What is Somatic Art Therapy?
A body-based approach to healing with Alyssa Jurewicz-Johns
Understanding the bodymind connection in somatic art therapy
Some clients may struggle to articulate their thoughts and feelings through words alone. Somatic art therapy offers alternative forms of expression, such as movement, painting, drawing, vocalization and other creative modalities, allowing clients to communicate and process their experiences in nonverbal ways.
Rather than solely relying on insight-oriented dialogue, somatic art therapy emphasizes experiential learning and direct engagement with bodily sensations and emotions. This approach can lead to deeper insights, transformative shifts, and lasting change.
What is the difference between somatic art therapy and traditional talk therapy?
Traditional therapy often focuses primarily on verbal communication and cognitive processes, sometimes overlooking the crucial connection between the body and mind. Somatic art therapy recognizes and addresses this connection, understanding that emotional experiences are often held and expressed through bodily sensations, movements, and postures. By repairing the connection to bodymind, the mind doesn’t suffer anymore when we include the body in the healing process.
“I was struggling with slowing down enough to notice the subtle sensations of my body's emotional process without interpreting, overreacting, or trying to change them. I feel more space with myself. Room to breathe. When I feel a surge of energy in my belly or chest, or some tension, or even excitement or joy, I have more steadiness to coexist with myself in that feeling, instead of trying to fix it or ignore it. I can better soothe myself when needed, and I especially notice more fully feeling joy and happiness when it arises.” ~ Patrick O.
What are the benefits of Somatic Art Therapy?
Many of Alyssa’s clients come to her after years of trying talk therapy, medication, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes, yet still feel their needs aren’t fully addressed.
In essence, the body holds onto trauma in ways that talking alone cannot resolve. Alyssa’s approach to somatic art therapy addresses these body-held patterns for deeper, lasting healing.
Restore Nervous System Balance: By mapping your nervous system states, you’ll learn how trauma and chronic stress impacts your body, giving you more control over how you respond to life’s challenges.
Reduce Physical Symptoms of Trauma & Chronic Stress: For clients managing conditions like anxiety, insomnia, body pain, digestive issues, or inflammation, Alyssa’s somatic techniques offer relief by gently shifting the body’s response patterns.
Reclaim Connection and Vitality: Trauma and chronic stress can create emotional withdrawal, exhaustion, relationship issues, and a feeling of disconnect from life. With Alyssa, whether you do somatic therapy in Pittsburgh or through online classes, you’ll develop the resilience and somatic practices to heal and feel truly at home in your own body.
