What is somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy or somatic psychotherapy, is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between the body and mind. It is based on the idea that psychological experiences have physiological signatures and physical sensations play a crucial role in the healing process. Somatic therapy integrates bodily awareness into the therapeutic process to help individuals release stored tension, regulate emotions, increase mind-body awareness, train attention, and calm the nervous system.

How do you use somatic therapy?

While there are many forms of somatic therapy, I primarily use somatic techniques within the larger framework of a behavioral therapy program (i.e, CBT, ACT, etc.) The methods include movement, breathing exercises, restorative postures, body scanning, and touch/tapping work. Sometimes we cannot rationalize our way into a new state of being, but we can feel our way into a new state of being using somatic methods.

What is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (RMHCI)?

In the state of Florida, a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern (RMHCI) is a designation given to individuals who are in the process of obtaining their licensure as a mental health counselor. It is an official designation that allows post-graduate counselors to practice therapy under supervision while they work toward fulfilling the necessary clinical experience (1,500 clinical hours) and education requirements (complete the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

What does therapy homework involve, and why is it important?

Therapy homework refers to tasks or exercises that a therapist assigns to a client to complete between sessions. These tasks are designed to help you apply the concepts and strategies learned in therapy to real-life situations. Homework can take various forms, such as journaling, testing new communication skills, practicing coping skills, tracking emotions, or reflecting on thoughts and behaviors. Homework can impact:

• Reinforces Learning and Skill Application:

  Therapy sessions provide valuable insights and tools, but it's through practice that these concepts become integrated into everyday life. Homework allows clients to apply new skills or coping mechanisms in real-world situations, reinforcing what they’ve learned in therapy

• Facilitates Behavioral Change:

  Establishing long-term behavior changes often requires consistent, intentional effort over time. Homework tasks help you practice new behaviors or perspectives, allowing you to build new habits and shift ingrained patterns.

• Supports Brain Change (Neuroplasticity):

  Engaging in new behaviors and thought patterns is directly linked to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections in response to learning or experience. Repeated practice of new behaviors or thoughts (as encouraged through homework) leads to the reinforcement of neural pathways that support positive changes.

• Promotes Self-Awareness and Reflection:

  Many therapy homework assignments encourage you to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This self-reflection promotes greater self-awareness, which is key to understanding the roots of one's challenges and the progress you have made.

• Improves Long-Term Maintenance of Change:

  Change in therapy is often difficult to maintain without continued practice. Homework helps to sustain and solidify new habits or perspectives over time. It provides you with ongoing opportunities to rehearse and reinforce what you’ve learned, making it more likely that the changes will stick long term.

How often should I attend?

The frequency with which you should attend therapy depends on several factors, including your specific needs, goals, and the type of therapy you receive. However, once a week is the most common frequency for therapy sessions, especially in the beginning. This allows us to establish a strong working relationship, set goals, and begin addressing the issues you bring to therapy. Over time, you may continue with bi-weekly or monthly sessions once you reach a place of greater stability or working on less urgent issues.

What happens when my treatment goals have been met?

Once you have met your primary treatment goals, it is recommended that you continue for the “maintenance” phase, where a reduction in the frequency of sessions occurs to assess the sustainability of the improvements you made. After this has been established, we plan for a “mindful closure” of our time together. During “mindful closure,” we address any lingering questions, celebrate your achievements, and review your growth trajectory. We also explore any future goals and practices you want to engage in post-therapy.