What to Expect in a Body-Centered Therapy Session

If you’ve only done talk therapy, body-centered therapy can feel different in the best way. Instead of focusing only on what you say, we also pay attention to how your body feels.

One thing to know right away: your comfort matters. These sessions are built around both comfort and discomfort. That means noticing what feels okay, what feels tense, and making sure you’re never pushed beyond what’s safe for you. You will not be asked to do anything on camera that leaves you feeling exposed or checked out. The work is meant to help you stay with yourself, not lose touch.

What Happens in a Session

There isn’t a script, but here are some things that often come up:

• Checking in. We start with a simple conversation about how you’re doing.

• Paying attention to your body. This might mean noticing your breathing, how you’re sitting, or where you feel tightness. How does what you feel in your body inform your mental and emotional state?

• Exploring sensations. You may be guided to focus on one area of your body; a heavy chest, a clenched jaw, or restless legs; and see what happens as you pay attention.

• Using release tools. This can include breathing exercises, small movements, sound, or (if you choose) gentle touch.

• Reflection. Before wrapping up, there’s time to talk about what you noticed and what you might carry into your week.

  
  

Every session is paced with your input and you decide what feels possible.

A supportive body-centered therapy session builds on itself in a safe and structured way, allowing clients to progress at a sustainable pace.

The Role of Imagination

You do not always need to physically do something for it to help. Research in sports psychology shows that imagining a movement can activate many of the same brain pathways as actually doing it. In one well-known study, basketball players who practiced free throws using visualization improved almost as much as players who physically practiced on the court (Richardson, 1967, Research Quarterly).

This is why athletes and coaches rely so heavily on visualization, and it is why imagination is powerful in therapy too. Even picturing yourself pushing away or speaking up can help your body register the experience.

Visualizing success and safety enhances mental and emotional well-being, fostering ease and confidence.

How Does Somatic Therapy Work Over Telehealth?

One of the most common questions I hear is: can body-centered therapy really work over Zoom?

The honest answer is that online sessions do not always have the same energy as being together in person. Some of the immediacy is missing when you are not sharing physical space. That said, virtual sessions can still be deeply effective. A skilled therapist can guide you to notice your body, your breath, and your imagination in ways that bring meaningful change even through a screen.

What matters more than the format is how engaged you are. A telehealth session where you feel supported and connected will help you more than an in-person session where you feel shut down or disconnected.

If you want to explore this further, consider participating in somatic therapy sessions to experience personalized guidance and support.

A Safe Space to Explore

There is no right way to do body-centered therapy. Sometimes it looks quiet, other times more active, but the pace is always yours. The focus is on noticing how your body responds to stress and emotions, and finding new ways to support yourself.

Why People Try Body-Centered Therapy

“The body always leads us home... if we can simply learn to trust its wisdom.” – Pat Ogden

You can learn more about her work at the Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute.

If talking things through has not been enough, or if you notice your body feels tense even when your mind says everything is fine, this kind of therapy can help. It gives you more tools for dealing with stress, anxiety, or the leftovers of old experiences that words alone have not touched.

Remember, healing is a gradual process. Combining therapy with supportive habits enhances your overall well-being. If you're curious about trying somatic therapy, schedule a consultation call and I'd be happy to discuss.

Body-centered therapy sessions offer a powerful way to connect with your inner self and promote healing through the body. By understanding what to expect and how to prepare, you can approach these sessions with confidence and openness. Whether you are dealing with trauma, stress, or simply want to deepen your self-awareness, this approach provides valuable tools for transformation.