Pursuing a PhD in the Emerging Field of Somatic Psychology

Understanding Somatic Psychology and its Growing Popularity

Somatic psychology is a relatively new field of study that focuses on the connection between the mind and body to promote wellbeing. The word "somatic" comes from the Greek word "soma" meaning "of the body". Somatic psychology explores how our thoughts, emotions, and experiences affect us physically and vice versa.

In recent years, somatic psychology has been gaining popularity as more research demonstrates the strong links between mental and physical health. An increasing number of graduate programs now offer degrees in somatic psychology to meet the growing interest in this emerging field.

What is Somatic Psychology?

Somatic psychology is based on the idea that the mind and body are deeply connected and mutually influence each other. From this perspective, it is impossible to separate psychological and physical wellbeing.

Somatic psychology argues that traumatic experiences and emotional distress often manifest in the body as chronic pain, tight muscles, digestive issues, and more. At the same time, adopting certain postures and practicing body-centered therapies can provide mental and emotional relief.

Some of the key principles of somatic psychology include:

• The mind and body are deeply intertwined and send constant signals back and forth to each other
• Stored memories and past experiences, especially traumatic ones, can negatively impact both physical and mental health
• Becoming aware of bodily sensations provides insight into emotions and thought patterns
• Physical movement and touch can help process and release distressing thoughts and emotions

Somatic Psychology Techniques

Somatic psychology uses both talk therapy techniques as well as body-centered methods to help people achieve better health:

• Talk therapy - Discussing past experiences, emotions, and beliefs to uncover deep-rooted issues
• Mindfulness - Bringing non-judgemental attention to thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations in the present moment
• Breathwork - Using the breath to release stored tension and access emotions
• Body Scanning - Systematically bringing attention to different parts of the body to increase connection and release tension
• Somatic Movement - Using gentle stretches, yoga, dance, or other movements to release tension and access emotions stored in the tissues
• Touch Therapy - Using nurturing touch through massage, acupressure, or other methods to stimulate relaxation

Why Pursue a PhD in Somatic Psychology?

Pursuing a PhD in somatic psychology allows students to deeply explore this evolving field through research and hands-on clinical work. With a somatic psychology doctorate, graduates can pursue careers in therapy, research, teaching, writing, and more.

Here are some of the main reasons to consider a PhD in somatic psychology:

Conduct Innovative Research

Somatic psychology is still a developing field with ample room for exploring new theories, techniques, and applications. A PhD program gives students the opportunity to advance knowledge through original research on mind-body connections, embodied healing practices, somatic therapies, and more.

Become a Licensed Somatic Therapist

A somatic psychology PhD meets the educational requirements for becoming a licensed somatic therapist in most states. Somatic therapists have specialized skills in using body-oriented approaches to help clients heal from trauma, chronic stress, emotional disorders, and psychosomatic conditions.

Work in Academia

Doctorate holders are qualified to teach somatic psychology classes at universities. They can train the next generation of somatic psychology students while advancing theory and knowledge within the field. Academic careers also provide opportunities for ongoing research.

Apply an Innovative Approach

Somatic techniques offer new pathways to support mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. With somatic psychology training, graduates can apply these cutting-edge approaches in private practice, clinics, hospitals, wellness centers, and other settings.

Integrative and Holistic Care

There is growing demand from clients for integrative care solutions that bridge psychological, spiritual, and physical health. A somatic psychology PhD provides the tools to offer a truly holistic and embodied approach to healing.

What Does a Somatic Psychology PhD Program Cover?

Somatic psychology PhD curriculums aim to provide graduates with deep knowledge of the connections between mind and body along with practical clinical skills. While programs vary, most include coursework, research, and practicum work in areas like:

Key Theories in Somatic Psychology

Students gain an in-depth understanding of pivotal theories related to body-oriented psychology, somatic experiencing, and trauma healing. This includes leaders in the field like Wilhelm Reich, Alexander Lowen, Peter Levine, and more.

Mind-Body Healing Approaches

Coursework explores somatic practices like mindfulness, breathwork, biofeedback, dance/movement therapy, yoga psychology, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and other embodied modalities.

Trauma and Stress Disorders

Classes examine trauma and chronic stress through a somatic lens. Students learn how traumatic memories and experiences become stored in the body and issues related to PTSD, intergenerational trauma, and developmental trauma.

Psychophysiology and Neurobiology

These courses overview key research and theories related to how psychological states translate into physical responses in the nervous system, hormones, brain activity, and more.

Elements of Counseling and Psychotherapy

While emphasizing somatic approaches, coursework also covers fundamental counseling skills like therapeutic relationship building, ethical principles, and psychotherapy theories.

Experiential Learning

Somatic psychology PhD programs provide hands-on learning in addition to traditional instruction. Students gain first-hand experience with practices like movement therapy, massage, yoga, breathwork, meditation, and more.

Clinical Placements and Research

In the later stages of the program, students complete practicum work in healthcare settings and develop and execute their own research studies under mentorship from faculty.

Where Can I Earn a PhD in Somatic Psychology?

While somatic psychology is still an emerging niche, PhD programs are now available at both universities and professional somatic psychology schools across the United States and internationally. When researching programs, look for:

• Established, accredited institutions
• Robust somatic psychology-focused curriculum
• Opportunities for research and publication
• Experienced, renowned faculty
• Hands-on, experiential training
• Clinical placement partnerships

Some notable somatic psychology PhD programs include:

Santa Barbara Graduate Institute

This pioneering graduate school offers an in-depth, body-centered somatic psychology curriculum along with training in various somatic healing arts. Students benefit from small cohort sizes, close mentorship, and abundant clinical opportunities.

Meridian University

Meridian's somatic psychology PhD explores the integration of mind, body, and spirit with a strong foundation in Jungian theories. The program emphasizes personal transformation alongside intellectual learning.

California Institute of Integral Studies

This San Francisco university takes a pluralistic approach to somatic psychology and includes study of world philosophies and spiritual traditions related to embodied living and consciousness.

Naropa University

Naropa has long integrated Eastern wisdom and contemplative practices into its graduate programs. Students can earn a somatic psychology concentration under its Transpersonal Counseling Psychology PhD program.

Beyond these, many other universities now offer somatic psychology specializations, certificates, or concentrations within their clinical and counseling psychology doctoral programs.

Career Opportunities with a Somatic Psychology PhD

A somatic psychology PhD opens doors to bring mind-body healing approaches into diverse settings. Graduates are equipped for careers such as:

Somatic Psychotherapist

Provide individual and group psychotherapy sessions integrating talk therapy with somatic practices to support holistic wellness and trauma recovery.

Somatic Educator & Instructor

Develop curriculum and teach somatic psychology classes and body-mind healing workshops at educational institutes or wellness centers.

Healthcare Consultant

Introduce somatic approaches into hospitals, clinics, and integrative care programs to complement medical treatments.

Published Author

Write books and articles about somatic psychology theories, research, clinical approaches, self-help methods, and new developments in the field.

Corporate Consultant

Provide embodied leadership development, somatic stress management programs, and mind-body wellness initiatives within business settings.

Those with a strong background in research can also pursue academic positions training future somatic psychologists and expanding knowledge in the field as professors, lecturers, and research fellows.

This pioneering field continues to open new opportunities for healing and whole-person wellness. An advanced degree in somatic psychology allows graduates to shape the future of this burgeoning area of study and practice.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.