Somatic Therapy
Sauna Therapy works to redefine therapy to help you come back into your body.
Somatic Therapy at Sauna Therapy
Somatic therapy takes a holistic approach to health and well-being, recognizing the strong connection between the mind and body. This approach acknowledges that emotional and psychological issues can manifest physically, resulting in symptoms such as muscle tension, chronic pain, or other bodily discomforts. Somatic therapists believe that the body retains unresolved trauma and emotions, and they work to address and release these sensations.
At the core of somatic therapy is the belief in the body’s inherent capacity for self-healing. When we experience distressing events or trauma, the body responds with a “fight, flight, or freeze” reaction. In some cases, this response may not be fully discharged, leaving the body in a state of dysregulation and giving rise to various symptoms such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and other physical ailments. Somatic therapy aims to assist individuals in completing this natural healing process by safely and gradually releasing the trapped energy from the nervous system.
Experience true somatic embodiment
Welcome to Sauna Studios Your Place for Whole-Person Psychotherapy
Somatic therapy takes a holistic approach to health and well-being, recognizing the strong connection between the mind and body. This approach acknowledges that emotional and psychological issues can manifest physically, resulting in symptoms such as muscle tension, chronic pain, or other bodily discomforts. Somatic therapists believe that the body retains unresolved trauma and emotions, and they work to address and release these sensations.
At the core of somatic therapy is the belief in the body’s inherent capacity for self-healing. When we experience distressing events or trauma, the body responds with a “fight, flight, or freeze” reaction. In some cases, this response may not be fully discharged, leaving the body in a state of dysregulation and giving rise to various symptoms such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and other physical ailments. Somatic therapy aims to assist individuals in completing this natural healing process by safely and gradually releasing the trapped energy from the nervous system.
Join a Pathway to Stillness with Matt Urbanek and Olivia Smith
I hold a Bachelor’s in Music Education from The Ohio State University (’16) and a Master’s in Trumpet Performance from Indiana University (’18). While studying, I discovered somatics and undertook Alexander Technique-based classes to manage back pain from marching band. Afterward, I moved to Texas, teaching 40-50 students weekly while completing a 3-year, 1600-hour Alexander Technique certification. I integrate somatic practices into trumpet teaching, providing students with tools to produce beautiful sounds effortlessly, allowing them to focus on music.
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What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is a method of somatic education developed by Australian Shakespearian reciter F.M. Alexander around the turn of the 20th century. He suffered from chronic laryngitis caused by habitual “overuse” of his voice which nearly ended his acting career, and after unsuccessfully attempting to heal his voice from extended weeks and months of resting his voice, created his technique as a way to learn for himself how his misuse of his voice was causing him to lose it.
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Why Somatics?
The purpose of Somatic Education is to create a “body map” of ourselves: an internal representation of our body and all of its parts in relation to each other and the space around us. A fine-tuned body map gives us the power to nurture a more conscious connection to the support of the Earth from underneath our feet, allowing us to recognize the forces of habit in our posture and movement that can lead to poor coordination but also to chronic pain, stress, dissociation, and a general feeling of “disconnect” between mind and body and between our whole selves and the present moment.
What Does a Somatic Therapy Session Look Like?
In a session of somatic therapy, you can anticipate a compassionate and client-centered approach that places a strong emphasis on your unique needs and experiences. Depending on the specific type of somatic therapy being employed, your therapist may lead you through a variety of exercises that focus on the body, mindful movements, and breathwork techniques to assist you in establishing a connection with your bodily sensations and emotions. Through this exploration, you will gain insight into the connection between your mind and body, release emotional tension, and nurture self-awareness.
At Sauna Therapy, all of our therapists are trauma-informed, which means you can expect a safe and supportive environment for reconnecting with your body. Your therapist will encourage you to freely express yourself and foster a deeper understanding of who you are. Each session is customized to your personal journey, promoting healing, personal growth, and overall well-being.
Is Somatic Therapy Right for Me?
If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, then you may benefit from working with a somatic therapist.
Do you frequently experience physical symptoms like tension, pain, or discomfort without any apparent medical cause?
Are you finding it challenging to express or process difficult emotions, leaving you feeling stuck or overwhelmed?
Have you experienced past trauma or adverse life events that continue to affect your emotional wellbeing?
Do you struggle with managing stress, anxiety, or chronic stress-related conditions?
Have you noticed a disconnection between your mind and body, feeling out of touch with your physical sensations or needs?
WHY THE MIND BODY CONNECTION?
The mind body connection is the link between a person’s thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors and their physical health. It is an important part of understanding the body as an integral system, which reflects holistic medicine a healthcare philosophy which seeks to treat the whole person and prevent chronic conditions.
Types of Somatic Therapies
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: This approach combines talk therapy with somatic techniques to address trauma and emotional issues. It emphasizes the importance of body sensations and movement to process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Dance Movement Therapy
Dance Movement Therapy (DMT): DMT uses dance and movement to promote emotional, cognitive, and physical integration. It helps individuals express themselves and explore their emotions through movement.
Hakomi Therapy
Hakomi Therapy: Hakomi integrates mindfulness and body awareness to explore and transform unconscious patterns and beliefs. It focuses on using “mindfulness in assisted self-study” to promote self-discovery and healing.
Interpersonal Neurobiology
Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB): While not a specific therapy technique, Interpersonal Neurobiology is a multidisciplinary field that explores how the mind, brain, and relationships are interconnected. It draws on neuroscience, psychology, and other fields to understand the impact of relationships and attachment on mental and emotional well-being. IPNB often informs somatic therapies by emphasizing the importance of interpersonal connections in promoting emotional healing and well-being
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing (SE): Developed by Peter A. Levine, SE helps individuals release traumatic energy trapped in the body. It involves tracking bodily sensations and using specific techniques to complete the body’s natural response to stress.
Trauma-Informed Bodywork:
Trauma-Informed Bodywork: Various bodywork approaches, such as massage and acupuncture, can be adapted with a trauma-informed perspective, helping individuals release physical and emotional tension related to traumatic experiences.
Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Internal Family Systems is a therapeutic model that recognizes the mind as consisting of different parts, each with its own unique qualities and functions. IFS therapy helps individuals explore and work with these internal parts to understand their roles and how they contribute to emotional experiences. It often involves somatic techniques to help individuals connect with and manage these internal aspects for emotional healing and integration.
Integrated Somatic EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Integrated Somatic EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Integrated Somatic EMDR combines traditional EMDR techniques with somatic therapy approaches. It helps individuals process and release traumatic experiences by incorporating body-based interventions and mindful awareness of physical sensations.
Let's Make an Appointment.
If you feel like you would like a Somatic Therapy Session, please make an appointment at Sauna Therapy a Dallas-based Mental Health Boutique.