What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-oriented form of psychotherapy that looks beyond words alone. Instead of focusing only on thoughts and memories, this approach explores how trauma and stress live in the body. Feelings of tightness, shakiness, or numbness are often signs of unresolved experiences stored in the nervous system.
Through gentle techniques such as breathwork, mindfulness, and movement, somatic therapy helps people release that stored energy and reconnect with their natural ability to heal. Methods like Somatic Experiencing (SE), Hakomi, and polyvagal-informed therapy are commonly used to guide this process.
How Does Somatic Therapy Work?
Traditional talk therapy often emphasizes changing thoughts or exploring past experiences. Somatic therapy shifts the focus to the body’s signals and responses. By noticing physical sensations and nervous system patterns, clients learn to complete the “stuck” stress cycles of fight, flight, or freeze.
Some common practices in sessions include:
- Paying mindful attention to bodily sensations
- Regulating breath and grounding techniques
- Exploring posture or movement
- Building internal and external resources for safety
- Collaborative guidance from a trained somatic therapist
- This work helps clients develop emotional resilience and a greater sense of calm.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy can be valuable for anyone, not just those with trauma histories. Many people find it helpful when facing:
- PTSD or unresolved trauma
- Chronic pain and psychosomatic symptoms
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or burnout
- Grief and complicated loss
- Relationship challenges
- Feeling disconnected or “numb”
Because somatic therapy works with the body, it is also supportive for individuals who find traditional talk therapy overwhelming or not enough on its own.
Can Somatic Therapy Be Combined with Other Approaches?
Yes. Many therapists weave somatic techniques into other evidence-based treatments. For example:
- EMDR for trauma resolution
- CBT to reshape unhelpful thought patterns
- Family systems therapy for relationship healing
- Psychodynamic therapy for deeper insight
- Holistic practices like yoga or mindfulness
- An integrative plan allows for healing that addresses both body and mind.
What to Expect in a Somatic Therapy Session
A typical session is gentle and client-led. Instead of retelling every detail of a trauma, the therapist helps you pay attention to what arises in the present moment. This might involve:
- Orienting to the safety of the present
- Exploring physical responses to stress
- Identifying grounding resources
- Practicing new ways of responding to triggers
- Sessions move at your pace, with respect for your comfort and readiness.
Why California Is a Hub for Somatic Healing
California has become a leading location for holistic mental health care. With a mix of innovation, mindfulness traditions, and trauma-informed practices, people across the state—from Los Angeles to San Diego to Santa Cruz—can find specialized somatic therapy.
Considering Somatic Therapy for Yourself?
Starting somatic therapy can feel like a brave step toward listening to your body in new ways. If you’re curious about how this approach might support your healing, connecting with a licensed somatic therapist can help you explore whether it’s the right fit.
At We Conquer Together in California, our team integrates somatic therapy with other evidence-based and holistic practices to support lasting growth. If you’d like to learn more, you can reach out for a free consultation.
