The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

Somatic Therapy, Nervous System Regulation, and Expanding Capacity for Rest: An Interview with Linda Thai

Sep 22, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Linda Thai, a trauma-focused somatic therapist and educator, shares her insights into somatic healing. She discusses how disembodiment relates to historical trauma and cultural contexts, particularly for adult children of refugees. Linda introduces practical tools like gentle rocking and tracking Subjective Units of Nourishment (SUNs) to help clients regulate their nervous systems. She emphasizes the importance of expanding capacity for rest and integrating these practices ethically in therapy.
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INSIGHT

Disembodiment Is Politically And Culturally Rooted

  • Disembodiment is rooted in colonialism, hustle culture, and systemic exploitation.
  • Reconnecting body wisdom counters control mechanisms that rely on our disconnection.
ADVICE

Use Rocking And Distant Gaze For Regulation

  • Gently rock and orient your gaze to the distance to engage the vestibular system and reduce limbic activation.
  • Use these micro-moves with clients to create immediate regulation and increased cognitive capacity.
ADVICE

Track Subjective Units Of Nourishment (SONS)

  • Track SONS (Subjective Units of Nourishment) as well as SUDs to measure gains in safety and replenishment.
  • Intentionally create brief pocketed nourishments for clients to build somatic capacity.
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