Somatic Therapy

Somatic psychotherapy is an approach that emphasizes the intricate relationship between the mind and body, recognizing that physical sensations, emotions, and past traumas are profoundly interconnected. Whereas traditional talk therapy approaches typically seek insight and awareness primarily through verbal processing, somatic techniques guide us in ‘feeling’ our way through our lived experience. Though somatic therapy can involve the use of language, it primarily aims at engaging with a more immediate, non-conceptual, and non-verbal level of our experience. I have found that this approach can offer individuals an increased capacity to effectively work with their feelings, a renegotiated relationship to their body and its inherent intelligence, as well as an enhanced sense of agency and insight. Most importantly, it cultivates an ability to foster trust in oneself and in one’s personal experience. Often, long-entrenched patterns—patterns that might remain untouched by various forms of verbal processing—can begin to shift and evolve in meaningful ways.

The form of somatic therapy I practice is informed by a number of related modalities which include: Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy (PSIP) as taught by the Psychedelic Somatic Institute, Trauma Integration Protocol (TIP) developed by Eric Wolterstorff, along with both Somatic Experiencing and Sensory Motor Psychotherapy. TIP and PSIP are closely related therapeutic modalities that employ a somatic mindfulness approach and an autonomic nervous system-based treatment protocol to facilitate healing and integration, and which can be supported by the adjunct of a psychedelic medicine.

Why might you consider this approach?

I practice a flexible approach that can significantly assist individuals in managing anxiety, addressing trauma-related issues, as well as improving relational patterns and facilitating meaningful habit change. This therapeutic method may prove especially beneficial for those who have already done significant healing work but still feel stuck or unfulfilled with regular talk therapy. By concentrating on the body and its physical sensations, somatic therapy enables individuals to connect more deeply with emotions that are often challenging to articulate or fully understand.  The somatic therapy I practice might not be suitable for those who are new to addressing serious trauma, as these individuals may require a more structured and supportive framework in order to process their experiences in a safe and manageable way.

I have significant experience working with other healers, including therapists, medical providers, and various wellness practitioners. I have found that those who work closely with other people, such as caregivers or helping professionals, can particularly benefit from this form of body-based approach, as it can enhance their self-awareness, emotional resilience and capacities to stay present with others.

What does a somatic session look like?

This form of therapy typically involves longer sessions that can last anywhere from 90 to 180 minutes. During these longers sessions, participants may explore their bodily sensations and experiences in depth. Some individuals may choose to support their process with a legal psychedelic medicine such as Ketamine or medical cannabis.   I can support the referral process to a medical prescriber.