The Body-Brain Connection: Somatic Strategies for Well-Being
Aug 1, 2024
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Mary Martin, a somatic-centered psychotherapist specializing in neurodivergent therapy, joins advocate Emily Kircher-Morris to explore somatic strategies for well-being. They discuss the critical body-brain connection and how somatic therapy enhances emotional regulation through body awareness and movement. Techniques like breathwork and vagal toning are presented as tools for nervous system regulation, especially beneficial for neurodivergent individuals. They also touch on the Neurodiversity movement, emphasizing inclusive practices for supporting all learners.
Somatic therapy emphasizes the body-brain connection, allowing neurodivergent individuals to recognize and release emotional blocks through bodily awareness.
Interoception and co-regulation are essential for emotional regulation in neurodivergent individuals, highlighting the importance of breathing techniques and supportive environments.
Deep dives
Understanding Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy serves as a body-centered approach to psychotherapy, emphasizing the connection between the body and brain. Unlike traditional talk therapy that focuses primarily on changing thought patterns, somatic therapy incorporates bodily sensations to promote healing. This holistic approach acknowledges that emotions are often manifested physically, such as tension or discomfort in specific areas, which can be explored in therapeutic settings. By focusing on bodily awareness, practitioners can guide clients in recognizing and releasing emotional blocks, facilitating a deeper understanding of their internal experiences.
The Role of the Vagus Nerve
Polyvagal theory highlights the significance of the vagus nerve in regulating our emotional state and connection between the brain and body. It describes how our autonomic nervous system operates in two primary states: sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest). Techniques such as vagal toning exercises—humming or exposure to cold—can help individuals learn to self-regulate by signaling safety to the brain. As individuals develop awareness of their nervous system states, they can more effectively recognize dysregulation and apply strategies to regain a sense of calm.
Building Interoceptive Awareness
Interoception, the ability to sense internal bodily signals, plays a crucial role in emotional regulation and self-awareness, especially for neurodivergent individuals who may experience these sensations differently. Therapeutic approaches encourage clients to first notice and describe their bodily sensations without judgment or interpretation. Gradually, clients can learn to connect these sensations to their emotions, facilitating a deeper understanding of their needs and feelings. This process empowers individuals to identify when they are hungry, anxious, or in need of comfort, ultimately promoting better self-regulation.
Practical Strategies for Regulation
To foster self-regulation in neurodivergent individuals, the incorporation of breathing techniques is essential as they provide a fundamental foundation for calming the nervous system. Creative approaches to breathing, such as engaging in playful activities that involve breath control, can make these practices more accessible and enjoyable. Additionally, promoting co-regulation, where an adult's calm presence helps guide a child's nervous system to a more regulated state, significantly enhances the effectiveness of these techniques. By focusing on these simple yet powerful strategies, caregivers and educators can help build a supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals.
On episode 235, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with somatic-centered psychotherapist Mary Martin about the benefits of somatic therapy for neurodivergent people. They discuss how this body-based approach complements traditional talk therapy by focusing on the body-brain connection, and about the importance of interoception and co-regulation. They describe strategies like body awareness, movement, and breathwork to help clients regulate their nervous systems and process emotions.
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Mary Martin is a somatic-centered psychotherapist who uses trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches in her therapy with both children and adults. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Performance and Psychology from Oklahoma City University, which would later help her discover her purpose and passion for somatic-centered therapy. This led her to her Master’s Degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado with a concentration in Dance and Movement Therapy. Mary’s experience includes working in early childhood education with autistic and developmentally delayed children, children who have experienced trauma and neglect, and private practice settings.