Somatic Inquiry for Clinicians
Asking “how Questions” to encourage Somatic Curiosity
Ask How Questions:
- How are you noticing these feelings?
- How are you experiencing this right now? •How Does the body experience of _____ appear to you in this moment?
Ask Where & What Questions:
- Where are you sensing…?
- As you're feeling this… what do you notice? •“What are you curious about… now?”
- “What do you need right now to stay with this…?
Mischke-Reeds, M. (2018)
WORKING SAFELY
- Working respectfully with the body and maintaining boundaries.
- Observe the client’s response to all intervention suggestions.
- Questions for clinician: Are they receptive or is the client uncomfortable.. If so, don’t proceed; instead, explore what works for them.
- Address any discomfort and ask.. What would make you feel safe.
- Offer small incremental changes, such as working with tightness in the body.
- Start with a small step: “ How about you notice the tightness in the shoulder. What are you aware of?
Mischke-Reeds, M. (2018).
Stabilizing Mindfulness Awareness
- Body signs of mindfulness: slowing down the breath, turning the attention inward, closing the eyes or downward eyes
- Look for Signs of “coming out” of a mindful state:
- Such as eyes fluttering, vigilant eye moment, unsettled body movements, becoming talkative and less reflective (you can gently guide the client back to mindfulness
- Stay calm and steady in your guidance; slow down the experience so you and the client can notice what’s happening
Mischke-Reeds, M. (2018)
Integrating Somatic Techniques into existing practices
Ways to suggest incorporating somatic techniques
- Suggest the exercise initially.
- Would you like to try this exercise?
- How about we try this practice?
- Let’s find out if we can help you do…with this next experience.
- Are you interested in exploring the following?
- Get clients buy-in or permission to try something new.
- Follow through with instructions.
- Summarize the outcome.
Mischke-Reeds, M. (2018).
Somatic Script for Clinicians (3-5 minutes)
Introduction: Please close your eyes or turn inward, imagine pressing the pause button on whatever is the predominant feeling.
- Recognize the feeling of ______and “allow” it be there.
- Acknowledge: Turning inward, what do you notice if you bring your attention and interest to how it feels in your body?
- Investigate: E.g., explore/name tight chest/muscles, clenched jaw, stomach in knots.
- Ask Ct. to place a hand on the abdomen/heart, and send a few deep breaths to the sensation.
- Need: Ask the anxious/fearful part of yourself -what’s needed most. (understanding, rest, compassion?
T. Brach (2016)
Addressing Challenges for clients reflecting inwardly
- Help the client become accustomed to turning inward.
- Please provide them with specific guidance on how to turn inward in small steps.
- Use small practices at first.
Mischke-Reeds, M. (2018)