Holistic Psychotherapy
& Somatic Therapy
Holistic psychotherapy is rooted in the truth that you are already whole.
Through this lens, the therapeutic process is not so much adding on to or creating a new person, as it is removing the layers of what is inauthentic and false and blocking you from living the life you want.
EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a non-invasive, evidenced-based method of psychotherapy. Through bilateral stimulation (BLS) that activates both hemispheres of the brain, adverse events and traumatic incidents can be processed. EMDR has also proven to be effective for anxiety, phobias, eating disorders, attachment issues, and depression, as well as releasing stuck patterns.
Our Co-Founder Lauren Going shares a little bit about how we define holistic psychotherapy and the approach we take to it at Inner Path Wellness
YOGA THERAPY
Yoga therapy involves the use of yoga practices such as meditation/ yoga nidra, breathing techniques, and postures for the specific treatment of imbalances.
BREATHWORK
Breathwork is a method of using conscious breath to regulate the nervous system, release blocks and imbalances, and shift into an expanded healing state. Benefits can include nervous system regulation, trauma resolution, increased awareness, reduction in stress and anxiety, and greater clarity.
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS)
IFS is a powerfully transformative evidenced-based model of psychotherapy. IFS believes that we are all multiple in that we have many parts. It is through befriending the various parts of ourselves, including the shadow parts, and helping them release the burdens they carry that we find inner harmony and balance.
TENSION AND TRAUMA RELEASE EXERCISES
Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) is a modality that assists the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of stress, tension, and trauma. TRE takes a bottom-up approach, working through somatic release, rather than a top-down approach through the thinking brain.
COUPLES COUNSELING
Couples therapy aims to enhance the connection between two people joined in an intentional relationship. Couples counseling can improve intimacy, communication, and sexual satisfaction.
Somatic Therapy
After a traumatic event, the nervous system can get stuck in survival mode. Stress hormones such as cortisol are continually released, leading to an increase in blood sugar and blood pressure, which can weaken the immune system.
When the body is under this level of constant stress, physical symptoms often begin to emerge.
Somatic Experiencing, a common form of somatic therapy, teaches the client how to self-regulate the nervous system and to diminish stress arousal through various techniques.
A recent study on PTSD participants who received somatic experiencing treatment showed significant improvements in PTSD symptoms and depression.
Tools Often Used in Somatic Therapy
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 similar to your traumatic experience. This may repeat 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.
from our friends at PsychCentral.
