Somatic therapies — healing the mind-body connection in eating disorder recovery
Where Healing Begins—In the Body
Recovery is not just a mental journey; it’s deeply physical. At Ianthe House, we believe in the transformative power of somatic therapies to heal the mind-body connection. Eating disorders often disconnect individuals from their bodies, leaving behind a legacy of tension, mistrust, and trauma. Somatic practices—such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), yoga, and breathwork—offer a pathway to reclaim wholeness, resilience, and sustainable recovery.
Why the Mind-Body Connection Matters
Emotions Stored in the Body
When we experience distress, our bodies hold on to it. Tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, or shallow breathing are physical echoes of unresolved emotions. Somatic therapies recognize this, working to release trauma stored in the body and restore harmony.
Research-Proven Impact on Eating Disorders
Studies show that somatic approaches significantly improve emotional regulation, body image, and self-esteem in those recovering from eating disordersPP65(1)+art5eng+Korsak. By addressing both physical and emotional dimensions, these therapies reduce relapse risk and foster deeper healing.
Somatic Therapies at Ianthe House
A Holistic, Evidence-Based Approach
Our somatic therapies blend practices such as EFT, breathwork, body scanning, and mindful movement. Each session is tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring a safe and empowering journey back to the body.
EFT: Releasing Emotional Blocks
Emotional Freedom Techniques, or tapping, combine acupressure and mindfulness to release negative emotions and reduce anxiety. EFT is particularly effective for addressing the perfectionism and shame often tied to eating disorders. One participant shared: “EFT helped me quiet the relentless inner critic and reconnect with self-compassion.”
Movement for Embodiment and Empowerment
Gentle yoga, body scanning, and dance movement therapy help participants explore how emotions manifest physically. These practices encourage body awareness, foster self-acceptance, and restore trust in one’s physical self—a critical step in recovery.
The Science of Somatic Healing
Evidence That Supports Somatic Therapies
A systematic review by Korsak highlights the effectiveness of somatic therapies in reducing body dissatisfaction and enhancing protective factors in recoveryPP65(1)+art5eng+Korsak. These practices not only alleviate symptoms but also tackle root causes such as trauma, body image distortion, and emotional suppression.
How Somatic Therapies Complement Talk Therapy
While verbal processing is valuable, it has limits. Somatic therapies go beyond words, working directly with the body to release tension and rebuild a sense of safety. This dual approach—body and mind—ensures a more holistic and sustainable recovery.
Participant Stories of Transformation
Releasing Tension, Finding Freedom
One participant shared how EFT helped her release deeply held tension: “I didn’t realize how much fear I carried in my body until I started tapping. It’s like I could finally exhale for the first time in years.”
Rebuilding Trust in the Body
Another participant described how body scanning exercises helped her reclaim a sense of safety: “I used to see my body as the enemy. Now, I’m learning to listen to it, to trust it, and to care for it.”
How Somatic Therapies Fit Into Our Long-Term Program
Building Resilience for the Journey Ahead
Somatic therapies form an integral part of Ianthe House’s 12-month program. They complement peer support, personalized daily guidance, and other evidence-based practices to provide a robust framework for long-term healing.
Tools for Lifelong Recovery
Beyond the program, participants leave with practical tools to manage stress and maintain emotional balance. Somatic practices become a lifelong resource, promoting self-regulation and preventing relapse.
Reconnect With Your Body, Reclaim Your Recovery
At Ianthe House, we believe that true healing comes from nurturing the mind-body connection. Through somatic therapies, we empower you to release the past, embrace your body, and move toward a future of resilience and joy.
