If psychotherapy is a “black box” for people, then body-centered psychotherapy can seem even more mysterious. Quite simply, the therapist provides a therapeutic touch that can allow for an emotional release in you. Our body holds memories of our life experiences. The “laying of hands” can bring those repressed or forgotten memories, including traumas, to the surface. This can lead to insight and relief regarding current-day issues that you’ve been struggling with. At a minimum, many people find this type of therapy relaxing, calming, and refreshing. So, what exactly is involved and how does it work?
If you’ve ever had a massage, you’ll be familiar with the table that you lie on for treatment. In body-centered psychotherapy, you lay face up on the table for the entire treatment. However, unlike massage therapy, the intent is not to provide physical release and treatment, but rather to provide emotional release or well-being.
In the body-centered psychotherapy I provide, I always check first to see if you have any concerns before beginning. I start with a neck release which involves a gentle cradling of the head and slight pressure on the vertebrae of the neck. Following this, the sacral, solar and chest plexus are released. Then, the shoulders are released. Next, I move to the lower body and provide hip release. Finally, I finish at the head with gentle rocking. Depending on the person, I may also provide energy transfer or aromatic therapy.
Body psychotherapy, which is considered a branch of somatic psychology, is based on the concept that people experience the world not only through their thoughts and emotions but also simultaneously through their bodies. The mind and body are viewed as one entity that is essential to the therapeutic process. This mind/body entity will move toward healing and growth of its own accord, given the right environment, and interpersonal interactions, when conducted in a safe and respectful manner.
Unlike talk therapy, which focuses on how we think about our experiences and express our feelings in words, body-centered psychotherapy encourages you to engage with your body’s responses and discover what lies beneath bodily sensations and restore a state of calm.
Source: https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/somatic-psychotherapy