The Power of Touch: A client's reminder
Touch is a language that doesn’t need words and often communicates beyond the limitations of words. In my practice as a Somatic Therapist, I see its transformative power every day. But a recent conversation with a client reminded me that even those who receive healing touch may need to hear more about its value.
This particular client had offered me some feedback during one of our bi-weekly sessions. She suggested I talk more about the power of touch. Initially, I felt a pang of self-doubt. Was I not already emphasizing touch enough? Our sessions include it as a central component, so I assumed its value was understood. But her comment led me to reflect more deeply.
A Therapist’s Dilemma: Lifestyle Changes vs. Client’s Autonomy
Our discussion arose from my uncertainty about how best to support her health concerns. Many of these concerns stem from behaviors she could change—like drinking more water, exercising, or meditating—but chooses not to. While I’m committed to helping her, I’ve questioned whether our goals are aligned. My focus is on promoting health and healing, while her focus seems to be on maintaining her current lifestyle.
When I expressed my uncertainty, I noticed a brief flash of alarm on her face. I imagined her unspoken thoughts: “Does this mean you want to stop working with me? You know how I cherish these sessions.” That moment of vulnerability made me pause. It also gave me clarity. Her suggestion to “talk more about touch” wasn’t just about words—it was a reminder that underscored what she valued most in our work: the healing power of gentle, compassionate, non-judgmental touch itself.
The Science of Touch
Touch is essential to human well-being. Science consistently shows its profound effects on mental and physical health. For example, touch and particular kinds of touch can activate the vagus nerve, and other aspects of the parasympathetic nervous system, communicating safety, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. Research also highlights its role in early development, social connection, and trauma healing.
Conversely, the absence of touch can have significant negative impacts. Lack of touch has been linked to developmental delays, emotional distress, and even physical illness. Unfortunately, modern medicine often overlooks touch as a component of care. Doctors now focus on technology and data, while physical contact has become rare in routine exams. Even physical therapy, according to many of my clients, involves minimal touch.
Somatic Therapy is one of the few fields where touch remains central. It goes beyond relaxation to help clients experience safety in their bodies. This process can unlock buried trauma patterns and facilitate healing without necessarily revisiting past events. It’s a gentle, powerful approach—one that science increasingly supports.
(NOTE: Not all Somatic Therapies include touch. Some involve guided movement practices, or guided verbal instruction for self-movement practices based on visualizations and the like.)
Somatic Therapy - Process over goals
As I reflected on my client’s feedback, I realized something important: The value of our sessions lies not in achieving specific health goals but in the process itself. For her, our time together provides a judgment-free space to reconnect with her body. It offers her a feeling of love and presence that she may not experience elsewhere.
Our sessions include conversation, gentle touch, and moments of shared laughter or introspection. Sometimes, I offer words of wisdom that resonate with her long after. This simple combination of presence and touch is the therapy. It doesn’t need to lead to lifestyle changes to be meaningful.
Reflections and Lessons Learned
This interaction reminded me of something I’d momentarily forgotten: The profound value of simply showing up with an open heart and skilled hands. As a Somatic Therapist, Yoga Therapist, and Universal Life Minister, my role is not to impose change but to offer connection and healing. The process of touch, presence, and openness is itself a gift—one that can’t be measured by traditional metrics.
In a world where genuine connection is increasingly rare, what I offer is unique and deeply needed. This client’s suggestion to “talk more about touch” wasn’t just advice—it was a reminder of the essence of my work. Healing isn’t always about fixing; sometimes, it’s about holding space and letting growth unfold in its own time.