Healing in Water: Integrating Somatic Experiencing and Hakomi into Watsu® Therapy
- Aquanat
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Why Water Heals
At Aquanat, we’ve seen how water becomes more than a setting for therapy — it becomes a partner in healing.
Watsu®, a gentle form of aquatic bodywork performed in warm water, allows the body and mind to enter deep states of relaxation, restoration, and release.
When we integrate the principles of Somatic Experiencing® (SE) and Hakomi®, Watsu transforms into a profoundly therapeutic space — where the body’s wisdom, emotional awareness, and nervous system regulation naturally come together in flow.
What Is Watsu®?
Watsu® is an aquatic bodywork therapy technique combining massage, stretching, joint mobilisation, and mindful presence — all performed in warm water (typically 34–35°C).
Supported by water and guided by the practitioner’s attunement, the receiver experiences effortless movement and deep relaxation. This gravity-free environment helps reduce muscular tension, calm the nervous system, and invite emotional balance.
Integrating Somatic Approaches
Somatic Experiencing® (SE) – Listening to the Body’s Story
Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE is a body-based trauma healing method that restores nervous system balance by helping the body complete unfinished stress responses. In water, this process unfolds naturally — the practitioner observes subtle shifts in breath, tone, and movement, responding with gentle guidance that helps the body move from tension to safety.
Hakomi® – Mindfulness and Loving Presence
Founded by Ron Kurtz, Hakomi® is a mindfulness-based somatic psychotherapy grounded in principles of non-violence, curiosity, and presence. Within Watsu, these principles allow the practitioner to hold a calm, compassionate space where emotional awareness can surface and integrate safely.
Rather than seeking to “fix” or analyse, the practitioner creates conditions for the body’s innate intelligence to express, release, and restore itself.
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
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.
Experience Healing in Warm Water
The integration of Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, and Watsu® isn’t a method—it’s a relationship. One where the practitioner meets the client in stillness, sensation, and safety. And the water? It does the rest. ✨ Let healing begin where gravity ends.
At Aquanat, we offer Watsu® aquatic therapy sessions in our warm, 34–35°C hydrotherapy pool in Perth — a private, nurturing space designed to support relaxation and healing.
Each session is tailored to meet you where you are, offering comfort, safety, and space for your body to unwind and restore balance.
