Self-Soothing: Using Your Sense of Touch

Many people have childhood memories of a soft blanket that they carried for comfort or being hugged by a mother wearing a soft and furry nightgown.  The use of touch for self-soothing is often forgotten and yet we are always touching something.  Our skin is covered with sensitive nerves that caring signals of feelings to our brain.  These feelings can be pleasant (like petting a furry kitty) and other feelings can be disturbing (like touching a slimy slug).  Every person has different preferences when it comes to pleasant verses unpleasant touch.  It will be up to you to find the touch sensations that bring you pleasure and comfort.  Here are some examples of using your sense of touch for self-soothing:

• Soaking in a warm bath
• Getting a massage
• Relaxing in the warmth of the sun
• Stretching
• Going for a swim
• Changing into comfortable clothes
• Playing with an animal

Whatever you choose to touch, keep your focus on the feel of the touch and how that sensation brings comfort.  After some time, you may notice a deep breath arise on its own and a sense of calmness spread through your body.

Although self-soothing can help decrease anxiety, it will not cure the underlying cause. It is merely a band-aid. The wound, which is the residue of a past trauma causing the disturbing symptoms, will open and the pain take over again. Eventually, the symptoms will worsen and manifest in more serious ways.

Getting treatment for anxiety, trauma, and PTSD is the only way to heal those  wounds. If you suffer from tension, anxiety, or panic attacks, get help now by calling us at 303-933-5800 or by filling out our contact form.

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Kevin Leapley, MA, LPC, CSAT

Sexual Addiction Therapist at Front Range Counseling Center

Kevin Leapley specializes in both marriage counseling and sexual addiction therapy for men. Kevin has received specialized training by Dr. Patrick Carnes and obtained his CSAT (Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist). Kevin has also received extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and is a certified Emotionally Focused Therapist .

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