Does somatic therapy work online?

Somatic approaches have been growing in popularity – and with good reason! We can talk circles around our problems for years, but once a stuck trauma pattern is released from the body, the story tends to loosen its grip over our present-day self.

While working with the body is becoming an appealing and intriguing option for a growing number of people, the most common question we hear about somatic work is “can it be done online”?

Can somatic work be done online:

My answer is a resounding yes – I’ve been doing online somatic work as a practitioner and as a client for years now, and the outcomes have been quite profound.

The whole point of somatic work is for you to come into closer contact with your body, so we can better access not only past experiences stored in it, but also all of the power, insight, clarity and coherence that become available when you get more embodied.

Fundamentally this work is about you developing a better relationship with you – we’re cultivating your internal awareness, and developing the many skills you’ll need to navigate your internal landscape with confidence. All of that can be done remotely, and I am still often surprised by the quality of presence and connection that online spaces can provide. Even if we were in the same physical space, the vast majority of this work would take place without touch – and in fact, some therapeutic settings have policies that limit or prohibit touch altogether.

All that being said, not only do I think that somatic work can be done online, I actually think there are many reasons why it would be beneficial for it to be done online.

therapy space

The unique benefits of online somatic work

  • The most obvious benefit is convenience and accessibility. There are already so many barriers to accessing mental health support, and the more seamlessly we can integrate it into your life, the more sustainable this work will be in the long run. We want this work to be nourishing and supportive for you, instead of being an extra stressor that requires multifaceted coordination.

  • Creating a sense of safety and containment is a big part of somatic work, and those are so much more readily available in an environment that’s already familiar, cozy, and supportive for you (especially if you’re new to this type of work). You being able to chose your therapeutic environment is hugely beneficial for reducing strain on your nervous system, and allows us to better focus on the work you’re here to do.

  • Physical commute to and from the session creates unnecessary charge, tension, and distraction in your nervous system. Online sessions allow us to more easily come into & out of the therapeutic process, without having to spend too much extra time on managing the impacts of the many stimuli you might have encountered on the way to session.

  • Meeting from the comfort of your home also allows you to have access to many additional items of comfort and support throughout the session. Whether it’s your favourite blanket, your fuzzy throw pillow, or that hot tea in your favourite mug – all of those can provide additional support as your nervous system moves through the content of our sessions.

  • Remote sessions also allow for more space to linger in the “afterglow”. This is probably the most important benefit of online somatic work - it can be so immensely helpful to have that extra time to integrate and support all of the shifts that happen during session, without having to rush off into your commute. This work can open up many aha moments, insights, and avenues for further exploration - that extra time afterwards helps to keep your experience intact, and allows you to really process and settle into the benefits of the session.

  • Aftercare is more readily available in the environment of your choosing. Depending on what happens in the session, you might have an impulse for movement, a desire for a warm tea or nourishing food, you might need more space to cry or wrap yourself in your favourite blanket. Coming into contact with what we need is an essential part of somatic work, and remote sessions make it more likely that you’ll be able to meet those post-session needs in a more thorough way.

Of course, the above assumes that you have access to a safe and comfortable indoor space, and a reliable device / internet connection to participate in online sessions. I appreciate that this is not the case for many, and going to an office might be the only way you can access an environment conducive to this work. Somatic work is still immensely helpful in person, and keeping the above in mind can help you plan ahead for it in a way that minimizes the strain of in-person work and maximizes the benefits.

Ready to get started?

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It’s important that you feel safe, seen, and understood in our work together. You can tell me what you’re working on, and what’s important to you. I’ll let you know how I can help, and we’ll see if we’re a good fit! 

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Got questions? Get in touch.

I know that the first steps are always the hardest. 

But you’re here taking them anyway, and that’s all that matters. 

I look forward to hearing from you, and I can’t wait to meet you.

If you prefer to reach out directly, my email is: shannon.solieva@gmail.com