Healing in Water: Integrating Somatic Experiencing and Hakomi into Watsu® Therapy
- AIAB
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
The Transformative Power of Water
At the Australian Institute of Aquatic Bodywork, we view water as a living, intelligent environment for healing.
In Watsu®, warm water (34–35°C) supports the body in a gravity-free embrace — easing pain, restoring balance, and softening defensive patterns.
When combined with Somatic Experiencing® (SE) and Hakomi®, Watsu becomes more than a technique — it becomes a fluid conversation between body, mind, and presence.
What Is Watsu®?
Watsu® is an aquatic bodywork therapy technique that integrates elements of massage, joint mobilisation, stretching, and mindful presence — all performed in warm water (typically 34–35°C).
In this weightless, gravity-free environment, the body can move effortlessly. Supported by warm water and a skilled practitioner, Watsu helps regulate the nervous system, ease pain, release tension, and restore emotional balance.
Understanding the Integration
Somatic Experiencing® (SE)
A trauma-healing approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE focuses on helping the body complete survival responses and restore equilibrium. In aquatic bodywork, practitioners apply SE principles by observing micro-movements and following the body’s innate pacing — letting the water co-regulate and calm the nervous system.
Hakomi®
Founded by Ron Kurtz, Hakomi is a mindfulness-based somatic psychotherapy that explores experience through gentle curiosity and compassion. In warm water, Hakomi’s principles come alive: mindfulness, non-violence, and loving presence foster a safe relational field where deep transformation can occur.
Together, these somatic frameworks expand the practitioner’s sensitivity to body language, regulation, and authentic connection, making aquatic bodywork an even more responsive and therapeutic art.
Trauma-Informed Aquatic Therapy
Integrating Somatic Experiencing® and Hakomi® within Watsu® offers a unique trauma-informed approach that supports deep nervous system regulation, safety, and connection.
This gentle integration can help:
Reduce chronic stress and tension
Ease symptoms of trauma or emotional overwhelm
Support people with sensory sensitivities or neurodivergent conditions
Improve sleep and overall wellbeing
Cultivate trust, calm, and connection — within the self and with others
Who Can Benefit?
This integrative approach is especially helpful for:
Individuals recovering from trauma or emotional overwhelm
People with sensory sensitivities or neurodivergent conditions
Clients with chronic tension, pain, or sleep difficulties
Those seeking deeper body-mind-spirit alignment
Why This Integration Matters for Practitioners
Integrating somatic principles into aquatic therapy helps practitioners:
Develop greater attunement and body-listening skills
Offer trauma-informed care in aquatic settings
Understand nervous system regulation through movement and flow
Hold safe, mindful presence in the water
Support emotional and physiological integration with compassion
This holistic integration allows aquatic bodywork to reach beyond physical touch — becoming a way to honour the body’s innate intelligence and healing capacity.
Professional Training:
Learn With Us At the Australian Institute of Aquatic Bodywork, we offer a unique approach to aquatic bodywork education, including:
✅ Watsu® Practitioner Training
✅ Trauma-Informed Techniques
✅ Somatic Integration Modules inspired by SE and Hakomi
✅ Mindfulness and Presence in Water
Whether you’re a therapist, bodyworker, or simply passionate about healing through water, our training programs invite you to learn a deeply attuned, heart-centred practice.
Let Healing Begin Where Gravity Ends...
The meeting point of Somatic Experiencing®, Hakomi®, and Watsu® represents the heart of aquatic bodywork — presence, safety, and the freedom to unfold naturally.
Explore the possibilities. Join us in Perth or begin your professional aquatic therapy journey with AIAB.
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