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In this episode of The Web: Weaving Psychology and Soul in Circle, Carrie sits down with Carlos Canales, group therapist and educator, for a grounded conversation about bringing somatic awareness into group work.
Carlos shares how his early life in Peru and immigration to the United States shaped his understanding of belonging, community, and agency. Together, they explore why group can feel more “real” than individual therapy, how the body carries our histories and defenses, and what becomes possible when facilitators invite clients to slow down and listen to their embodied experience, both in in-person and virtual groups.
This episode offers a thoughtful and accessible look at how somatic work can deepen connection, vitality, and coherence in groups.
You’ll hear:
- How Carlos’ early life and immigration story shaped his understanding of belonging and group life
- Why group therapy can feel more complex—and more alive—than individual work
- What it means to bring somatic awareness into process-oriented groups
- How the body signals safety, openness, defense, and connection in real time
- A simple, powerful example of how slowing down changes what we can receive and integrate
- The challenges and possibilities of doing somatic work in virtual groups
- How attention to the body supports agency, coherence, and deeper relational presence
- Why vitality, rest, and integration matter for therapists and group leaders
For therapists, group facilitators, and anyone curious about the meeting place of body, relationship, and healing, this episode offers a thoughtful and accessible exploration of how somatic work can transform the life of a group.
Direction: Carrie Haynes
Production: Hayley Lewis
Music:
Song: Embrace
Composer: Sappheiros
Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZVHXQZAIn9WJXvy6qn9K0
License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com
Additional music from Alsever Lake, Artax, LNDÕ, and Moments: https://app.soundstripe.com/private_playlists/music/556586