emotional Release: Somatic therapy promotes deep emotional healing by guiding you through physical sensations that connect to traumatic memories. As we work together, your body learns how to release this stored trauma, giving you the tools to feel calm, centered, and in control.
Tailored, Compassionate Approach: Every person’s healing journey is different, and I tailor my therapy techniques to meet your individual needs. My private practice offers a safe and supportive setting, ensuring you feel both comfortable and seen during each session.
3) Does Somatic Therapy work as well as talk therapy?
Depending on the type of somatic therapy, somatic therapy may be even more healing than talk therapy alone. Different types of psychological experiences store in the body and somatic therapy uses the mind-body connection to help access those experiences. Although we use the body to help with the mind, verbal processing is also a part of how we help clients make sense of their bodily experiences.
4) Can I do Somatic Therapy online or only in-person?
Somatic therapy can be done either online or in-person. However, if you are doing online somatic therapy, it is important to have a good internet connection, a quiet, private space, and some room to move your body.
5) Does Somatic Therapy involve psychology training?
Each somatic therapist may have different training and licensure. For instance, I have a license as a professional clinical counselor and am a board certified dance therapist. Another somatic therapy practitioner may have different training and qualifications. It is important to ask questions about any clinician you are planning to see, including what their training and experience is.
Lastly, if you have any other questions regarding Somatic Therapy San Francisco or Somatic Therapy in general, please feel free to contact me at lisa@lisamanca.com. I look forward to hearing how I might help you!