Emotion is a Wave — Not a Problem
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How Somatic Therapy Deepens Emotion-Focused Work
This September, we’ve been exploring how somatic therapy complements talk-based models. We’ve touched on Internal Family Systems, CBT, and DBT. Today, we close out the series with a focus on Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and the way the body helps us ride emotional waves without getting swept away.
🧠 Emotions Aren’t Problems — They’re Signals
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, teaches us that emotions are not things to be fixed; they are messengers. They carry valuable information about our needs, longings, and boundaries.
When we bring somatic therapy into the picture, we expand our capacity to feel those messages in the body rather than just thinking about them or trying to control them.
In somatic therapy, we’re not just saying “I feel sad.” We’re asking:
“What does sadness feel like in my chest?”
”How do I know anger is here, in my jaw, my shoulders, my breath?”
When we slow down and listen to our emotions with presence, they often soften. The wave moves through.
✨ Somatic Practice: Riding the Emotional Wave
This gentle practice can help you notice and stay present with big feelings without bracing or shutting down.
Pause when you feel a big emotion arise (or recall a recent moment).
Notice where it shows up in your body — not the story, but the sensation.
Place one hand where you feel it. Offer that area a bit of warmth and attention.
Breathe slowly. In for 4, out for 6. Let the breath be a life raft.
Ask:
“Can I stay with this feeling for just a few breaths?”
“What does it need — not to go away, but to be here more safely?”
You might be surprised by what moves when you don’t try to move it.
🛋️ Tend to it in Therapy
If emotional waves feel like they take you out, therapy can help you stay connected.
Here are some questions to bring into the session:
“I go numb when things get intense. Can we explore that?”
“My emotions come out too fast or too strong. Is there a way to feel without flooding?”
“Can we work on what it feels like in my body when I’m overwhelmed?”
🧰 For Beginners
Start by noticing: Do I feel this emotion in my head or in my body? One’s not better, but awareness is the first step toward embodiment.
🧭 For Those Already Practicing
Next time a familiar emotion arises, try naming its movement in your body. Is it rising? Tightening? Pulling back? Stay curious about the shape of it.
📣 Prepared for Action?
You don’t have to ride the emotional waves alone. Whether you're deep into EFT or just getting to know your nervous system, this work is about staying with yourself through the storm.
⚖️ Disclaimer
This post is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice. Learn more about Sarah’s work at interocare.ca
