What Is Somatic Therapy and How Can It Help You?

In recent years, somatic therapy has become a popular topic across most media platforms. But what does the word somatic even mean and what does somatic therapy look like? In this post, we’ll explore what somatic therapy is, how it works, and the ways it can support your journey toward self-discovery and growth. The root of the word somatic is 'soma,' meaning 'body.' Somatic therapy focuses on the body's innate wisdom of stored experiences, emotions, and sensations that guide healing rather than relying solely on the cognitive mind. It is often called a 'bottom-up' approach to therapy, meaning it works from the body up, rather than ‘top-down' - which refers to more traditional therapies that focus on thoughts and mental processes first. This body-centered therapy helps you reconnect with your body to process emotions, release tension, and cultivate a deeper sense of self. By understanding that the mind and body are deeply interconnected, somatic therapy draws on neuroscience, trauma theory, and the wisdom of the nervous system to support healing.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses largely on thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy recognizes that our bodies hold onto stress, trauma, and unprocessed emotions. By bringing awareness to these physical sensations, clients can unlock new pathways to healing and growth. Somatic therapy is particularly effective for addressing trauma, chronic stress, and emotional overwhelm.

Somatic therapy involves slowing down and tuning into the body’s sensations, sense of knowing, and nervous system states. Sessions might include practices such as:

• Grounding practices to help you feel anchored and present.
• Gentle breathwork to regulate your nervous system.
• Mindful movement to release tension stored in the body.
• Guided awareness to explore the connection between physical sensations and emotions.

This process is always client-led and unfolds at a pace that feels safe for you. The goal isn’t to force anything but to create space for curiosity and self-awareness. Over time, these practices will help you build resilience, reduce emotional overwhelm, and cultivate a sense of empowerment.

By bridging the gap between mind and body, somatic therapy offers a powerful and transformative approach to healing that goes beyond words. If you’ve been feeling like your struggles persist despite your efforts to understand them or if you sense that there’s more to explore beyond thoughts alone, somatic therapy might be a good next step in your healing journey. Somatic therapy can help bridge the gap between mind and body.

Somatic therapy can support your healing in profound ways by addressing the root causes of your struggles and helping you build a stronger connection to yourself. Here are just a few of the benefits:

• Reduce stress and anxiety: By creating more capacity in the nervous system, somatic therapy can help you feel more grounded and less reactive.
• Connect with your body: Many people feel disconnected from their physical selves. Somatic therapy fosters a sense of embodiment and presence.
• Build emotional resilience: Learn what nervous system state you are in and respond to challenges with greater ease.
• Release patterns of tension or disconnection: Whether it’s physical tension or emotional blocks, somatic therapy helps you let go of what no longer serves you.
• Discover your authentic self: By tuning into your body’s wisdom, you can uncover deeper truths about who you are and what you need.

It is common to feel lighter, calmer, and more connected to yourself after exploring somatic therapy. It’s a gentle yet powerful way to create lasting change and move toward the life you envision.

Trying a new kind of therapy can feel intimidating, but it can also mark the beginning of something transformative. If you’re ready to explore a more embodied approach to healing, somatic therapy could be the next step in your journey.

I would be honored to support you as you take that step. Reach out to learn more or schedule a consultation—together, we can weave the threads of connection, self-awareness, and growth into your life.