Building Self-Trust in Somatic Therapy: What “Go With That” Really Means
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Once in a somatic therapy session*, a growl rose up from a client before there was time to think about it. I hadn’t prompted it. It just emerged.
I sensed a bit of embarrassment from them afterward, which makes sense. We don’t have much social context for the appropriateness of growling beyond, “Probably don’t do that!”
But in the session, this client shared how good it felt. So I invited them to, “Go with that.”
*Details have been changed to protect confidentiality.
I didn’t tell them not to be embarrassed because:
I’m not in the business of telling people how to feel.
Trying to push away an emotion that’s already here pulls us out of the moment.
They could follow the urge to growl and feel embarrassment. As soon as embarrassment arose, it became part of the experience.
“Go with that” doesn’t mean “get rid of everything else.”
It’s about rolling with whatever comes up – even the things we don’t like – and treating them like they’re worthy of attention.
What makes it hard to “go with that”?
I often work with survivors of attachment trauma and individuals who identify as people-pleasers. Both of these experiences come with emotional and physical inhibition.
Usually these are people who try not to take up space. They tend to question what they're doing and saying… a LOT.
Saying “Go with that” lets clients know I trust them, I trust their experience, and I trust their nervous system: the part of them that knows what it needs before their mind catches up.
Most people aren’t used to listening to their bodies, needs, and urges without judgment. I’m here to support clients in reconnecting to that deep sense of self.
If you’ve spent years questioning your instincts or shrinking your reactions, it can feel radical, even scary, to follow something that comes from within. That’s often where self-trust begins.
If trying to trust your body and mind feels unfamiliar or even intimidating, you’re not alone.
You can learn more about my approach to therapy here.
