What is Somatic Parts Work?

In the world of therapy, there are plenty of tools and approaches to help us better understand ourselves and heal from our pasts. One of these powerful methods is Somatic Parts Work, an approach that combines the wisdom of our bodies with the exploration of the different "parts" of ourselves. If you’re looking for a fresh way to understand your emotions, heal from past trauma, or simply connect more deeply with who you truly are, this might just be the approach for you!

As a Somatic Parts Work practitioner and Art Therapist, I’ve had the privilege of guiding many clients on this transformative journey. In this blog post, I’ll break down the basics of Somatic Parts Work, how it works, and the exciting ways it connects with Creative Arts Therapy. Let’s dive in!

So, What is Somatic Parts Work?

Somatic Parts Work is a therapeutic practice that brings together two important elements: somatic awareness (our body’s wisdom) and parts work (the idea that we all have different parts or voices inside us). In simple terms, it’s a way of connecting with both your mind and body to heal emotional wounds, build self-awareness, and integrate different aspects of yourself.

Think of it like this: our bodies are like treasure chests of memories and emotions. And just as we have many emotions, we also have many "parts"—distinct aspects of ourselves that show up in different situations. Some parts may be nurturing, others may be critical or defensive, and some might hold deep pain from past experiences.

In Somatic Parts Work, the goal is to tune into both your body’s signals (like tension or discomfort) and the voices of your different parts (like that critical inner voice or the vulnerable child within). By exploring and integrating these aspects, you can bring more balance and healing into your life.

How Does Somatic Parts Work Actually Work?

1. Getting in Touch with Your Body

Our body doesn’t just carry us around—it holds onto all of our experiences, emotions, and memories. Through somatic practices (like noticing how different emotions feel in your body), you can tune into the physical sensations that accompany certain thoughts or feelings. It might be that tightness in your chest when you're stressed or that knot in your stomach when you think about a past experience.

By paying attention to these sensations, you can uncover the deeper emotions and parts of yourself that might need attention. This allows you to address emotional pain or trauma that’s stored in your body, helping you release and heal it.

2. Identifying Your Internal Parts

We all have different parts within us—some are easier to notice than others. For example, you might recognize your Inner Critic, that voice inside your head that judges or tells you you're not good enough. Or maybe you have a Protector part that tries to keep you safe by pushing people away or avoiding difficult emotions.

Other parts might include the Wounded Child, holding onto past hurt or trauma, or the Nurturer, a more caring and compassionate voice that offers comfort and understanding. The goal of Somatic Parts Work is to recognize, understand, and build relationships with each of these parts.

3. Integrating Your Parts for Healing

The magic happens when you start to bring your parts together. Integration is about helping each part find its rightful place within your whole self, so that they work together harmoniously instead of creating conflict. Some parts may need healing, while others may need guidance in expressing themselves in healthier ways.

For instance, your Inner Critic might soften once it realizes its harsh judgments aren’t helping anymore. It could evolve into a more supportive voice that encourages growth and self-discipline, rather than causing shame. By integrating your parts, you can bring more peace and unity to your inner world.

How Does Creative Arts Therapy Fit In?

As an Art Therapist, I love bringing the power of creative expression into Somatic Parts Work. Art therapy is a playful, engaging way to deepen your exploration of your inner parts while giving you new ways to express what might be hard to put into words.

Creative Arts Therapy and Parts Work work wonderfully together because both help you access parts of yourself that might be difficult to reach through traditional talk therapy. Art allows for non-verbal expression, which is especially helpful when working through deep emotions or trauma.

For example, if you're trying to connect with your Wounded Child part, you might use drawing or painting to express the emotions or memories that are tied to that part. Creating something visual can help you process and release emotions in a safe and contained way. Similarly, if you're exploring the Protector part that’s always on guard, you might create a sculpture or movement that represents the physical sensations of that part. The act of creating brings these parts to life, allowing you to heal, integrate, and shift their energy.

Why Does Somatic Parts Work and Creative Arts Therapy Work So Well?

1. Tapping into the Unconscious: Both somatic practices and creative arts provide a way to access unconscious parts of ourselves that may be difficult to express through language alone. Whether it’s through body awareness or creating art, these practices allow you to explore your inner world in a deeper, more holistic way.

2. Expressing What Words Can't: Sometimes, words just aren’t enough. Art, movement, and body awareness help you express complex emotions and experiences that might be hard to articulate. This gives you a chance to release and process emotions more freely.

3. Healing Through Creativity: There’s something incredibly healing about the process of creating. Whether you’re painting, dancing, or making something with your hands, the act of creation can help you release old emotions, shift patterns, and integrate your parts in a way that feels empowering and transformative.

4. Building Compassion: Through the creative process, you may begin to see your inner parts from a new perspective. Instead of judging or rejecting them, you learn to embrace them with compassion. When we engage in art, we often feel a sense of connection to what we’re creating, and that same connection can extend to ourselves.

Why Somatic Parts Work is So Powerful

At the heart of Somatic Parts Work is the understanding that you are more than just your thoughts—you are a dynamic, multi-faceted being with different parts that serve unique roles. By engaging with these parts and listening to your body, you open up the possibility of real healing and self-awareness.

The process isn’t about "fixing" parts of yourself—it’s about understanding them, showing them compassion, and helping them integrate into a whole, healthier version of yourself. Somatic Parts Work creates the space for deep emotional release, growth, and healing, and when combined with creative arts, it adds another layer of depth and expression.

Is Somatic Parts Work Right for You?

If you’re ready to explore and heal the different parts of yourself, Somatic Parts Work could be an incredibly rewarding approach. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, stress, negative self-talk, or simply want to connect more deeply with your true self, this method offers a balanced and integrative path forward.

As both a Somatic Parts Work practitioner and Art Therapist, I am here to support you on this journey. Together, we can explore your inner world—using both somatic practices and creative arts—to unlock deeper healing and transformation.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re curious about how Somatic Parts Work combined with Art Therapy can help you heal, grow, and integrate your parts, I’d love to connect with you. Let’s begin the journey of self-discovery and healing through creativity and somatic awareness!

Healing is a creative process—and I can’t wait to see what you create on your journey.