Australian Somatic Integration Association

ASIA was established in 1995 to provide a national and professional organisation to support and advance the practice of Somatic Psychotherapy. Membership currently stands at 15 with 32 Associate Members who are in the process of completing the rigorous requirements for full membership.

Emphasis is on the uniqueness of the individual, inclusive of body, mind and spirit, and the inherent movement of the human body/mind towards health and growth. Somatic Psychotherapy, whilst inclusive of “talking therapies” can also be informed by bodily experience and somatic techniques including the recognition of non-verbal signals and with permission, appropriate therapeutic touch. Within the safe holding of the developing therapeutic relationship, clients are supported in increasing wellbeing by:


exploring, recognizing and understanding established patterns of responses, both conscious and unconscious, stemming from early childhood and/or more recent experiences,

transformation of outdated, problematic patterns and integration of these changes,

developing a stronger sense of self which provides a firm foundation for freedom and choice,

establishing healthy satisfying relationships.


A broad range of client issues are addressed: personal development, curiosity, meaninglessness, anxiety, relationship difficulties, emotional instability, grief and loss, recovery from trauma and/or abuse, despair, spiritual issues and overcoming addictions as well as physical symptoms which may have an underlying emotional or stress related cause. It is within the therapeutic relationship, guided by the body’s innate capacity to heal itself and facilitated by the awareness, presence, holding and expertise of the therapist, that perception and experience of life is transformed.

Full membership is available to those who have completed a rigorous training in both psychodynamic theory and body oriented techniques and who have complied with additional accreditation requirements. The Association is bound by a Code of Ethical Conduct which embraces the highest standards of professional ethical practice.

Our aim is to provide a stimulating and creative forum which fosters professional identity, support, public accountability and excellence in the practice of somatic psychotherapy.

PACFA Section Body Oriented Psychotherapy

Website link www.somaticassociation.org.au