Working somatically in psychotherapy asks that we first begin with just noticing what is here for us. We arrive to the space and moment, and we practice engaging our senses with what is neutral-to-pleasant to equip us to eventually turn toward what we’re seeking therapy for. This article includes a short guided audio practice.

Regulating our nervous system is not another task to add to our already full to-do list. Pop psychology tells us we ought to be optimizing our healing with breath-work, cold plunges, "somatic yoga," and the like. Read on about why easing off the gas pedal of self-improvement and learning to listen to the wisdom that's already present is a more sustainable approach.