Somatic Therapy: Body-Centered Trauma Work
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a powerful, body-centered approach to healing that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Rooted in the understanding that trauma doesn’t just live in our thoughts—it also lives in our bodies—somatic therapy for trauma helps people reconnect with physical sensations, release stored tension, and regulate their nervous systems.
How Trauma Affects the Body
When someone experiences trauma, the body often reacts instinctively—tightening, freezing, dissociating, or going into survival mode. These physical responses can get stuck in the body long after the threat is gone, leading to symptoms like anxiety, chronic stress, dissociation, panic attacks, digestive issues, and chronic pain. Somatic therapy gently supports the release of these held patterns so that healing can happen on both a physical and emotional level.
What Happens in Somatic Therapy Sessions
A somatic therapist works with you to develop awareness of your internal landscape—your breath, posture, muscle tension, and other sensations. You might be invited to track subtle shifts in the body, notice where you feel activated or calm, or explore physical impulses in a safe, contained way. These sessions are often slow, mindful, and guided by what your body is ready for, helping you build trust in your own felt sense.
A Present-Focused Alternative to Traditional Talk Therapy
Rather than revisiting traumatic memories in detail, somatic therapy often focuses on present-moment experience. For trauma survivors who may feel overwhelmed or dysregulated by traditional exposure-based approaches, this can be a gentler and more empowering path to recovery. By learning to tune in to body cues and respond with self-regulation tools, clients gradually expand their capacity to feel safe, present, and connected.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy can be especially effective for people who feel stuck in talk therapy or who intellectually understand their trauma but still feel dysregulated. It’s also well-suited for those with early developmental trauma, chronic stress, or dissociation. Because it honors the body’s role in healing, somatic therapy is often integrated with other modalities like EMDR, DBT, or parts work.
Healing the Nervous System
In trauma recovery, your nervous system is central. Somatic therapy helps restore its natural rhythms—allowing you to come out of fight, flight, freeze, or collapse and into a more balanced state. With time and support, many people experience increased self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a renewed sense of safety in their bodies.
Finding a Somatic Therapist
If you’re exploring trauma treatment, working with a somatic therapist can be a transformative step. These therapists are trained to hold a grounded, attuned space and to guide you toward embodied healing. Whether you’re recovering from acute trauma or navigating the long-term effects of chronic stress, somatic therapy offers a deeply respectful and integrative approach to healing.
