In the realm of trauma-informed therapy, embodiment stands as a cornerstone for fostering a harmonious relationship with our physical selves. We use terms such as somatic (from the Greek “Soma” meaning body) and interoception which is our capacity to be aware of our inner sensations. Our ability to interocept builds a bridge between the input from our external senses and our inner feelings. It strengthens our capacity to notice our responses and to soothe ourselves.  

For individuals grappling with trauma, however, the journey towards embodiment can be fraught with challenges. We interocept to the extent that we feel safe to do so. Trauma survivors, especially those subjected to severe or chronic trauma, often find themselves disassociated from their bodies, struggling to reconcile external sensations with their internal reality. This disconnect can manifest as feelings of being ungrounded, emotionally numb, or overwhelmed.  

In contemporary psychotherapy, embodiment has evolved beyond a mere conceptualization of ideas. It now encompasses a more nuanced understanding of how our bodies encapsulate our experiences. Drawing from influential works like Van der Kolk’s “The Body Keeps the Score,” contemporary discourse acknowledges the profound impact of physical awareness on emotional healing.

Acknowledging a ‘disembodied self’ is pivotal in facilitating the transition towards somatic awareness. I have met with many individuals over the years, both in my therapeutic practice as well as when teaching expressive therapies, who struggle to bring focused awareness to their physical bodies. They often describe themselves as numb or are simply unable to identify any sensations or feelings in the bodies. By recognizing and validating the instinctual tendency to dissociate as a coping mechanism, individuals can gradually reacquaint themselves with their bodies, paving the way for healing. 

To navigate this intricate terrain, practitioners like Cathy Malchiodi PhD, emphasize the notion of ‘restorative embodiment.’ This approach reframes somatic awareness as a means of tapping into the body’s innate resilience, channelling its capacity for joy, curiosity, and vitality. (writing for Psychology Today Online on December 29, 2022). It embraces embodiment as a practice to be explored with curiosity and kindness, rather than a destination or a one-size-fits-all approach that will instantly transform one’s suffering into a healed state.

According to Mark Pearson, PhD, and Helen Wilson, PhD (2009), therapists’ capacity to engage fully with clients during sessions is enhanced when they themselves participate in body-based exercises as part of their own self-care and self-development.  These exercises not only affect their own self-organization but also enrich their presence with others. They reference Grand’s (2005) research, which introduces the concept of “embodied becoming,” advocating for therapists to immerse themselves in expressive practices as an important pathway to building their own capacity to be present to clients.  These practices encompass exploring bodily sensations and expressions through various creative mediums such as movement, sound, and art.  

Embodiment empowers individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing at a non-cognitive, non-verbal level. Through repetitive engagement with embodied practices, either in therapeutic settings or as part of mindful self-care routines such as body scanning, yoga or other meditative body-focused activities, individuals both therapists and their clients, can reclaim agency over their well-being, awakening to the myriad possibilities for restoration and renewal that reside within their own bodies.