What Is Somatic Therapy? How Body-Based Healing Works in Counseling
When we think of therapy, we usually picture talking; sharing thoughts, memories, and feelings. But healing doesn’t just happen in the mind. It also lives in the body. Somatic therapy is a body-based approach to counseling that helps people process emotions, trauma, and stress through awareness of physical sensations.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
“Somatic” comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “body.” Somatic therapy focuses on how the body stores and expresses emotional experiences. Instead of only exploring your story through words, this approach pays attention to:
◦ Muscle tension or tightness in the body
◦ Breathing patterns and heart rate
◦ Posture and movement
◦ Sensations like warmth, heaviness, or restlessness
The idea is that our bodies hold onto what our minds can’t always name; and by gently noticing these patterns, we open the door for release and healing.
How Somatic Therapy Works in Counseling
Somatic therapy may include techniques such as:
◦ Grounding and breathwork to calm the nervous system
◦ Body scans to build awareness of physical sensations
◦ Movement or stretching to release tension and connect with the body
◦ Mindfulness practices that integrate thoughts, emotions, and sensations
◦ Gentle touch or guided imagery (when appropriate and with consent)
These practices help people feel more present, connected, and safe in their own bodies.
Who Can Benefit From Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy can be especially helpful for people experiencing:
◦ Trauma and PTSD
◦ Chronic stress or anxiety
◦ Physical symptoms linked to emotional distress (like headaches, stomach aches, or muscle pain)
◦ Disconnection from the body or difficulty relaxing
◦ A desire for more holistic healing that blends body and mind
Gentle Reminder
If talking alone hasn’t felt like enough, it doesn’t mean you can’t heal. It may mean your body is holding part of the story. Somatic therapy creates a space to listen to your body and allow it to be part of your recovery.
