If you’ve ever felt like shaking things up in your career (quite literally), then strap yourselves in! Welcome to the world of becoming a somatic practitioner, where every day is a dance with the human body and mind. This is not your typical 9-5 desk job, oh no! It’s the kind of career where you unlock the secrets of the human body, one breath at a time.

In this post, we’ll explore how to become a somatic practitioner and coach and why it’s such a rewarding career path. Whether you’re an experienced therapist or coach or a budding wellness enthusiast, there’s something in here for you. So, let’s get started!

Introduction to Somatic Coaching

Before we dive into the details of becoming a somatic practitioner, let’s first understand what this field is all about.

Definition of Somatic Coaching:

Somatic coaching is a holistic approach to physical and psychological well-being that involves understanding the connection between the mind, body, and emotions.

The word “somatic” comes from the Greek word “soma,” which means living body. So essentially, it’s a practice that focuses on experiencing and exploring the present moment through movement, breathwork, touch, and mindfulness techniques.

Somatic practitioners help their clients tap into their body’s wisdom, release tension and trauma, and connect with their inner selves.

The Benefits of Somatic Coaching:

The benefits of somatic therapy are profound, from helping individuals develop a deeper understanding and connection with their bodies, to addressing issues such as trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression.

It’s a dance of healing, literally and metaphorically, where practitioners guide clients to tune into their internal experiences, helping them move beyond physical and emotional pain towards a state of holistic well-being.

Here are some other benefits of practicing somatic work:

• Improved physical well-being: By tuning into our bodies and becoming more aware of its sensations, we can pinpoint areas of tension or discomfort and work on releasing them through movement. This leads to improved posture, better balance, and a stronger mind-body connection.
• Better stress management: Somatic practices such as mindfulness and breathwork can help reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation.
• Increased emotional intelligence: By connecting with our bodies and emotions, we become more aware of our thought patterns and reactions, leading to improved self-awareness and emotional regulation.
• Release of past traumas: Somatic therapy has been shown to be effective in releasing stored trauma and emotions in the body, leading to a sense of emotional freedom and healing.

Understanding the Role of a Somatic Practitioner

A somatic practitioner is a professional coach or therapist who uses various techniques to help individuals tap into their body’s wisdom and promote healing. 

They may use different modalities such as movement, touch, breathwork, inner child work, energy healing, and mindfulness to guide clients towards greater awareness and connection with themselves.

Some key aspects of a somatic practitioner’s role include:

• Creating a safe space for clients: Somatic practitioners aim to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to explore their inner experiences.
• Assessing the client’s needs: The practitioner will work with the client to identify their goals and areas of focus, tailoring the practice accordingly.
• Facilitating mind-body connection: Through various techniques, the practitioner helps clients connect with their bodies and emotions, promoting holistic healing.
• Supporting self-discovery and growth: A somatic practitioner assists clients in uncovering underlying patterns and beliefs that may be holding them back, facilitating personal growth and transformation.

What type of person makes a good somatic practitioner?

Becoming a somatic practitioner takes dedication, empathy, and a strong desire to help others and make a positive impact. It requires individuals who are willing to dive deep into their own personal growth while also guiding others on their own healing journeys.

Good somatic practitioners also have a natural curiosity and openness to learning. They are always seeking new knowledge and techniques to improve their skills and better serve their clients.

Additionally, effective somatic practitioners have excellent communication and listening skills. They are able to create a safe and non-judgmental space for their clients to explore their emotions and experiences.

Oh ya, and they have a lot of LOVE for people and the human experience. 😉

What does a typical day look like for a somatic practitioner?

A typical day for a somatic practitioner may vary depending on their specific practice and client load. However, here are some common tasks and activities that most somatic practitioners engage in on the daily:

• Conducting one-on-one or group sessions with clients: This could involve using different techniques such as touch, movement, breathwork, or verbal dialogue to help clients connect with their bodies and process emotions.
• Preparing for client sessions: This could include reviewing client notes, setting up the space, and energetically preparing for the session.
• Engaging in self-care practices: It’s important for somatic practitioners to take care of their own well-being so they can effectively support their clients. This may involve personal therapy, meditation, breathwork or other self-care activities.
• Networking with other professionals: Somatic practitioners may attend retreats, workshops, or networking events to connect with others in the field and learn about new techniques and approaches.
• Continuing education: As mentioned earlier, somatic practitioners have a natural curiosity and desire for learning. They may spend time researching new methods or attending trainings to expand their skills and knowledge.
• Administrative tasks: Like any other profession, somatic practitioners also have administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, managing client records, and billing.
• Marketing: If you plan on running your own business as a somatic practitioner, you’ll spend some time each day researching market trends, creating content, and sharing your wisdom online and at events.

Overall, a typical day for a somatic practitioner is focused on helping clients heal and connect with their bodies. They may work with a variety of clients dealing with different issues and use various methods to support them on their journey.

Here’s what we know to be true… the pandemic caused 81% of the US population alone to face mental stress (according to a survey conducted by Lyra Health). Plus we’ve seen a rise in life coaching searches by 51% since 2019… because people are struggling to cope and are looking for more tools and support.

Also, the data and research shows that coaching in general is proven to work and is in high demand.

However traditional mindset coaching can be limited.  It’s like a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. It works for some time but the underlying issue can still be there if the trauma hasn’t been resolved on a deeper level. That’s where somatic practitioners come in.

Somatic practitioners can support trauma healing and they are on the rise as more and more people recognize the importance of mind-body connection in overall health and well-being.  

With a growing interest in holistic healing, somatic practices are becoming more mainstream and widely accepted. In fact, breathwork (a somatic technique that practitioners can use), is now required in New York schools from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

As society continues to shift towards a greater emphasis on self-care, healing, and mental health awareness, the demand for somatic practitioners is expected to increase. This means that becoming a somatic practitioner can be a fulfilling and sustainable career path for those interested in this field!

Plus, there is a growing interest in incorporating somatic practices into traditional medical and therapeutic settings! This opens up even more opportunities for somatic practitioners to work alongside doctors, therapists, and other healthcare professionals (or if you’re already a therapist or healthcare professional, you can learn somatic coaching and add it to your repertoire).

All this is to say: the future is BRIGHT for somatic practitioners!

Now that you’re more familiar with what somatic coaching is, are you interested in learning how to become a somatic practitioner yourself? If so, here are some steps you can follow to embark on this fulfilling and transformative journey!

1) Start with self-exploration: As a somatic practitioner, it’s essential to have a deep understanding of your own inner experiences and emotions. Begin by exploring your body sensations, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs through practices like meditation, journaling, or therapy (we guide you through your self-exploration first in our Somatic Coaching Certification Program).

2) Enroll in a somatic coaching certification program (like ours!): While there are various somatic training programs out there, it’s crucial to choose one that aligns with your values and goals. Our Somatic Coaching Certification Program is designed for individuals who want to become certified coaches and integrate somatic practices into their healing work. We provide an experiential learning approach, combining theory and practice to empower our students to become confident trauma-aware somatic practitioners.

3) Gain experience through practice: As with any skill, becoming a somatic practitioner requires practice. Take advantage of opportunities to practice with friends, family, or volunteers. You can also offer your services at a reduced rate to gain experience and build your client base. In our certification program, we include a comprehensive practicum where our students have the chance to work with real clients and receive feedback from experienced somatic coaches.

4) Develop a niche: Consider focusing on a particular population or area of expertise within somatic coaching. This could be working with trauma survivors, athletes, or executives. While not necessary, having a niche can help you stand out and attract clients who resonate with your specialization.

5) Build a strong support system: Being a somatic practitioner can be emotionally demanding, and having a supportive network is crucial. Connect with other somatic coaches through online communities or attend local events to share experiences and gain support. One of the cool things about joining a program like ours is that you automatically become part of a community of like-minded individuals who are also on the journey to becoming somatic practitioners!

6) Never stop learning: Becoming a somatic practitioner is an ongoing journey of personal growth and development. Continue to explore different modalities and techniques, and constantly seek opportunities to deepen your understanding of somatic coaching. Attend workshops, trainings, and retreats, and read books by leading experts in the field.

7) Trust the process: Becoming a somatic practitioner is not a linear journey; it involves ups and downs, challenges, and breakthroughs. Trust in yourself and the process. Be patient with yourself as you continue to learn and grow in your practice. With dedication and perseverance, you can become a skilled and impactful somatic practitioner!

Final thoughts on how to become a somatic practitioner…

Becoming a somatic practitioner is a rewarding and fulfilling journey that requires dedication, self-exploration, and ongoing learning. As you embark on this path, keep in mind the importance of finding a reputable training program, building a niche within the field, and cultivating a strong support system. Trust in yourself and the process, and never stop learning and growing.

Finally, embrace the opportunity to make a positive impact in people’s lives through somatic coaching.  So if you have a passion for helping others and are committed to your personal growth, then becoming a somatic practitioner may be the perfect path for you. Good luck on your journey! 

(We’re here when you’re ready to take the next step.)

With love & tips on becoming a somatic practitioner,

Samantha Skelly + The Pause Team