The concept of paying attention to, and addressing bodily sensations, has become increasingly popularity among therapists in recent years. However, for many people, this concept may still seem woo-woo, new age or simply far-fetched.
Body-focused therapy is also known as somatic therapy. The word “soma” means “body” in Latin.
Somatic therapy was first studied by Wilhelm Reich, an Austrian physician and student of Sigmund Freud’s, who was influenced by the Hungarian neuroscientist Salvador Ferenczi.
Today, somatic therapy is promoted by clinical psychologists like Dr. Peter Levine and Dr. Patricia Ogden.
Both of these experts claim that paying attention to our body sensations (not excluding things like posture, gestures and vital signs) can help us become aware of, and address, unresolved emotional energy.
The act of simply becoming aware of and focusing on, a specific body sensation (for example tightness in the shoulders, or an ache in the belly) can help transform those sensations within minutes into something better and more resolved.
Additionally, focusing on those sensations can help us connect with related memories, thoughts or emotions that can help bring more clarity and resolution to our traumas.