Somatic Concepts Explained: A Glossary for Therapists
A glossary of terms you'll encounter in somatic work. From polyvagal to window of tolerance, explained in plain language and with context for your practice.
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The somatic field has its own vocabulary that can sometimes seem impenetrable to outsiders. Terms like polyvagal, neuroception, window of tolerance, and pendulation have a precise meaning within professional circles, but in public texts or on websites, they often backfire. The potential client loses interest, the colleague unfamiliar with your work suspects esotericism where science lies.
This glossary is two things at once. For therapists, it's a reference work to refine your own language: which term fits which context, and how to explain it to someone without prior knowledge. For clients, referrers, and fellow professionals, it's an accessible entry point into the words used in the field.
The four groups of terms
The concepts broadly fall into four categories. First, nervous system theory: polyvagal, ventral and dorsal vagus, window of tolerance, interoception, neuroception. Second group: the stress responses the nervous system knows: fight, flight, freeze, fawn. Third group: well-known methods in the somatic field: Somatic Experiencing, NARM, Sensorimotor. Fourth group: techniques and concepts inherent to almost all somatic work: pendulation, titration, resourcing, grounding, orienting, plus the distinguishing terms around trauma types.
How to use this glossary
Click through to a term to read the elaborated version, with practical examples and pitfalls. For your website texts: do not use these pages as copy-paste material, but as a refinement of your own language. The best website text first explains the experience and only then the term, not the other way around.
The twenty concepts
- Polyvagal Theory
- Window of Tolerance
- Co-regulation
- Interoception
- Neuroception
- Ventral Vagus
- Dorsal Vagus
- Freeze Response
- Fight Flight Response
- Fawn Response
- Somatic Experiencing
- NARM
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
- Pendulation and Titration
- Resourcing
- Grounding
- Orienting
- Developmental Trauma
- Shock Trauma vs Complex Trauma
- Dissociation
Missing a term? The glossary is periodically expanded. For requests, email Mark Ramos at mark@innerbloom-agency.com with the term and the context in which you're missing it.
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Verken ook de andere pilaren
Dit handboek staat in een reeks. Elke pilaar dekt een eigen laag van een volle praktijk: van vindbaar worden en je website tot positionering, praktijkgroei, somatische begrippen en starten in Belgi毛. Lees ze in de volgorde die past bij waar jij nu staat.
Klaar om dit te laten bouwen?
Dit handboek geeft je het wat en waarom. Wil je het hoe niet zelf uitvogelen? Kijk hoe wij dit voor somatische therapeuten in de praktijk brengen.
Veelgestelde vragen
May I use texts from this glossary on my website?
For inspiration, please do, but not for literal copying (Google penalizes duplicate content and your clients will recognize your own language better). Use the explanation to sharpen your own phrasing.
Why no reference to primary sources per definition?
In the individual articles, we refer to training institutes and original authors where relevant. On this page, we keep it brief. For deeper study, sources are in the linked articles.
How often is this glossary updated?
Thoroughly twice a year, and in between when new relevant terms emerge. Version and date are at the bottom of each page.
Can I request a term?
Yes, email Mark Ramos at mark@innerbloom-agency.com with the term and where you encounter it in practice.