Today I want to talk about creating safety in the body. You might have heard this term before in the world of somatic work, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, how do we actually do it?

Let’s start with the basics. Somatic work is a type of therapy that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It’s based on the idea that our physical experiences and emotions are deeply intertwined, and that by working with the body, we can help to heal emotional wounds and promote overall well-being.

Creating Safety in the Body

One of the key concepts in somatic work is creating safety in the body. This means helping the client to feel safe and secure in their physical body, which in turn can lead to a greater sense of emotional safety and well-being. When we have greater access to a felt-sense of safety, we have a greater capacity to resolve trauma. But what does that actually mean, and what might it feel like?

At its most basic level, creating safety in the body means helping the client to feel comfortable and at ease in their own skin. This might involve helping them to become more aware of their physical sensations, or helping them to release tension and relax their muscles. It might also involve teaching them breathing techniques or other practices that can help them to regulate their nervous system and feel more grounded.

But creating safety in the body goes beyond just physical comfort. It also means helping the client to feel emotionally safe and supported. This might involve building a strong practiioner-client relationship based on trust and empathy, or helping the client to explore and process difficult emotions in a safe and supportive environment.

How do we create safety in the body?

So how do we actually create safety in the body? There are a variety of techniques and practices that somatic practitioners might use, depending on the needs and goals of the client. Some common techniques include:

• Body scans: This involves guiding the client through a process of becoming more aware of their physical sensations, and noticing any areas of tension or discomfort.
• Breathwork: This might involve teaching the client specific breathing techniques, or simply encouraging them to focus on their breath as a way of regulating their nervous system and promoting relaxation.
• Movement and touch: Somatic practitioners might use gentle movement or touch to help the client become more aware of their body and release tension.
• Emotional processing: This might involve helping the client to explore and process difficult emotions in a safe and supportive environment, using techniques such as tracking, art making, movement or visualization.
• Resourcing and orienting: stay tuned for my next post!

Conclusion

Ultimately, the goal of creating safety in the body is to help the client feel more connected to themselves and to the world around them. By fostering a sense of physical and emotional safety, somatic practitioners can help their clients to heal old wounds, build resilience, and find greater joy and fulfillment in their lives.

So there you have it – a brief overview of what we mean when we talk about creating safety in the body in somatic work. If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating field, I encourage you to explore it further and see how it might be able to support your own journey toward greater health and well-being.

Find out how somatic work might be supportive for you by booking a consult with me: https://jotucker.as.me/freesession