Australian Association of Somatic Psychotherapists

Somatic Psychotherapy is a unique discipline, which adds a further dimension to “talking therapies” in that it is grounded in the belief that thought, emotion and bodily experience are inextricably linked. Working in this holistic way can assist clients to gain a deeper understanding of their experience, both present and past. It is through this process that change is facilitated and skills for living developed.

The Australian Association of Somatic Psychotherapists was formed in 1987. All its members are thoroughly trained and experienced in contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy as well as in somatic, or body-oriented, principles of practice. They are qualified to engage in short and longer term relational psychotherapy, using both verbal and somatic techniques where appropriate. Somatic psychotherapy can assist in the treatment of depression, low self-esteem, for difficulties which are experienced in forming or maintaining relationships, for physical symptoms which may be related to stress or emotional factors, and for those suffering from the effects of grief, loss, sexual assault or childhood abuse.

All Somatic Psychotherapists have undertaken an appropriate training program and have engaged in their own long-term psychotherapy. They are also required to maintain their ongoing personal and professional development, including supervision of their clinical work.

Somatic Psychotherapists are bound by a Code of Ethical Conduct, a code which embraces the strictest standards of professional ethical practice.

PACFA Section Body Oriented Psychotherapy

Integrative Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Website link www.somaticpsych.org.au