What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy, also known as body-centered therapy or somatic experiencing, is based on the understanding that the mind and body are interconnected. Trauma and stress don't just exist in the mind - they're also stored in the body as physical sensations, tension, and patterns.
Somatic therapy helps you become aware of physical sensations, release tension, and process trauma through the body, not just through talking.
How Somatic Therapy Works
Core Principles
- Body awareness and tracking physical sensations
- Release of stored tension and trauma from the body
- Reconnection with the body's natural ability to heal
- Processing trauma through the body, not just cognitively
- Integration of body and mind experiences
- Development of body-based resources and tools
Common Techniques
Body Scanning
Noticing and tracking physical sensations throughout the body
Grounding
Techniques to feel safe and present in the body
Breathwork
Using breath to regulate and release tension
Movement
Gentle movement to release stored energy
Titration
Slow, gradual processing of trauma to avoid overwhelm
Pendulation
Moving between states of activation and calm
Who is Somatic Therapy Best For?
Somatic Therapy is Effective For:
Benefits of Somatic Therapy
Body Awareness
Develops awareness of physical sensations and body signals
Trauma Release
Helps release trauma stored in the body
Regulation
Improves ability to regulate emotions through the body
Integration
Integrates body and mind experiences
Gentle
Can process trauma without retraumatization
Holistic
Addresses the whole person - mind, body, and spirit
Getting Started with Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy requires specialized training. Look for therapists trained in Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, or other body-centered approaches.