Harnessing the Mind-Body Connection: Somatic Movement Practices in Therapy for Depression and Anxiety

In the realm of mental health and therapy, the mind-body connection holds immense potential for healing and transformation. Traditional talk therapy approaches often focus on verbal communication and cognitive restructuring to address conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, somatic movement practices, including techniques like shaking and mindfulness, offer a unique pathway to healing by tapping into the profound interplay between the body and the mind.

Depression and anxiety are complex disorders that can manifest not only as psychological symptoms but also as physical sensations of tension, lethargy, and discomfort. Traditional therapeutic approaches often overlook the somatic aspects of these conditions, focusing primarily on addressing cognitive distortions and emotional patterns. However, by incorporating somatic movement practices into therapy sessions, therapists can help clients access deeper layers of healing and resilience.

Somatic movement practices encompass a range of techniques that engage the body in the therapeutic process, facilitating the release of physical tension, emotional blockages, and traumatic memories stored within the body. One such practice is shaking, which involves rhythmic, involuntary movements of the body that promote the discharge of stress and tension. Through shaking, individuals can release pent-up emotions, activate the body's natural relaxation response, and cultivate a greater sense of embodiment and presence.

Mindfulness techniques also play a pivotal role in somatic movement practices, offering individuals a powerful tool for cultivating self-awareness, acceptance, and emotional regulation. Mindfulness involves the intentional focus of attention on present-moment experiences, such as bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions, without judgment or attachment. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can develop greater resilience to stress, increase their capacity for emotional self-regulation, and cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace and well-being.

In the context of therapy for depression and anxiety, somatic movement practices offer several key benefits:

1.     Regulation of the nervous system: Somatic movement practices, including shaking and mindfulness, have been shown to regulate the autonomic nervous system, promoting a state of relaxation and calmness. By engaging the body in therapeutic interventions, individuals can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the stress response and promotes a sense of safety and security.

2.     Release of tension and trauma: Depression and anxiety often involve the accumulation of physical tension and unresolved trauma in the body. Somatic movement practices provide a safe and effective means for releasing these somatic holdings, allowing individuals to discharge stored stress and trauma and restore a sense of balance and vitality.

3.     Integration of mind and body: The mind-body connection lies at the heart of somatic movement practices, emphasizing the interdependence of physical sensations, emotions, and cognitive processes. By integrating the mind and body in therapy, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of the ways in which their thoughts, emotions, and bodily experiences intersect, paving the way for holistic healing and growth.

4.     Empowerment and self-expression: Somatic movement practices empower individuals to reclaim agency over their bodies and emotions, offering a tangible means for expressing and processing their inner experiences. Through movement, individuals can tap into their innate capacity for self-expression, creativity, and resilience, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy in the face of depression and anxiety.

These movement practices offer a holistic approach to therapy that honors the interconnectedness of the mind and body. By incorporating these techniques clients can access deeper layers of healing, resilience, and self-awareness. As we continue to explore innovative approaches to mental health and well-being, the integration of somatic movement practices stands as a testament to the transformative power of the mind-body connection in facilitating healing, growth, and transformation.

By Chelsea Reeves, MFT-I

Book a session with me using the link below:

https://southtampatherapybookappt.as.me/ChelseaR

How to cultivate a positive mindset for active aging

Last month Supervised Therapist Kaitlin Lowey was featured on WFLA TV’s Bloom. She dispelled stereotypes about aging and provided tips on how to foster a positive mindset and stay active as we age. You can view the full segment here. Below is a summary of the clip. 

https://www.wfla.com/video/mindset-active-aging/8430170/

Exercising our minds and bodies, staying socially connected, and living with purpose are all connected to longer, more fulfilling lives as we age and reach retirement age. But given the stereotypes about aging that pervade Western cultures, it can be difficult to overcome doubts about staying active, healthy, and engaged as we get older. 

So, how do we cultivate a positive mindset for active aging? 

• Reject the stereotypes about aging

• There are a lot of misconceptions about aging in America – false ideas like as people age, they are doomed to poor health, cognitive decline, and general decline in life satisfaction. These are myths. (And as part of a generation with parents entering this phase of life, I’m passionate about dispelling these myths.) 

• The truth is that subjective well-being increases with age, and we see a jump in subjective well-being around age 50, and this persists until the very oldest stage of life. 

• Why? One explanation is that as we age we become more emotionally stable. We’re better able to handle stress and weather storms with hard-earned wisdom. 

• Another reason may be that, contrary to the myth that older adults become more set in their ways, older adults actually report more openness to the future. 

• In addition, older adults report more satisfaction in their social relationships. 

• And finally, as we age we care less and less about what people think! There is freedom in this. 

• All of this is important to remember because a 2022 study from Harvard revealed that people with more positive attitudes about getting older tend to live longer and healthier lives than those with negative perceptions. 

• Be intentional about connecting to purpose and people 

• Having a purpose gives our lives meaning. We spend so much time planning for retirement, that it’s easy to forget to plan the retirement itself! Consider the legacy you want to leave behind in this new chapter. Is the purpose of this chapter to teach others, spend more time connecting with loved ones, building a new skill you’ve always wanted to try? There are so many exciting possibilities for projects that align with your values. 

• Post-retirement years are also a great time to join a club and get involved in a community organization. 

• Make a plan for exercise 

• Research shows that exercising regularly has immense physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits – especially in our older years. But we’re not always motivated to do it. The key is to make a plan for when you’ll exercise and also make a plan for how you’ll respond if you don’t feel like it.

• For instance, you could tell yourself you’ll just try exercising for a few minutes and see how it goes. Chances are, you’ll find the motivation to do more. You can also take a moment to envision all the benefits you will get from exercising to create the kinds of positive feelings that then lead to motivation. 

• Another great way to stay motivated is by recruiting your friends and family members to exercise with you or help keep each other accountable.  

• Finally, fit activity into your lifestyle. Take the stairs. Park in the back of the parking lot. Take the dog for a long walk. These small moments of activity add up. 

• Cultivate gratitude, openness, and curiosity

• Research shows that the number one factor happy people have in common is gratitude. Actively noticing and being thankful for the small things in life can give you the boost you need to maintain a positive mindset.

• Make use of that openness you’re experiencing. Lean into it. Get curious about what’s out there waiting for you in your retirement years. Who knows if you’re the next budding photographer, master’s high jumper, or champion pickleball player.

To Book with Kaitlin Lowey: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/KaitlinLowey