How to listen to your body

When we pause to listen, we’ll find that our bodies are constantly communicating with us. Consider a churning stomach before a vital work meeting, or sweaty palms when going on a first date.

Understanding our nervous system

Our nervous system acts as a sensitive bridge, connecting the physical sensations within our bodies to our emotional experiences. It plays a crucial role in recognising and responding to indicators of safety or threat. Through its complex network, it interprets various signals and cues, prompting appropriate reactions that affect our overall well-being. This intricate system ensures that we are continually attuned to our environment and internal states, allowing for a complex interplay between our bodies and emotions.

Somatic therapy

Somatic therapy is an approach that focuses on fostering an understanding and relationship with our body in addition to our thoughts. This form of therapy emphasises the importance of both the mind and body working together to address and heal any damage that might have been inflicted upon our nervous system.

A key aspect of somatic therapy involves paying attention to and gently caring for the various signals our body sends us, facilitating a holistic healing process.

Somatic interventions

In my experience working with clients, I often suggest incorporating body-based approaches while discussing difficult thoughts and feelings. It’s essential to take breaks during our discussions to ‘check in’ with the body and pay attention to its responses.

By being mindful of changes in breath, body temperature, posture, and muscle tension, we can better understand the body’s distress signals and moments of safety. This practice allows for a deeper connection between our emotional experiences and bodily sensations. Fostering a more holistic healing process that addresses both the mind and body for overall wellbeing. By occasionally checking in with the body as we reflect on difficult experiences, we can become more attuned to its signals of distress and safety.

Observing changes in breath, body temperature, posture, and muscle tension allows us to develop a deeper understanding of the body’s role in our emotional experiences.

How can somatic therapy help?

During frightening or dangerous situations, our body’s defense system kicks into gear. This reaction is completely natural and pivotal for our survival, escape, or endurance through such events. However, when trauma is continuous or so overwhelming that it exceeds the capacity of our defense mechanisms, the system fails to deactivate as it’s supposed to. This malfunction can lead to the stress becoming lodged in our bodies. Consequently, we might suffer from anxiety, tension, stress, insomnia, and various other distressing symptoms.

Using body-based approaches like breath work, grounding, and relaxation techniques can help you reconnect with your body. Managing stress and anxiety more effectively.

By tuning into physical sensations and practicing calming techniques, you can create a path to healing. Allowing your nervous system to shift from a state of heightened alertness to a state of relaxation and safety. This not only helps alleviate trauma and stress symptoms. It also enhances overall wellbeing by fostering harmony between the mind and body.

Please contact me to find out more about how I work.