Somatic Psychology Programs

Somatic psychology is a psychology subspecialty that believes the mind and the body are connected in a way that can provide therapy to affected physical, and some say psychological, conditions. Somatic psychology is showing some advancement in the field of Alzheimer's and many other health care sectors are hopeful about the improvements it may bring to a patient's life.

Walden University

Featured Programs:
BS in Psychology - Graduate School Prep

Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology/Child & Adolescent Development (Online)

Working in this profession will require an understanding of anatomy, psychology, and how the two may work together. It also requires one to understand the way that mental and physical disorders attack body systems. Knowing the enemy is the only way to fight it.

Useful Somatic Psychology Resources

• Trager Approach: The Research of Milton Trager, M.D.
• International Expressive Arts Therapy Association
• National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies Associations

Capella University

Featured Programs:
MS in General Psychology (Online)
MS in Child and Adolescent Development

Post University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology (Online)

Somatic Psychology Methods of Operation

To work in the field of somatic psychology, one must partly take on the role of physical therapist. Through the power of observation, many psychologists in the subset can identify certain actions that yield better results in patients with debilitating disorders and diseases. Once these activities are identified, the psychologist can aid the subject in developing a routine that will keep matters in check.

Somatic psychology works under the assumption that if enough attention is focused on certain illnesses, individuals may be able to improve their conditions based on increased awareness of the problem.

Kaplan University

Featured Programs:
BS Psychology (Online)

Northcentral University

Featured Programs:
MA in Health Psychology (Online)

Careers in Somatic Psychology

Working in this field, many choose to become certified for physical therapy and use what they know in those types of professional environments. Considering how closely the two are linked, it is no wonder. Somatic psychology is still a fairly new field of study, but it's one that has shown great advancements in roles such as dance therapy for Alzheimer's patients.

Salaries for these professionals can run the gauntlet from $60,000 per year to well over $100,000. The profession gives one the freedom to work in the ever growing health care sector or to work independently through consultation and private practice.

Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Featured Programs:
MA in Applied Forensic Psychology (Online)

Somatic Psychology Degree Training

Not many states offer a purely somatic psychology degree training program, but if you work towards your doctorate in psychology while taking health and wellness courses with an emphasis on physical therapy, you can generally find your way to the same end result.

Working in this field requires you to be a master of the craft, so accept nothing less than your doctorate, and make sure that you have checked with your state to see any additional requirements that may need to be met.