What isSomatic Mindfulness Based Therapy?
“Therapy is first about discovering. It’s about who you are and about what your deepest emotional attitudes are.”
–Ron Kurtz, Hakomi Founder
Are you interested in heartfelt, long-term growth, but aren’t sure how to get started or if it’s even possible? Maybe you tried traditional therapy or other growth strategies in the past but continue to feel stuck in place. Or you might have greatly benefited from talk therapy, but now you need new options to take you to the next level.
Whereas many therapy approaches focus primarily on mental well-being or recognizing and addressing physical symptoms, mindfulness body-centered psychotherapy (also referred to as somatic therapy)—and specifically the Hakomi Method—is an integrative, experiential approach that emcompasses your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual life. And this more holistic approach to healing has been shown to provide meaningful, lasting results.
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment to gain awareness of your thoughts, emotions and body states. Somatic therapy builds on this idea by recognizing the role the body plays in storing core beliefs and formative memories. As you learn to feel your emotions and recognize how your body reacts to challenging situations, you can recognize sources of stress and discomfort before they become overwhelming. And with the help of an experienced therapist who understands your needs, you can create a personalized roadmap to meaningful, lasting healing and growth.
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How Does Somatic Therapy work?
Gaining greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions, core beliefs, and self-perceptions is an important step in achieving meaningful and lasting personal growth. Instead of blaming yourself when something doesn’t go the way you’d planned, you can approach problems with self-acceptance, flexibility, and compassion.
All too often, we grow up believing that certain parts of ourselves—the parts that become anxious or afraid, sad or angry for example—are something to be eliminated or hidden from the world. But these sometimes unwelcome thoughts and emotions serve a purpose in our lives, and it is only by building a healthy relationship with ourselves (even the “unwanted” parts), that we can experience true healing.
The mindful, somatic psychotherapy approach of the Hakomi Method works by helping you explore and understand the core beliefs and principles that inform every aspect of your life. As you gain greater awareness of your physical and emotional needs, you are giving yourself the tools to respond to uncomfortable or unexpected situations with less fear or resistance and greater confidence.
Mindfulness based therapy helps you achieve greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions, natural impulses, and physical responses so you can build a deeper, healthier relationship with your inner self. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by a complex situation or day to day difficulties, you can learn to recognize your natural responses and take steps to find relief and change your mindset. For example, you might notice that you are holding tension in your body, and that can be an early warning sign that you are stressed or sad. As you learn to identify and challenge harmful self-beliefs early and without being overly critical, you can develop a more loving, trusting and accepting attitude toward yourself and life.
Combined with other body-centered therapies, mindfulness can help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and address past trauma that may be hindering your ability to manage emotions with confidence and self-compassion.
My Approach to Mindful Somatic Therapy
My goal is to provide an open, honest and gentle therapy space to help guide you toward the deepest part of yourself where healing takes place. Instead of just describing how you feel during sessions, you can experience your emotions in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. You can learn to break free from the limiting story you tell yourself and move into your inner truth where you feel truly understood and accepted. This is more than just talk therapy because healing is more than just talking about an issue.
Throughout our work together, I encourage you to ask questions, voice your disagreements, and express any skepticism you may have. While I want you to feel safe in our sessions, I recognize that trust is earned, and it’s important that you are able to express your doubts and concerns openly and honestly. I want you to draw your own conclusions from our first meeting to our last, and I welcome your feedback during every step of the therapy process.
From our very first session, I tailor my approach to your specific needs and situation. My goal is not to fix you (you aren’t broken!), but to give you the compassionate support and practical resources you need to foster greater confidence and self-acceptance. By exploring your thoughts and feelings in a supportive setting, you can see what they’re trying to tell you without fear of judgment. And once the pressure of self-criticism is lifted, you’ll be able to move forward to achieve emotional freedom and healing.
Instead of feeling trapped by anxiety, stress or other emotions, you can see your situation from a deeper place that is aligned with your core values and needs. You can learn to challenge your fears and move them in a meaningful direction.
How Can I Support You?
I’ve been helping individuals achieve healing and growth in the Sacramento area for 13 years. In that time, I’ve seen that no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always a path to hope and healing. Finding the right guidance and support can really support your healing process. I started incorporating mindful, body-centered psychotherapy in my sessions five years ago when I saw how effective it was in helping my clients adopt a more loving, trusting and accepting attitude toward themselves.
We’re not just going to talk about the issues. We’re going to bring them out in the open, acknowledge them, and work through them in a supportive space where you can the understanding and skills you need to live your best life. I’ll help you build confidence, trust, and awareness so you can choose the right path for you instead of allowing past emotional influences to dictate your future.
Depending on your needs and goals, I may also suggest other research-supported treatment modalities, such as brainspotting or yoga, that can help further your journey into self-awareness and emotional healing. Brainspotting can help move you through a particular emotional trauma by identifying stored negative or traumatic experiences and helping the brain heal from within. Yoga or yoga therapy can help you connect more with your body, move with greater flexibility, and release tension to supplement our work together and improve your overall wellbeing.
And throughout our work together, I will provide ongoing support and practical resources, including community resources in your area. I’ll be with you every step of the way as you move forward in your journey of self-discovery and greater emotional health.
Find Healing and Fully Engage Your Life
If you are ready to start your healing journey, or if you have questions or concerns about mindful, somatic therapy, I invite you to contact me at 916-542-1962 for a free 20-minute phone consultation.