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Navigating Grief Through Somatic Therapy
By Jane Dembling on December 16, 2024
I am a somatic therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and emotional balance. Having experienced the loss of my spouse, I understand firsthand how overwhelming grief can be. However, I also know that healing is possible and there is a path forward. Through somatic practices, I learned how to work with my grief rather than be consumed by it. Now, as a somatic grief therapist, I am passionate about guiding others through their healing journey by reconnecting with their bodies and emotions in a compassionate, nurturing way.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach that helps individuals process emotional experiences by becoming more aware of their physical sensations. The term somatic refers to the body, especially in contrast to the mind. This approach offers a powerful way to explore and release deep emotions through the body’s wisdom.
Grief and the Body
Grief affects not only the heart but the body as well. After my spouse’s death, I felt the weight of my grief physically—tightness in my chest, knots in my stomach, and an overall heaviness that left me drained. Sometimes, the grief was so intense that I couldn’t find words for it. In those moments, my body communicated what my mind couldn’t process. Somatic therapy can help release this emotional and physical tension, facilitating healing on both a mental and physical level.
How Somatic Therapy Helped Me Through Grief
There were times when I felt overwhelmed by grief—memories and emotions flooded me, and I couldn’t focus. During those times, I turned to grounding techniques I had learned. By focusing on the sensation of my feet on the floor, taking slow, deep breaths, and connecting with the earth beneath me, I regained calm and clarity. This simple practice reminded me that even in the most intense moments, I could center myself and allow my emotions to shift.
Somatic therapy taught me to tune into my body, release physical tension, and regulate my emotions. Breathwork and gentle movement were especially helpful in relieving the muscle tightness and anxiety that often accompanied my grief. These practices allowed me to regain a sense of control and beter process my emotions.
During this season, it’s easy to feel triggered by memories or emotions that resurface. The holidays can bring up feelings of loneliness, sadness, or longing, which can feel overwhelming. In my own experience, grounding techniques helped me stay present, even when everything around me seemed to amplify the pain. Somatic therapy provides tools to cope with these emotional triggers, helping you reconnect with your body and find balance during difficult moments.
A Personalized Approach to Healing
As a somatic therapist, I work closely with clients to explore grief through atuning with feelings in their bodies. The use techniques like breathwork, mindfulness, and gentle movement to help release stored emotions and physical tension. Each grief journey is unique, so I tailor my approach to meet your individual needs, ensuring that you feel supported throughout the process.
Taking the First Step
If you’re ready to explore how somatic therapy can support you through your grief, I invite you to reach out. Let me know if you have any questions or would like further information.
30-minute consultations are available if interested. Please feel free to contact me.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—I’m here to help.
Jane Dembling
©2024 Jane Dembling, All rights reserved.
