Understanding the Impact of Somatic Therapy on Healing

Western psychotherapy is evolving. For decades, the dominant approach has been talk therapy focused on exploring thoughts and memories. Yet many people find that intellectual insight alone doesn’t untangle the deeper knots of trauma or the persistent patterns of stress. Increasingly, therapists and clients alike are recognizing what indigenous traditions and recent neuroscience both affirm: the body holds stories the mind can’t tell on its own.

Somatic therapy, a body-centered approach, takes this seriously. It works from the premise that trauma and emotional pain don’t simply live in the brain as thoughts. They lodge in muscle tension, in breathing patterns, in the way our chest constricts or our stomach tightens. Healing requires more than analysis; it requires integration of mind, body, and felt experience so that our nervous system can complete cycles of protection and repair.

What Is Somatic Therapy and How Does It Work?

Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates the body into the healing process. Unlike conventional therapy that primarily focuses on thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy emphasizes bodily sensations and physical experiences. The premise is that trauma and stress are often stored in the body, manifesting as tension, pain, or other physical symptoms.

During somatic therapy sessions, practitioners guide clients to become aware of their bodily sensations and movements. Techniques may include breathwork, gentle touch, movement exercises, and mindfulness practices. These interventions help release physical tension and emotional blockages, allowing the nervous system to reset and restore balance.

For example, a person who has experienced trauma might notice tightness in their chest or a knot in their stomach. Through somatic therapy, they learn to recognize these sensations and gently work through them, which can lead to profound emotional relief and healing.

Somatic Therapy in Telehealth

One of the strengths of somatic therapy is its adaptability. Even through a screen, clients can be guided to notice subtle shifts in posture, breath, and sensation. Many of the core practices translate seamlessly to a virtual setting. In fact, for some people, engaging from the comfort of their own home allows for greater safety and openness. Telehealth sessions can empower clients to practice regulation in the very environment where daily stress arises, making the work both accessible and deeply relevant to everyday life.

NOTE: this is only true for people whose home environment feels safe. I recognize that not everyone has the un-earned luxury of that.

Somatic therapy session focusing on breath awareness

Exploring the Benefits of Somatic Therapy

Somatic therapy offers a range of benefits that extend beyond traditional talk therapy. Here are some key advantages:

• Improved Emotional Regulation: By tuning into bodily sensations, clients develop better control over their emotional responses.

• Reduced Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, headaches, and muscle tension often decrease as the body releases stored trauma.

• Enhanced Mind-Body Connection: Clients gain a deeper understanding of how their emotions affect their physical state.

• Increased Resilience: Somatic therapy strengthens the nervous system, helping individuals cope better with stress.

• Greater Self-Awareness: The practice encourages mindfulness and presence, fostering self-compassion and insight.

  
  

One of the most compelling reasons to explore this therapy is the growing body of research supporting its effectiveness. Studies show that somatic therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression by addressing the root causes stored in the body.

If you want to learn more about the somatic therapy benefits, this resource provides detailed insights and practical tips for maximizing your healing journey.

Therapy environment designed for somatic healing

How Do You Know If Somatic Therapy Is Working?

Tracking progress in somatic therapy can be different from traditional therapy because the changes are often subtle and physical rather than verbal. Here are some signs that indicate somatic therapy is effective:

1. Increased Body Awareness: You start noticing sensations, tension, or emotions in your body more clearly.

2. Physical Relaxation: Areas of chronic tension or pain begin to ease.

3. Emotional Release: You experience spontaneous emotional expressions such as crying, laughing, or sighing.

4. Improved Sleep: Many clients report better sleep quality as their nervous system calms.

5. Greater Presence: You feel more grounded and connected to the present moment.

6. Reduced Anxiety or Panic: Physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing, diminish.

   
   

It is important to remember that healing is not always linear. Some sessions may bring up difficult emotions or sensations, which is a natural part of the process. A skilled somatic therapist will provide support and guidance to help you navigate these experiences safely.

Journaling as a tool to track somatic therapy progress

Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Somatic Therapy

To maximize the benefits of somatic therapy, consider the following recommendations:

• Be Patient: Healing takes time. Allow yourself to experience the process without rushing.

• Practice Mindfulness Daily: Simple practices like mindful breathing or body scans can enhance your awareness between sessions.

• Communicate Openly: Share your experiences and sensations with your therapist to tailor the approach to your needs.

• Incorporate Movement: Gentle yoga, walking, or stretching can support the release of tension.

• Create a Safe Space: Ensure your therapy environment feels secure and comfortable. Telehealth is a wonderful option for somatic therapy because it can be done from a safe comfortable space within your home.

• Stay Hydrated and Rested: Physical well-being supports emotional healing.

  
  

By integrating these practices, you can deepen your connection to your body and accelerate your healing journey.

The Future of Healing: Embracing Body-Centered Therapies

As awareness of the mind-body connection grows, somatic therapy is gaining recognition as a vital tool in mental health care. It offers a holistic approach that respects the complexity of human experience and acknowledges that healing involves more than just the mind.

Whether you are dealing with trauma, chronic stress, or emotional challenges, somatic therapy provides a pathway to reclaim your body and restore balance. By listening to your body’s wisdom and releasing stored tension, you open the door to profound transformation and resilience.

Exploring somatic therapy can be a life-changing step toward greater well-being and self-understanding. Embrace the journey with openness and curiosity, and discover the healing wisdom that lies within your own body.

1. Brom, D., Stokar, Y., Lawi, C., Nuriel‐Porat, V., Ziv, Y., Lerner, K., & Ross, G. (2017). Somatic experiencing for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled outcome study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 30(3), 304–312. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22189

2. Kuhfuß, M., Maldei, T., Hetmanek, A., & Baumann, N. (2021). Somatic experiencing – effectiveness and key factors of a body‐oriented trauma therapy: A scoping literature review. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1929023. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1929023

3. Winblad, N., Changaris, M., & Stein, P. K. (2018). Effect of somatic experiencing resiliency‐based trauma treatment training on quality of life and psychological symptoms. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 70. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00070

4. Almeida, A. G., Ferreira, S. S., Coelho, A. R., & Teles, A. S. (2019). The contribution of somatic therapies in the treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review. Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica, 32(23). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41155-019-0127-2

5. Rosendahl, J., Rehner, A., & Strauss, B. (2021). Group body psychotherapy for depressive disorders: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 709798. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.709798

6. Cullen, K. R., Klimes‐Dougan, B., Vu, D. P., Westlund, M. K., Mueller, B. A., Eberly, L. E., … Lim, K. O. (2019). New somatic treatments for child and adolescent depression. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 6(3), 300–312. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40501-019-00174-y