Somatic practices are at the forefront of new approaches to psychotherapy. They offer an integrated mind and body method of healing, and can be effective at treating anxiety, depression, and more. Here at City Centre Therapy, we are proud to welcome Aleesha to our team, who is trained in the latest somatic techniques to cater for adults and children.
WHAT IS SOMATIC THERAPY?
Somatic therapy recognises that painful and traumatic experiences may not only imprint on the mind, but also the body. This is a concept that has been gaining more public awareness in recent years, although it may not be as well known as other mental health treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy.
Powerful or distressing emotions may cause physical symptoms that can manifest in the form of muscle tension, disturbed sleep, stomach upsets, or aches and pains.
A trained somatic therapist can help a patient who is dealing with difficult emotions or circumstances such as grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, depression, other stress disorders, anxiety, or issues with trust and intimacy.
The therapist will work with the patient to help them become attuned to the relationship between their bodily sensations and their emotional state. Over time, they can learn to release unhelpful and negative emotions that have become internalised in the body, causing tension and discomfort.
The techniques of somatic therapy may be tailored to suit the individual patient, and it can be hugely beneficial to help people be more confident and at ease in both body and mind.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOUR THERAPY (DBT)?
DBT is another area of expertise here at City Centre Therapy, led by our in-house specialist Kay. This technique can be used to successfully treat individuals, couples and children who are struggling with difficult emotions or mental health disorders. It’s a technique that was developed by the psychologist Marsha M. Linehan in the late 1980s.
At the core of this approach is seeking a way to find a balance between accepting what realistically cannot be changed, and working to manage or overcome what can or needs to be changed.
DBT may include elements such as mindfulness, cognitive restructuring therapy, and ‘distress tolerance’, which focuses on tolerating rather than changing difficulties.
DBT was originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorders, but it has now expanded to treat a range of other conditions. These may include individuals with suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviours; eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder; addictions; or mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
WHO CAN EDMR HELP?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EDMR) is yet another therapy offered by Sophie, Head of Clinical Services at City Centre Therapy. This is a technique that was developed to treat PTSD, but can also be applied to a range of other conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders; complex grief; addictions; and survivors of abuse.
These are just a few of the innovative therapies that are available from our seasoned team of experts, so please feel welcome to make enquiries about any issues you would like help with.