The Benefits of Somatic Therapy for Trauma and Eating Disorders
When it comes to healing from trauma or overcoming eating disorders, many therapies focus on talking through the issues. But healing doesn’t just happen in the mind—it also happens in the body. That’s where somatic therapy comes in.
As a trauma therapist in Denver, I integrate somatic therapies, such as IFS and EMDR, into my practice because it acknowledges that the body holds onto trauma. By using attachment, mindfulness, and body-based techniques, somatic therapy helps release stored emotions and bring deeper healing. This approach can help you reconnect with your body and heal in new ways. Let’s dive into what somatic therapy is, how it works, and why it’s effective for trauma and eating disorders.
Curious if somatic therapy is right for you? Book a consultation and let’s explore how I can support your healing journey.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-focused approach to healing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. “Somatic” means “body,” and in this approach, the body becomes a key part of the healing process.
In my practice as a Denver trauma therapist, I often use somatic therapies like IFS Informed therapy (Internal Family Systems) and EMDR to address both the emotional and physical components of trauma.
Trauma and Its Impact on the Body
Trauma affects not just the mind, but the entire body. When you experience trauma, your body can remain in a state of fight, flight, or freeze long after the event has passed. This can manifest as tension, digestive issues, or even shallow breathing, as your body holds onto the stress and pain. Somatic therapy allows you to reconnect with your body and release stored trauma. It’s a key reason why somatic therapy is so effective for trauma healing—it meets trauma where it lives, in the body.
How Somatic Therapy Helps Treat Eating Disorders
Eating disorders often involve a disconnection from the body, where someone may feel out of sync with their physical needs and sensations. Somatic therapy helps restore this connection by encouraging awareness of the body’s signals, like hunger, fullness, or emotional discomfort. It also helps reduce the anxiety or stress tied to food and body image.
The benefits of somatic therapy include:
Greater awareness of bodily sensations
Improved self-compassion
Reduced anxiety and stress around food and eating
Release of trauma that is often at the root of disordered eating behaviors
Techniques Used in Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy uses various techniques to help you tune into your body and emotions. Here are some methods I may use in a session:
Breathwork: Focused breathing helps calm the nervous system and promotes a sense of safety in the body.
Body Awareness: By paying attention to physical sensations (like tightness or warmth), we can explore what emotions are tied to them.
Movement: Gentle movement or stretches can help release stored tension or stress in the body.
Mindfulness: Staying present with your body and emotions in a compassionate way can be transformative.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
For some people, tuning into the body can feel uncomfortable, especially if they’ve spent years disconnected from it due to trauma or disordered eating. It can be challenging to face these sensations, but that’s why we start slow, building trust with your body over time.
Healing is a process, and I’m here to guide you at a pace that feels right. It’s okay to take small steps—you don’t have to dive in all at once. The goal is to build a safe relationship with your body, allowing for gradual and gentle healing.
How to Get Started with Somatic Therapy
If you’re considering somatic therapy near you, there are many approaches to explore. While I specialize in IFS Informed therapy and somatic techniques, there are other forms like Somatic Experiencing and Somatic Attachment Therapy, which are also effective but not part of my specific training. What I offer is a blend of somatic therapy, EMDR therapy, and IFS therapy designed to help you reconnect with your body and heal from trauma.
If you’re ready to explore somatic therapy in Denver, I’d love to help. Together, we’ll work on releasing stored trauma, reconnecting with your body, and healing your relationship with yourself. Whether you’re working through trauma, an eating disorder, or just want to feel more grounded in your body, somatic therapy can offer the healing and relief you’re seeking.
Book a consultation today to learn more about how somatic therapy and IFS therapy in Denver can support you on your path to healing.