If you can read this article, you are a human possessing a body. Most perceive our bodies as limbs, organs, and a solid physical structure. Our physical health is asserted as being located in our bodies and determines whether we are sick or well or in pain. Additionally, the size and shape of our bodies dictate narratives, arousing labels, judgments, and behaviors.
We often hear of trauma being "stuck in our bodies" and think that there is an extreme, cathartic process that takes place when undergoing body-centered therapy, i.e., Somatic Therapy. You may have heard of Somatic Experiencing and Hakomi, the more mainstream varieties. Many seek out these therapies to "remove or unblock trauma" as if it is an unwanted, vilified parasite, and we are inadequate until we do so. Similarly, we often judge ourselves or can be labeled by others as being stuck, tense, dissociative, or "not in our bodies." Many Somatic and other therapists suggest that the client "must get in their body" to be doing effective therapy. Outside influences often permeate, shrouding these concepts in shame and all-or-nothing dichotomies.
We often hear of trauma being "stuck in our bodies" and think that there is an extreme, cathartic process that takes place when undergoing body-centered therapy, i.e., Somatic Therapy. You may have heard of Somatic Experiencing and Hakomi, the more mainstream varieties. Many seek out these therapies to "remove or unblock trauma" as if it is an unwanted, vilified parasite, and we are inadequate until we do so. Similarly, we often judge ourselves or can be labeled by others as being stuck, tense, dissociative, or "not in our bodies." Many Somatic and other therapists suggest that the client "must get in their body" to be doing effective therapy. Outside influences often permeate, shrouding these concepts in shame and all-or-nothing dichotomies.
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