Understanding Somatic Stress Release®: A Path to Healing and Relief
- Julia Hyndman
- Jan 15
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 18
Stress is often seen as a negative concept, but in reality, it is neutral and essential for our survival. The term "stress" emerged from the field of engineering, describing the physical strain present, which is needed in order for the structure to function. At its core, stress is a "non-specific response in the body." It is a biological process of adaptation and helps us address our response to stimuli.
Issues with stress occur when it exceeds our capacity to manage it effectively. This might involve a single overwhelming event that is too much to handle at once, a series of minor irritations that accumulate without a chance to release tension, a succession of positive changes without time to pause and reflect, or a person accustomed to constant stress, resulting in a limited tolerance where any unexpected event causes imbalance.
When events are outside our window of tolerance, we find ourselves in a flooded mental crisis, expressing itself as a rage-filled blowout, nervous shutdown, and/or breakdown of reality and disillusionment. This state is difficult because, afterward, we will need a period of repair as we slowly bring ourselves back to a manageable state.
An often neglected phase of stress occurs when we function at our allostatic load for a prolonged duration. This means operating at full capacity for days, weeks, months, or even years. Over time, this can significantly impact the body in various ways. Physically, it may manifest as headaches, chronic fatigue, muscle tension, chest pain, digestive problems, clammy sweating, and a weakened immune system. Emotionally, it may lead to irritability, difficulty focusing, racing thoughts, constant worry, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest, and panic attacks. Behaviorally, it can result in changes in eating habits, disturbed sleep, social withdrawal, increased use of substances, and decreased libido. If this phase lasts long enough, or if you are more vulnerable, such as during infancy and adolescence, it can lead to chronic, long-term patterns and dysregulations, such as PTSD, autoimmune diseases, ADHD, major depression, and anxiety disorders.
What is Somatic Stress Release®?
Somatic Stress Release is a body-centered therapeutic approach designed to help individuals reconnect with their body’s innate capacity to process and release stress. By integrating movement, breathwork, sound, and touch, this method facilitates the completion of incomplete stress responses, promoting emotional and physical well-being.
SSR focuses on the physical signs of stress held in the body by addressing how the body reacts to stress. During a session, a client is gently led through a stress response cycle, employing resourcing and resilience techniques to navigate the disruptions within that cycle. The cycle involves: being activated by a stimulus, responding to the body's natural urge to mobilize the change, following the wave down to a state of deactivation, and finally reaching a place of restoration, where our resources replenish.
The cycle can occur in both significant and minor ways. At times, a client may require additional resources if their nervous system is overly dysregulated. Occasionally, a stressor is too overwhelming to handle all at once, which is when resilience practices become essential. Once the client is centered and able to face the stressor they wish to process, the cycle can reach completion.
How it Works
Sessions typically involve guided exercises that may include gentle movements, breathing techniques, vocalizations or sounds, touch or bodywork, visualization, and body scanning. These practices help individuals become more attuned to their bodies' sensations, allowing for the completion of stress responses and the restoration of balance. In this way, we are working to release and move through the physical and emotional impacts of stress and trauma.
This method is available to nearly everyone and does not require any unique physical capabilities. It offers a safe avenue to investigate the impact of stress on the body and to initiate the healing process.
Signs You Might Benefit from Somatic Stress Release
This approach can be helpful for anyone experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or trauma-related symptoms. Below are the typical characteristics of those who could benefit:
Persistent muscle tightness, especially in the neck, shoulders, or back
Feeling anxious or restless without a clear cause
Difficulty sleeping or frequent waking
Digestive issues linked to stress
Feeling disconnected from your body or emotions
Difficulty relaxing even during downtime
If a couple of these are familiar, SSR could offer a new way to find relief by addressing the root physical causes of stress.
A Real-Life Example of SSR in Action
I worked with a client once who came in overwhelmed by physical and emotional pain. Their life was currently hectic and hard to manage, compounded by unresolved trauma that triggered intense reactions in their daily life. They felt they had been on the healing journey for a while, seeing a mental health therapist for several years. They felt some relief with that, but something was still missing.
As we were working, feelings of unworthiness and loneliness came to the surface for them, in relation to a pain that was oscillating from the chest to the sacrum. We followed the movements their body wanted to make in response. The urge to speak their truth arose. As they spoke, they stayed connected to the felt sense of the body, and it led to the impulse to make loud noises and yell, as a lot of pain and hurt was being recognized for the first time.
As they slowly followed that wave down, we found a supportive position to help them land in their body in a more relaxed way. From there, more gentle wave-like movements wanted to happen, followed by walking to integrate. There was still some persistent pain, so we ended with somatic bodywork, craniosacral massage, and a chat to integrate their current state with the one they were originally feeling.
By the end of the session, they were feeling much lighter and more grounded. It was easier to be with the complexity of their life with a relaxed body and mind. They were also surprised at how natural it was to follow the sensations of the body, as they led to expression, as well as how satisfying it was to give themselves permission to move through the stress response cycle.
This shows that SSR can be quite effective for individuals experiencing nervous system overwhelm by giving them the space to get curious about their experience and the permission to follow the impulse of the body, no matter how messy or unexpected.
How to Prepare for a Somatic Stress Release Session
Preparing for an SSR session is simple and requires no special equipment. Here are a few tips to get the most from your experience:
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement.
Arrive with an open mind and a willingness to notice your body’s sensations.
Avoid heavy meals or caffeine right before the session.
Plan some quiet time afterward to rest and integrate the experience.
Sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes and are currently done in person. You may inquire about a virtual session if that is something you are interested in.
What to Expect After a Session
After SSR, many people notice:
A sense of calm and relaxation
Reduced muscle tension and pain
Improved sleep quality
Greater emotional clarity
Increased body awareness
Some clients find journaling helpful to capture their thoughts and feelings post-session. Writing down sensations or insights can deepen the healing process and track progress over time.
Please note that everyone's experience is different and results vary. Sometimes dropping into deep inner awareness can show there is more there than previously thought. Clients may also notice feeling raw and sensitive afterwards. This is why it is good to schedule plenty of rest and downtime following.
Invitation to Experience Somatic Stress Release
If you feel ready to explore a deeper, body-based approach to managing stress, consider booking a Somatic Stress Release session. Whether you are new to bodywork or have tried other methods, SSR offers a gentle path to healing and relief.
You can also sign up for our email list to receive tips, updates, and insights about SSR and other supportive practices for well-being.
Stress affects us all in different ways, but the body often holds the key to relief. Somatic Stress Release helps unlock that key by tuning into the body’s natural ability to heal. Taking this step can lead to lasting calm and a stronger connection to yourself.
Start your journey today by reaching out for a session or joining our community for ongoing support.
Sources:
Notes from Somatic Stress Release Module 1
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