What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-focused, trauma-informed approach that helps you tune into your physical sensations as a pathway to emotional healing and nervous system regulation. Rather than focusing only on thoughts and memories, somatic therapy gently engages the mind–body connection to release tension, process unresolved experiences, and restore a sense of safety and ease.
Based on the understanding that our bodies hold onto stress and trauma just as much as our minds do, somatic therapy empowers you to notice physical symptoms as your body's way of telling you that you are feeling stressed or triggered. By acknowledging and addressing these symptoms, you can begin to process your experiences in a safe and grounded way. Some physical signs to watch for include:
TENSE
MUSCLES
STOMACH ACHES
HEADACHES
SHALLOW
BREATHING
THROAT TIGHTNESS or NUMBNESS
While traditional talk therapy focuses on exploring thoughts and emotions through conversation, somatic therapy begins with the body. It's based on the understanding that your nervous system and physical experiences play a key role in how you heal. By gently tuning into sensations and releasing stored tension, somatic therapy helps you to feel safer, more connected, and better able to process your emotions. This body-centered approach can open the door to deeper and more lasting change.
Who can Benefit from Somatic Therapy?
Understanding the connection between mind and body can help with a variety of concerns.
Trauma
and PTSD
Process and release trauma stored in the body
Grief
and Loss
Work through the physical and emotional impact of grief.
Anxiety
and Stress
Learn to calm your nervous system and reduce physical tension.
Chronic Pain or Tension
Address the mind-body connection in physical discomfort.
Emotional Dysregulation
Build awareness and control over intense emotions
Relationship Challenges
Increase self-awareness and emotional presence in your ineterractions.
Healing is
possible when you
engage both
MIND and BODY.
Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?
If you're looking for a therapy approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy may be a good fit. It's especially helpful if you feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, overwhelming emotions, physical tension, or if you've experienced significant trauma.
Each session will be tailored to your unique needs. Your therapist will create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore sensations, emotions and memories at your own pace. Sessions often combine:
-
Mindfulness and body awareness exercises
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Guided movement and breathwork
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Gentle somatic interventions to release tension
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Integration of thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations
Over time, somatic therapy can help you develop a deeper connection with yourself, strengthen emotional resilience, and create lasting change in how you respond to stress, relationships, and life’s challenges.
EMDR
A Somatic Approach to Healing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy method that blends somatic awareness with structured trauma processing. EMDR helps your brain safely process and integrate traumatic memories, while your body’s responses are acknowledged and regulated throughout the process.
During EMDR sessions, you may notice physical sensations, emotions, or thoughts emerging as memories are processed. Your therapist will guide you to stay present with these experiences, helping your nervous system release tension and restore a sense of balance. EMDR is particularly effective for trauma, grief, and unresolved emotional experiences, making it a powerful complement to somatic therapy.
Learn More
To better understand somatic therapy and how it is incorporated into your sessions at CW Therapy, check out these blog posts
Book a free 15 minute consultation today!
Somatic Therapy is Available in Oakville, Georgetown & virtual
If you or a loved one would like more information on whether somatic therapy is a good fit for you, we invite you to book a free fifteen minute consultation with one of our therapists to learn more.
PS. This call doesn't obligate you to work with us! You can use this form also if you have questions before booking a consultation.
