How Mind-Body Therapy Can Shift Your Perspective
Traditional talk therapy often centers on cognitive shifts, aiming to change people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. However, since our minds and bodies are profoundly connected, sometimes psychological healing requires a different approach. Mind-body therapies, which engage both the body and mind, can thus be beneficial for mental health.
In this post, we’ll discuss a few types of mind-body therapies, including Somatic Experiencing therapy and Internal Family Systems therapy. Along the way, we’ll hear from Dyad Psychology’s Corinne LaPorte-Cauley, MHC-A, therapist and yoga instructor, on how she incorporates these and other mind-body therapies into her work with clients.
Yoga: A COMPLEMENT TO THERAPY
Corinne LaPorte-Cauley, MHC-A, is a licensed yoga instructor as well as a mind-body therapist. Thus, she may draw on practices such as yoga when working with clients. Yoga helps people connect to themselves, face difficult experiences, and move through them with resilience—lessons that can connect to emotional experiences as well. Corinne may also instruct clients in yoga postures they can practice at home to ease their anxiety.
Somatic Experiencing therapy: Healing through the body
Originally developed for trauma, Somatic Experiencing therapy can help with a range of conditions, including anxiety and depression. Somatic Experiencing therapy operates on the principle that trauma causes an extreme stress reaction in the body—a reaction that may not go away even after the traumatic event or events have ended. When the body remains in this state of stress, symptoms such as those seen in PTSD may occur.
Somatic Experiencing therapy takes a body-first approach to healing from trauma, in contrast to other approaches that focus more heavily on reliving traumatic memories. In practice, Somatic Experiencing therapy guides clients in becoming more attuned to their internal sensations. Clients can learn to work with and accept uncomfortable sensations, as well as find sources of healing, such as parts of the body that give them reassurance. This initial focus on the body can alleviate some of the long-term psychological impacts of trauma; emerging research shows Somatic Experiencing therapy can help people with a variety of mental health symptoms.
In Providence, Rhode Island, Corinne LaPorte-Cauley, MHC-A, draws on Somatic Experiencing therapy as a therapist by helping patients track internal sensations associated with stressful or traumatic memories. She often integrates movement to facilitate the processing of these experiences. For instance, she may help a client recognize feelings of anger and then guide them in releasing the associated physical energy in a safe way.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy: Working with the Self
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy offers another valuable mind-body approach, rooted in a specific model of the mind. IFS therapy posits all people have a core Self—a part of themselves that is confident, compassionate, and accepting. This Self is also a powerful healing force. However, people may not always be able to access their Self, whether it be a result of trauma, family values, interaction patterns, or other experiences.
Unlike many therapies that focus on change, IFS therapy focuses on acceptance—which in turn creates change. With techniques in IFS therapy, clients will learn to identify “parts” of their mind that block their access to the Self. This may include parts they dislike or that distress them, which are often the source of mental health challenges. Clients will be guided to see how these parts actually serve a protective function. With improved self-acceptance, individuals can gradually access their Self and begin to heal.
How does this work in practice? Corinne LaPorte-Cauley, MHC-A, explains she often combines elements of IFS with other therapy modalities like mindfulness and expressive arts to help people identify and work with different parts of their mind. She may guide clients through meditative experiences and physical techniques that help them connect with internal aspects of their mind. Those who are drawn to abstract, creative thinking may wish to name their parts and identify their unique “personalities.” More cognitively-oriented individuals may focus on identifying what different parts are saying or thinking.
IFS therapy—like Somatic Experiencing therapy—de-emphasizes direct exposure to traumatic memories. IFS therapy is especially useful for those working with childhood trauma, which often comes with feelings of shame or being damaged. Research supports the efficacy of IFS therapy; one study found that after sixteen sessions of IFS therapy, 90% of clients no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
Other mind-body therapies
1. Psychedelic-assisted therapy
Psychedelic-assisted therapy is another type of mind-body therapy. Dyad Psychology’s team in Providence, Rhode Island has therapists who specialize in a method of psychedelic therapy called Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Therapy (PSIP). Psychedelic-assisted therapy at Dyad Psychology involves using somatic therapy, and eventually either ketamine or cannabis, to release tension in the body that may result from trauma. By assisting with the release of tension, psychedelic-assisted therapy can create lasting change.
For more information on Dyad Psychology’s psychedelic-assisted therapy in Providence, Rhode Island, take a look at our detailed blog post that covers this therapy modality.
2. Sensorimotor psychotherapy
Sensorimotor psychotherapy, which can treat trauma, anxiety, and depression, is a body-based form of talk therapy. Sensorimotor psychotherapy operates in three stages: safety and stabilization, processing of trauma, and integration.
In a typical session, the client and the therapist observe the client’s emotional and bodily responses to a narrative. This type of mind-body therapy may be beneficial for individuals who want to combine narratives with treatment for the physical symptoms of trauma.
3. More
Mind-body therapists like Corinne LaPorte-Cauley employ a variety of other mind-body practices in their work. These can include:
Expressive arts therapy: The use of creative activities like art or dance to explore emotions and experiences.
Reiki: An energy practice of Japanese origin that facilitates healing.
Breathwork: The use of intentional breathing techniques to enhance mental well-being.
All of these practices can help people explore sensations, connect with their bodies, and find new ways to heal.
Conclusion
We’ve covered a few types of mind-body therapy, including Somatic Experiencing therapy, Internal Family Systems therapy, psychedelic-assisted therapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, yoga, and more. If any of these options resonate with you, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Somatic Experiencing therapy?
Somatic Experiencing therapy takes a body-first approach to healing from trauma and other mental health challenges. Somatic Experiencing therapy guides clients in becoming more attuned to their internal sensations and accepting these sensations, leading to significant psychological benefits.
2. What is Internal Family Systems therapy?
IFS therapy posits all people have a core Self—a part of themselves that is confident, compassionate, and accepting. This Self is also a powerful healing force. However, not everyone can access it. With techniques of IFS therapy, clients will learn to identify and have compassion for parts of their mind that might be blocking their access to the Self.
3. What are the benefits of mind-body therapies?
Traditional talk therapy often centers on cognitive shifts, aiming to change people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. However, the profound connection between our minds and bodies means that sometimes psychological healing requires a different approach. Mind-body therapies recognize and work with the bodily aspects of trauma and other mental health challenges to facilitate healing.