What is Somatic Movement?
Somatic Movement is a type of movement practice that uses “somatic movement” as the catalyst for change and growth. “Soma” is literally defined as the body, as distinct from the soul or mind. (Oxford Dictionary)
Somatics is an up and coming field of study that focuses on the body, and in somatic movement, slow and intentional movement exercises are taught and performed, focusing on the internal experience (rather than the outward aesthetic or how it looks). The goal is to create a sense of embodiment, or being fully present in one’s body and creating a solid mind-body connection.
These slow, intentional movements allow the mover to become aware of their habitual patterns, and learn new, more beneficial movement patterns for both function and expressivity. One cannot fully express themselves if function is at issue. Also, the reason the movements are performed slowly, are so that the body’s nervous system can integrate the changes, and repattening, or re-learning, can begin.
I received my registration as a somatic movement therapist and educator from ISMETA (The International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association) and they define the purpose of the profession as “to enhance human functioning and body-mind integration through movement awareness. Our profession, as represented by ISMETA, encompasses distinct methods or approaches, each with its own educational or therapeutic emphasis, principles, and techniques.” (ismeta.org)
“These practices of somatic movement education and therapy include:
postural and movement observations
experiential anatomy and physiology explorations
movement patterning and re-patterning
communication and guidance through touch, verbal cues, and/or demonstration” (ismeta.org)”
To be eligible for registration/certification, one must have education in somatics at an institute or school that focuses on somatic movement. I received my education through the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in NYC in 2006, and Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals, in addition to modern dance techniques (such as release technique), anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and my training as a licensed massage therapist (I am OK + NY State Board Certified).
I also received my BFA in Dance at UNC-Greensboro, and studied movement for two semesters abroad at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts in Perth, Australia and Teatterikorkeakoulu (The Theatre Academy of Finland) in Helsinki, Finland. For my sessions, I combine all of my knowledge in these various areas to create a comprehensive, customized plan for my clients so they can reach their movement goals. To learn about Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals, see my next blog and you can also visit the Laban/Bartenieff Institute’s website at labaninstitute.org
Feel free to reach out to me via text/call at (918) 973-6393 or email through the contact form if you are interested in somatic movement sessions for yourself or someone you may know.
