A qualitative study on the effectiveness of somatic psychotherapy and its impact on trauma and stress, from the Greek therapists’ perspective

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness and impact of somatic psychotherapy (ST) in treating stress and trauma from the perspective of therapists practicing in Greece. The research was significant as it addressed the limitations of conventional talk therapies, which often failed to fully process trauma and highlighted the necessity for a more integrative approach involving the body, mind and spirit. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth interviews with three certified somatic psychotherapists were analysed. The findings revealed key themes related to the therapists’ transition from traditional talk therapies to somatic practices, emphasizing that trauma and emotional distress were stored not only in the mind but also in the body, thus requiring a holistic treatment approach. The study identified challenges such as societal attitudes, cultural resistance to therapy, and the gradual adoption of somatic methods in Greece. These results contributed to the growing body of evidence supporting somatic psychotherapy as an effective treatment for stress and trauma, with recommendations for future research to expand empirical studies and address cultural factors influencing the adoption and practice of somatic therapy.