What Does “Embodied” or “Somatic” Mean?
The term “somatic” originates from the Greek word “soma,” which was used to refer to the body in its wholeness (as opposed to merely the mortal flesh of a body). This approach emphasises the interconnectedness of body and mind, focusing on how they work together to move towards a sense of wholeness and well-being.
Unlike many therapeutic modalities that primarily focus on cognitive processes or behaviours, somatic practices prioritise the embodied experience, acknowledging that our bodies hold crucial information and wisdom about our overall state.
Somatic approaches are grounded in the belief that the body and mind are not separate entities but are deeply interwoven. This perspective recognises that our physical sensations, movements, and postures can significantly influence our emotions, thoughts, and overall psychological state. By inviting greater awareness of our bodily experiences, somatic practices allow us to understand needs and desires that might not be accessible through verbal or cognitive methods alone.
A key aspect of somatic work is its emphasis on “being” rather than “doing”. This means that, rather than focusing on specific actions or behaviours that need to be changed, somatic practices encourage individuals to tune into their present-moment bodily sensations and experiences. This process-oriented approach allows clients to explore their inner landscapes more deeply and authentically, fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and self-acceptance.
Somatic practices can range using a variety of techniques and interventions, such as mindfulness, breathwork, movement, object work and touch. These practices help individuals become more attuned to their bodies, recognise patterns of tension or holding, and release stored trauma or stress. By engaging with the body in this way, clients can develop a deeper sense of embodiment, which can lead to profound healing and transformation.
The somatic approach is particularly valuable in trauma work; my approach allows us to delve into the realms of past trauma from a place of safety. Trauma often resides in the body, manifesting as physical symptoms or chronic patterns of tension and dysregulation. By bringing awareness to these somatic manifestations, and engaging the body’s innate capacity to heal and regulate itself, individuals can process and integrate traumatic experiences in a way that feels gentle and supports post-traumatic growth.
Individual Body Oriented Coaching / Somatic Coaching with Coyra Coaching
Through personalised coaching sessions, I work closely with individuals to explore and process their experiences.
- Safe and Supportive Environment: We will prioritise creating a safe and supportive environment, bringing gentle curiosity, always working from a place of resource and regulation and welcoming all that you bring.
- Personalised Approach: Each coaching session is tailored to your individual needs, as they arise. We integrate somatic techniques to help you to reconnect with your body and all that it holds within it, allowing it to move you, easefully, towards greater resource and pleasure.
- Empowerment and Agency: You are the expert in your own experience and our sessions will be a collaboration between the two of us. I will support you in acknowledging and developing your voice, your autonomy and your inner self-advocate.
All of my work is grounded in an understanding of somatics and trauma-informed approaches. If you’d like to explore this further with me, I’d love to hear from you. I offer individual somatic coaching sessions and workplace coaching, as well as trauma-informed training and consultancy to legal professionals and those navigating legal proceedings.