Somatic therapy for grief is a body-focused form of therapy that helps people notice and work with the physical sensations that accompany loss, such as tension, fatigue, restlessness, or a feeling of heaviness. Rather than focusing on only thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy incorporates awareness of the body into the therapeutic process. It may provide another way to process grief, particularly when emotional distress shows up physically, although research specifically on somatic therapy for bereavement remains limited.
Understanding Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is a broad term that includes a variety of therapeutic techniques. The word “somatic” means “of the body”; thus, somatic therapy blends the psychological and the physical in a therapeutic setting. Unlike other therapies that are more cognitive in nature and focus on thoughts, values, and emotions, somatic therapy brings the focus to bodily experiences, such as:
- Physical sensations
- Muscle tension
- Breathing
- Posture
- Movement
The goal is not to make physical symptoms disappear but to learn how to relate to and understand them. Somatic therapy is often paired with other forms of psychotherapy, rather than serving as a full replacement. According to Harvard Health, somatic therapy may be useful for some of the physical symptoms of grief, such as poor sleep or pain.
The Connection Between Grief and the Body
Research shows that grief has a direct physical effect on our bodies. Some of this research shows that the body has a physiological response to the immense stress of bereavement. Stress hormones like cortisol increase alongside inflammatory signals, and immune system function may be affected.
All of this can result in a wide range of physical symptoms after loss, such as poor sleep, lack of focus, pain, and vulnerability to illness. Other grief-related symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Appetite changes
- Headaches
- Feelings of tightness or heaviness
Somatic therapy for grief is a way to help cope with and notice grief and stress being expressed by physical symptoms.
How Somatic Therapy Helps With Grief
- Creates awareness of physical grief responses and how to approach physical and emotional sensations with curiosity.
- Helps people stay present with difficult emotions during bereavement.
- It may help reduce stress and physical tension with techniques like grounding and gentle movement.
- Cultivates another way to process grief; many people find grief difficult to put into words and benefit from a more physical approach.
- Can support a sense of safety and grounding during a time when the trauma of loss has created anxiety and overwhelm.
- It may help people reconnect with their bodies, making daily self-care easier and more accessible during grief.
The foundation of somatic therapy is awareness, and by cultivating curiosity about what is happening physically, the relationship between emotions and the body is strengthened, often offering relief or other ways of responding to grief.
Somatic Therapy Techniques for Grief
- Body awareness and sensation tracking
A therapist guides you through pausing and noticing physical sensations without immediately assigning meaning to them.
- Grounding
A technique using physical sensations or surroundings to direct attention toward the present.
- Breathing exercises
This method uses slow or deliberate breathing to help someone pay attention to their physical state.
- Resourcing
Resourcing involves identifying internal or external experiences associated with safety, stability, or support.
- Pendulation
Pendulation involves gently shifting attention between discomfort and sensations associated with greater calm or safety.
- Gentle movement
Gentle movement may be incorporated into somatic therapy with activities such as stretching, walking, or changing posture.
Moving Forward With Healing in Mind and Body
Grief affects the whole person, emotionally, mentally, cognitively, socially, and physically. Somatic therapy is one of many kinds of therapy that may offer support to those grieving after loss, and it won’t be the right choice for everyone. But it may be useful, either on its own or paired with other therapies such as:
- Grief counseling
- Support groups
- Grief-focused psychotherapy
- Healthy routines and social support
- Personal remembrance practices
If your symptoms remain severe and persistent, please don’t hesitate to seek out professional help.
Healing can also look like honoring and remembering your loved one and sharing memories and remembrance traditions online with an Ecorial memorial page. Use Ecorial to preserve meaningful memories and photographs, and keep the connection to your loved one alive.
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