Farra Allen On Somatic Coaching
Interview on Somatic Coaching

Q: What does “Somatic” mean?

Farra: The word “somatic” is derived from the word “soma.” Webster's defines soma as “pertaining to the body.” The Greeks used to say soma means “mind, body, spirit as a Unity.” Once Descartes came along and created the theory of separatism and decompartmentalization, we began to see everything as separate-- whereas in reality everything is connected. Quantum Physics now proves that and we are just beginning to recognize that the mind affects the body and vice versa, all of which have corresponding relationships with our Spirit, etc. When we have something occur in our life, we automatically have an interpretation, we give an assessment to that which occurred and we store that in our body-- we somaticize it. This story that we create becomes like a fact in our unconscious and many times is negative. Thus when something happens in our life that unconsciously reminds us of that story, we pull it up from our files much the same as you would on your computer. All of the feelings associated with that story are then present in our consciousness, we react to it and we are negatively affected as a result.

Q: What is Somatic Coaching?

Farra: In the coaching, the therapist/coach gets the story to live more fully by encouraging the client to increase the tension in their body while at the same time using Ericksonian methods to deeply relax the client and have them experience whatever existing story was embedded into their body along with the corresponding emotion. The person brings it from the unconscious, the “not-quite-yet conscious” state to the conscious. Then, by using NeuroLinguistic techniques, the coach will anchor in a new belief system, a positive one. Thus we are left with a positive re-interpretation of the old story that is far more relevant now. The old story may have been necessary in the past, but when we can see it for what it is and realize that it ceases to have relevancy in the now, we are open to a new belief system. Thus we are reprogramming the unconscious with that which leaves us with a future; that is to say, that which will then open the path for us to positively accomplish the goals we have set out for ourselves. This story no longer is a block to our ability to move forward in our life. We may still have the story and yet we can begin to listen to it like “thanks for sharing” and no longer make it real, make it a fact.

Q: So what is the goal of Somatic Coaching?

Farra: All of us have a Purpose, a Passion, a unique gift and many of us are not fully aware of what that is. The purpose of the coaching is to assist the client to first attain this awareness, and then formulate a strategy to implement and integrate this into their life. When we maximize this gift by owning it fully and consciously use it in the actions we take, we operate at full throttle. Many of us have creative abilities which have been lying dormant and when we contribute to others from our core passions we are fulfilled in the act of giving. As a result, we have more capability to attain our highest goals. Most all of us had big dreams and as we encountered life many of those were subdued-- we may become resigned and lose sight of these dreams. In the process, clients resuscitate these dreams and we are reinvigorated to keep them alive and work toward obtaining them. We remember who we are, who we have always been. Our Spirits are sent soaring once again and we move into a “flow” with life. Somatic coaching opens a pathway for us to actualize the life we were born to live.

Q: How do you get people in touch; with their Passion?

Farra: Believe it or not our Passion actually lives inside of what I call the “childhood wound.” All of us have one; whatever we didn't get from Mom or Dad, or thought we didn't get, creates a wound. We become emotionally affected and we don't want to experience anything that resembles that negative aspect again. We have a natural Passion to contribute to others that which we did not get—but when we do, we begin to heal that wound. The results are absolutely startling and revolutionary. The person starts improving immediately! Herein lies our greatest potential and indeed all of us have it. We are all Picassos inside, and once this is unleashed we can then express this fully in the world. This brings about tremendous fulfillment in the act of giving and we then truly experience what Christ meant when he said “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” When this giving spirit comes from our heart, we are left energized and wanting to give more. Lastly-- and most importantly-- we are allowing our Soul to emerge and come into fruition fully. It feels great!

Farra Allen, MA Psych. is a Certified Somatic Coach for Personal Growth, Business and Life Transitions and is co-Founder of the Atlanta School of Massage. He can be contacted via email at fallen@wemakeithappennow.net or phone at 404 274 2223.