Introducing Somatic Psychotherapy: A Vision for Emotional Wellness

At The Help Group’s North Hills Prep, we recognize the diverse emotional landscape our students navigate daily. From academic pressures to personal struggles, each student brings a unique set of challenges to their educational journey. Understanding the profound impact of these challenges on academic performance and overall well-being, we are committed to providing comprehensive support that nurtures not just intellectual growth, but emotional resilience as well.

Enter Somatic Psychotherapy – a cutting-edge therapeutic approach poised to revolutionize how we support our students’ emotional well-being. Grounded in rigorous research and informed by compelling case studies, Somatic therapy is rooted in somatic psychology, a body-oriented approach to psychology. Somatic therapies work by addressing the feedback loop that continually runs between the mind and the body and offers a holistic framework for addressing a wide array of emotional issues, from anxiety and depression to trauma and self-esteem struggles.

In regular psychotherapy, the practitioner engages only the mind. In somatic therapy, the body is the foundational point for healing. Practitioners of somatic therapy believe that a person’s negative emotions — such as those experienced during a traumatic event — can stay locked inside the body. If not released, these negative emotions can turn into psychological disorders or physical problems, like illness or physical aches and pains. For example, chronic pain is common among people who’ve been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Somatic therapists use mind-body techniques to release the pent-up tension that’s weighing on your emotional and physical well-being. These techniques could involve breathing exercises, meditation, dance, and other forms of body movement. So how do these emotions get caught in the body? After a traumatic event, the nervous system can get stuck in survival mode. Stress hormones, like cortisol, are continually released, leading to an increase in blood sugar and blood pressure, which can weaken the immune system.

But why Somatic therapy, and why now? The answer lies in its versatility and effectiveness. Somatic therapy is designed to help you heal on a cellular level. Practitioners of somatic therapy view the mind and body as intrinsically linked. They also believe that trauma and other chronic negative emotions can get trapped inside our bodies and affect our mental health even further. In our diverse student body, where conventional methods may not resonate with everyone, Somatic therapy offers a refreshing alternative that speaks to different learning styles and personalities.

Research on somatic therapies is very promising. In one study, people with PTSD who engaged in a type of somatic therapy called “somatic experiencing” showed significant improvements in PTSD symptoms and depression. The theory behind somatic experiencing is that PTSD symptoms are an expression of stress activation. Unlike exposure therapy (a common form of psychotherapy for PTSD), somatic experiencing doesn’t usually require a complete retelling of the traumatic event. Rather, the client thinks about traumatic memories that lead to high levels of stress and then learns to diminish the arousal through body awareness and various techniques.

Through research and preliminary assessments, we’ve witnessed the transformative effects of this therapy on students’ emotional resilience, interpersonal skills, and overall outlook on life. We’ll be introducing a pilot program, integrating somatic therapy to elevate the way we help our kids navigate the complexities of adolescence and emerge stronger, more resilient individuals.
Somatic Techniques
A somatic therapist can use a few different techniques to help release trauma or negative emotions from the body. Here are some of the more common ones:

• Body awareness. This is one of the first steps in learning to release tension from the body. The client learns to recognize and identify areas of tension in the body, as well as calming thoughts and feelings.
• Grounding. This is the act of connecting deeply to your body and the earth. Grounding involves sensing the body, feeling your feet on the ground, and calming your nervous system.
• Pendulation. In this technique, a therapist guides you from a relaxed state to one that feels like your traumatic experience. This may be repeated several times, allowing you to release the pent-up energy. While the energy is released, you may feel uncomfortable or anxious. Each time, you will be guided back to a relaxed state. Over time, you will learn to get into a relaxed state on your own.
• Titration. In this technique, the therapist guides you through a traumatic memory. You will be asked to observe any changes in your body that appear as you describe the memory. If you experience any physical sensations, the therapist will help you address them as they occur.
• Sequencing. This involves paying close attention to the order in which sensations of tension leave your body. For instance, first you might feel a tightening in your chest and then in your throat. Then there may be a sensation of trembling as the tension leaves your body.
• Resourcing. This involves recalling resources in your life that make you feel safe, such as your relationships, personality strengths, or even a favorite vacation spot. It can include anything that makes you feel calm. You then recall the good feelings and sensations associated with your resources, which act as an emotional anchor.

At North Hills Prep, we remain steadfast in our dedication to staying on the cutting edge of research and therapy. By continuously evaluating emerging modalities, refining our approach based on empirical evidence, and investing in professional development for our staff, we ensure that our students receive the highest quality care tailored to their evolving needs.

Both the school and clinical staff utilize the Neurosequential Model in Education (NME). This model is a shift from traditional teaching methods to a focus on “being” with the students. This approach recognizes that students’ emotional well-being is foundational to their ability to learn and thrive academically. By prioritizing connection, empathy, and understanding, educators at North Hills Prep create a supportive environment where students feel valued and heard. Somatic therapeutic principles are aligned with the NME model. Our clinical and teaching staff look forward to introducing the use of somatic interventions such as mindfulness, breathing, grounding techniques and exercise to help our students access their education and regulate their emotions.

In essence, the introduction of Somatic Psychotherapy at North Hills Prep represents more than just a new therapeutic approach – it embodies our unwavering commitment to the holistic well-being of every student. As we embark on this journey together, we are excited to witness the profound positive impact it will have on our school community, empowering our students to thrive academically, emotionally, and beyond.

To learn more about our school and programs at The Help Group’s North Hills prep, contact Elin Bradley at ebradley@thehelpgroup.org.