Somatic Map

A somatic map is used to help identify where in the body emotions are stored and what they feel like. The body remembers trauma, or as Dr. Bessel van der Kolk says the Body Keeps the Score." 

For this exercise, descriptions used in a somatic map include descriptors such as:

• Tight, compressed, pressure
• Tingling, electrical, stinging
• Sharp, dull
• Piercing, penetrating, radiating

Some people may associate colors or sounds with body sensations (synesthesia). These can be used in the map making process as well.

For this exercise, somatic map descriptors generally do not include cognitions such as:

• Depressed
• Angry
• Frustrated

Click on the file below and print out the drawing that you can use to create your own somatic map.
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somatic_map.pdf
File Size:	317 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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