Somatic therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the connection between the mind and body to address psychological and physical experiences. It values the belief that our emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations are interconnected, and that trauma or stress can be stored in the body.
Using techniques such as body awareness, movement, breath work, and touch, somatic psychotherapy supports individuals in becoming more aware of their bodily sensations and how they relate to their emotional and mental states. The goal is to release stored tension, improve emotional regulation, and promote overall well-being.
Clinical applications
Somatic psychotherapy is used to help individuals of all ages address trauma, stress, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties. Therapists guide clients to focus on their bodily sensations, movements, and physical experiences to uncover and release stored emotions.
Techniques may include:
- Body awareness. Helping clients notice and describe physical sensations.
- Breath work. Using breathing exercises to calm the nervous system.
- Movement. Encouraging specific movements or exercises to release tension.
These techniques support individuals in processing emotions, reducing physical symptoms related to stress or trauma, and improving overall mental and physical health.
Somatic therapy with Hannah Rose Therapy
- Meeting individually with Hannah Spivak, LCSW, a somatic trained clinician, and setting goals around nervous system awareness and regulation.
- Psychoeducation about the nervous system and the role of fight or flight.
- Exploring and identifying the unique characteristics of one's nervous system.
- Identifying one's specific nervous system states and responses based on physical sensations in the body.
- Developing a coping plan that supports nervous system regulation and overall feelings of safety.
- Practicing nervous system awareness and using that coping plan across settings.
Professional experience
License information. Hannah Spivak is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Colorado (CSW.09928629).
Degree information. Hannah Spivak graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2017 with a Master's degree in social work, and holds a Bachelor's degree in social work from Northeastern Illinois University.
Regulation of psychotherapists. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies has the general responsibility of regulating the practice of licensed psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed school psychologists practicing outside the school setting, licensed or certified addiction counselors, and unlicensed individuals who practice psychotherapy.
Somatic related trainings
- Nervous System Regulation Therapy for ADHD and Autistic Clients — Neurodiversity-Affirming Psychotherapy Training Institute, 3/2024
- Polyvagal Theory Applied to Neurodivergents — Neurodiversity-Affirming Psychotherapy Training Institute, 3/2024
- Neurosequential Model of Education by Dr. Bruce Perry, 5/2019
- EMDR trained with Kase & Co. Consulting, 5/2024
- Certified Yoga Teacher, Adults (CYT-200), Yoga Alliance, 11/2019
- Trained Children's Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance, 5/2020