The origins of Somatic Compassion
Somatic compassion is not a therapy and none of the contents on this website are intended to train health professionals. We describe simple methods that anyone can use to enhance human connection and healing, using compassionate presence and intuitive forms of touch.
These are practices for everyone — friends, family, and communities — not professional treatments.
How Somatic Compassion began
Somatic compassion arose from the observations of the healing processes of many clients who worked with Robin Youngson, a trauma therapist in New Zealand, who uses compassion and touch to help clients heal.
Through the many stories and experiences of clients, Robin began to notice and understand the extraordinary capacity of human beings to heal themselves when supported by compassionate presence and touch.
Hundreds of clients spontaneously healed their trauma when the work became playful and non-directive. It seemed that the formal techniques he used were less important than the quality of presence and touch, which created a “magical mind” in clients that could transform stories of trauma without any effort or guidance.
These experiences are the basis of somatic compassion and the simple methods presented on this website.
From Therapy Room to Community Practice
These simple methods were then tested in a series of community workshops. Ordinary people were given just five minutes of instruction and set in pairs to practice on each other.
The results were truly amazing — not only in the power to heal trauma but also in how simple, easy and intuitive the process was. A short documentary film was recorded at the last workshop, where over thirty people came together, and is now being edited and produced.
Stay tuned for our upcoming documentary showcasing these powerful workshops in action.
The Science Behind Somatic Compassion
The foundation of somatic compassion also includes the extensive neuroscience of compassion and affective touch and how this changes brain function and supports healing.
The types of touch used in somatic compassion are very intuitive and natural — such as the way a mother comforts her baby, or we offer empathetic touch to someone distressed, or we stroke the faces of people in intimate relationship. These forms of human touch and connection have evolved over millions of years.
A Practice for Everyone
We wanted to develop simple methods that could be used by any ordinary person — for instance a friend, family member, peer supporter, or volunteer. These methods are shared freely and made available at very little cost.
These methods do not constitute therapy, there is no training program or certification, and cannot be used to earn money.
Important Safety Guidance
Important Safety Guidance
Somatic compassion should not be attempted with any person who has a serious mental health diagnosis, or is under the care of a psychiatrist.
If in doubt, consult your mental health professional.
Please practice safely — these methods are designed for everyday emotional support, not for clinical treatment.
6 Norrie Avenue, Raglan 3225, New Zealand
Phone: +64 21 660 344
If you'd like to partner with us in spreading the word about somatic compassion, or developing the methods, please get in touch