Somatic Psychotherapy Defined

Body Psychotherapy is a distinct branch of the main body of psychotherapy with a long history and a large body of knowledge based upon a sound theoretical position. At the same time, it involves a different and explicit theory of mind-body functioning that takes into account the complexity of the intersections of and interactions between the body and the mind, with the common underlying assumption being that a functional unity exists between mind and body. The body does not merely mean the "soma," which is separate from the mind, the "psyche." Although many other approaches in psychotherapy touch on this issue, Body Psychotherapy considers this principle to be fundamental.

A wide variety of techniques are used within Body-Psychotherapy, including those involving touch, movement and breathing.

From: United States Association of Body Psychotherapy

The body reveals itself to the world and to itself through the intersection of a tactile sensation that is on the outside and a kinesthetic sensation that is on the inside.  

Merleau Ponty