- 1817 Queen Anne Ave, Suite 202, Seattle, WA
- 707-440-9288
- ian@ianmackelvie.com
- 707-440-9288
- ian@ianmackelvie.com
Most people are unaware of what somatic therapy is, and what that would actually look like in practice. Being that this approach also informs my methods, it can also cement your decision to work with me. I also think that clients in Seattle benefit doing this work. The Seattle Freeze is no match for the Therapy Thaw!
Somatic therapists should have a foundational knowledge of psychology, childhood development, the human body, sexuality, relationships, emotional expression, cultural impacts, neuroscience, and personality structures. This (exhaustive!) background in theory should provide a clearer road map of where to start with someones unique character, and how to work with their sophisticated defenses.
What automatic patterns you may notice:
I think many clients know their challenges, and even know on a conscious level what they should be doing to help themselves. But the hard part, is learning about our internal structures, and how we block our own progress. This is why using interventions that bring awareness to what a client does to avoid or hamstring themselves can be helpful.
“Soma” in Greek translates to body. “Psyche” in Greek translates to mind. Easily put, somatic psychotherapy see’s a functional unity between the body – its structure, felt sensations, expression, and breath – and the content of the psyche/mind. Both are used to inform the direction of therapy. Many modern recognizable therapies use somatic techniques: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Neuro-feedback, Hakomi, and Gestalt to name a few.
So, unlike standard talk therapy where the primary focus is words and cognitions, I will additionally focus on the how: how you talk about certain subjects, how you amplify certain emotions while maybe avoiding others, how you show up in the world, how your breathing may pause, and other somatic cues. When we join a client’s lived experience, the emotions, sensations and signals become a gateway to understanding you and your reactions. From here, we can begin a process that helps both of us learn how you can release and express your feelings, in a way that creates relief, and helps you get closer to your goals.
This approach has shown promise for a wide range of issues. What I like most, and it may sound cliche, is that my clients begin to feel better in their lives. An integrated self no longer has the need to blame or avoid. Behaviors you felt like you morally needed to change, just become actions you choose not to do because it feels better. This is accomplished together, not by a single intervention, but through a dynamic relationship that is open to any possibility.
At first, clients are often surprised that I am not more focused on hearing about all their past experiences, or wanting to revisit what clients think are the pivotal moments of their life. I don’t necessarily stop people from going there, but if there’s not a lot of emotionality at the time, then it might be too early to visit it. From my point of view, we do not want to endlessly talk about how we feel. We want to be open enough to experience our feelings.
Achieving this looks different with every client, and what there needs are, but some techniques I might use are:
Somatic therapy can involve many different physical and creative activities for clients that are interested. It can also just be staying seated the entire time. As a therapist, my job is to ensure that what we are doing lines up with your needs, and is effective at assisting you with your primary concerns.
Breath work and emotional expression are two core tools I use in somatic therapy, and this is backed up by current neuroscience, psychophysiology, and clinical trials. Clients that engage in purposeful breathing activities or emotional exercises are literally retraining the brain and nervous system. Research demonstrates that somatic practices can reduce stress, improve mood, and even alleviate physical pain. We also get the opportunity to integrate left brain and right brain activities when feeling emotionally activated, therefore practicing vital self soothing techniques.
There are a lot of different breathing techniques that are effective, but I especially like to introduce clients to Reichian Breathwork. This technique can be used throughout the therapy session. It’s not just something you use when activated. When using this technique we get an opportunity to work with emotional responses that spontaneously emerge. Doing this gives us insight into how our sympathetic and parasympathetic system responds.
Scientific literature is booming with these approaches, and is catching up to what somatic practitioners have observed for years. This includes the foundational ideas of Wilhelm Reich, widely considered the father of somatic therapy. It’s a very exciting time to see many techniques, programs, therapies and other healing practices building off of these earlier traditions.
Somatic psychotherapy, like any therapy, is personalized to you, and the benefits you experience will depend on your situation. However, clients who commit to this approach often report meaningful changes such as:
Makes sense to me. This is a decision that comes with a financial commitment and also a relational commitment. If you’ve ever jumped into a river from a cliffs edge, or went up to someone you were nervous to talk to and say hi, or gave a presentation to a room full of people, I bet it’s very similar. Hopefully, you are also able to remember the thrill and excitement you also got from facing that terror. It makes the first step a lot easier.
The Basics: My office is located in Upper Queen Anne. There’s a Trader Joe’s, several coffee shops, parks and free parking. So if you’re coming in person you can get some stuff done too. I also provide remote therapy for anyone currently living in Washington or California. I try and respond directly to messages within 24 hours, Monday thru Thursday.
No. A somatic background informs my work, but that does not mean you have to do something uncomfortable for you. Most clients primarily do talk therapy as this work is still based in psychodynamics. The use of interventions that engage someone more physically are done at the clients pace and with their agreement always. We’ll decide together what’s appropriate for your process.
No. Somatic therapy is verbal, relational, and experiential. If appropriate, pressure can be applied or offered to help someone engage more directly with emotional expression, but again this is always based on your comfort and agreement.
Clients often come in with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, emotional numbness, chronic tension, or a sense of being stuck. Many have tried traditional therapy and feel they need something more direct, that includes some challenging. Somatic work helps with emotional regulation, clarity, and resilience.
Yes. While in-person work allows more flexibility for movement and in-room presence, virtual sessions are effective and still incorporate body based interventions with careful guidance.
Use the Contact Form to give me some brief details of what you’re experiencing. You can also call or email me. I try to respond to all contacts and inquiries within 24 hours, Monday thru Thursday.
