Somatic Therapy
What Somatic Therapy is and how trauma-informed therapists may use it.
Somatic Therapy
What this modality focuses on
Somatic therapy is an approach that pays attention to the connection between the body, emotions, and thoughts. Rather than focusing only on talking about experiences, it also notices what is happening physically, such as muscle tension, breathing patterns, and posture.
Many people describe difficult experiences as something they “carry” in their bodies. Somatic approaches explore this idea in a gentle, curious way. The focus is often on:
- Increasing awareness of bodily sensations in the present moment
- Noticing where tension, numbness, or activation might show up
- Exploring how emotions may be linked with physical experiences
- Finding simple, personalized ways to support a sense of grounding and safety
- Building capacity to notice discomfort without becoming overwhelmed
Somatic therapy can be used on its own or alongside other approaches such as talk-based, relational, or skills-focused support.
How it may support trauma survivors
For many trauma survivors, the body can feel like an uncomfortable or unfamiliar place to be. Somatic approaches acknowledge that trauma can influence not only thoughts and emotions, but also sleep, energy levels, muscle tension, digestion, and other bodily experiences.
Some ways somatic therapy may support people who have lived through trauma include:
- Offering a slower, body-aware pace that can feel different from purely cognitive approaches
- Creating space to notice early signs of stress or shutdown before they become overwhelming
- Supporting people in exploring moments of steadiness, comfort, or strength in their bodies
- Helping differentiate between past danger and present-day safety on a physical level
- Honoring boundaries around touch, movement, and any focus on the body
What sessions may typically include (neutral, gentle)
Every practitioner brings their own training and style, so somatic therapy can look different from person to person. In general, sessions may blend conversation with gentle attention to the body. This often happens at a pace and level of detail that feels tolerable for the person receiving support.
Depending on training and consent, a somatic therapist may invite things such as:
- Checking in about physical sensations when talking about stress or memories
- Exploring breathing patterns, posture, or movement in a curious, non-judgmental way
- Noticing small shifts in temperature, tightness, or relaxation as topics are discussed
- Using grounding or orienting practices, such as looking around the room or feeling contact with a chair or floor
- Paying attention to signals of overwhelm and slowing down when needed
Some somatic practitioners also have training in bodywork, touch, or movement-based practices; others work entirely without touch. Consent, choice, and clear communication are central in this type of work, and people are generally free to pause, skip, or modify any suggested focus on the body.
How people can decide if this approach fits their needs
Deciding whether somatic therapy feels like a good fit is very personal. Some people are drawn to this approach because they already notice a strong physical component to their stress or trauma responses. Others may be unsure about focusing on the body and might prefer to start with more conversation-based support.
People exploring whether somatic therapy fits their needs may wish to consider:
- Comfort level with noticing bodily sensations, even in small and gentle ways
- Whether they are curious about how their body responds to stress, triggers, or relationships
- Preferences around touch, movement, and physical space
- Any cultural, spiritual, or personal beliefs about the body that feel important to honor
- How this approach might complement other supports in their life, such as peer groups, medical care, or community resources
Reading about a practitioner’s training, asking questions about how they use somatic methods, and checking in with one’s own sense of comfort can all be part of deciding whether to explore this modality further. Some people find it helpful to try a few sessions and then reflect on whether the approach feels respectful, collaborative, and aligned with their needs and pace.