The Rise of Somatic Practices

Trance Movement in Group Therapy

By: Aernoudt Knecht

In recent years, more and more clinics, therapists, and group facilitators have been turning to somatic and holistic practices to enhance their therapeutic work. These practices, which focus on the mind-body connection, offer a more holistic approach and an alternative to traditional talk therapy by helping individuals access and release deeper thoughts and emotions through physical movement.

Trance Movement™ is at the forefront of this development, combining breathwork, blindfolded movement, sensory deprivation, sound, and rhythm, and creates a safe and powerful container for emotional healing and trauma release. By engaging the body in rhythmic movement while removing the distraction of sight, participants are able to tap into deeper emotional layers.

More and more rehabilitation clinics, psychiatric wards, and therapeutic centers are discovering the benefits of integrating somatic practices into their group work. With Trance Movement we offer a holistic approach that enhances traditional therapeutic techniques by helping participants process emotions in a non-verbal, body-centered way. This not only promotes emotional release but also creates a deep sense of connection and trust among group members.

For mental health professionals, the ability to integrate such practices offers a multifaceted tool for healing. The combination of breath, movement, and rhythm creates the perfect conditions for exploration, helping clients access the very emotions that are often difficult to articulate.

As the field of therapies continues to evolve, the integration of somatic practices like Trance Movement is becoming more widespread. These methods offer a profound way to engage with the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — helping individuals move toward emotional wholeness.