31/01/2025
Self-regulation is a fundamental concept in Biosynthesis, somatic psychotherapy, referring to the nervous system's ability to restore its balance and stability after experiences of stress or trauma. On a physiological level, the autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates essential bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, to maintain homeostasis.
When the nervous system is overwhelmed by chronic stress or traumatic experiences, it can enter a state of hyperactivity (fight or flight response) or hypoactivity (freezing or dissociation), hindering emotional and physical recovery. Biosynthesis works directly with these states, promoting self-regulation through interventions that engage both the body and the mind.
In somatic therapy, self-regulation works by identifying patterns of tension and emotional blockages related to dysregulated nervous system responses. The therapist guides the patient to notice these tensions in the body, helping to release repressed emotions through somatic interventions such as breathing and movement. This process allows the nervous system to return to its balanced state, fostering communication between the body and mind. By restoring this balance, self-regulation not only helps regulate immediate stress but also promotes greater emotional resilience, enabling the individual to recover from challenges and maintain equilibrium over time.
Self-regulation in somatic therapy brings significant benefits for mental and emotional health. It helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress, improves the ability to cope with trauma and repressed emotions, and provides a sense of overall balance and well-being. Through the integration of body and mind, therapy facilitates the reorganization of emotional responses, promoting deep and lasting recovery.
