Beyond the Brain: Integrating Somatic Therapy and Embodied Cognition into Clinical Practice
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Authors
Wainwright, Tiffany
Issue Date
2025-08
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
somatic therapy , embodied psychotherapy , embodiment , bottom-up processing , interpersonal neurobiology , polyvagal theory
Alternative Title
Abstract
Somatic therapy addresses the influence of both the brain and the body on mental health. While traditionally applied in trauma treatment, a growing body of research affirms the role of somatic therapy in addressing dysfunctional bottom-up processing systems, such as interoception and neuroception. Grounded in embodied cognition, polyvagal theory, and regulation theory, the paper outlines how bottom-up processing influences cognition, affective experience, and a sense of embodied self. Traditional cognitive therapies have limited efficacy in addressing bottom-up processing dysfunctions like emotional dysregulation which are prevalent across many forms of chronic mental illness. Somatic strategies directly address bottom-up processing issues through therapist attunement, co-regulation, and embodied mindfulness practices. The paper highlights how body-based therapeutic engagement strengthens client outcomes, particularly for trauma-related conditions, and supports practitioners in integrating somatic techniques within a fourth-wave, process-based model of care. A range of somatic interventions suitable for clinicians new to the modality are included in this paper.
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess