When we think about therapy, we often picture talking through our thoughts and emotions. But what if some of our deepest struggles aren’t just in our minds, but also in our bodies?

This is where somatic psychotherapy comes in. It’s a therapeutic approach that recognises the powerful connection between the body and mind, using movement, breath, and physical awareness alongside traditional talk therapy to help people heal.

Can You Heal Trauma With Somatic Therapy?

If you’ve ever felt physically tense when anxious or noticed how deep breathing can calm your nerves, you’ve already experienced the link between emotions and the body. Somatic psychotherapy builds on this connection, offering a way to release emotional pain that may be stored in the body. But how does it actually work, and who can benefit from it? Let’s explore some of the most common questions about this approach.

How Does Somatic Psychotherapy Work?

Somatic psychotherapy works by integrating physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts to create a holistic healing experience. Traditional therapy often focuses on understanding emotions and thought patterns, but somatic therapy goes a step further by tuning into how emotions manifest in the body.

A session might involve:

• Body awareness exercises: noticing physical sensations that come up when discussing certain topics
• Breathwork: using deep or rhythmic breathing to regulate emotions
• Grounding techniques: exercises that help you feel stable and connected in the present moment
• Gentle movement or posture work: using physical movement to release tension and shift emotional states

A therapist will guide you through these exercises while helping you explore the thoughts and feelings connected to them. The goal is to bring awareness to patterns of tension, stress, or numbness in the body and use this awareness to process emotions more effectively.

Who Can Benefit from Somatic Psychotherapy?

Somatic psychotherapy can be helpful for anyone, but it’s especially effective for those dealing with stress, anxiety, trauma, or chronic emotional struggles. Because it works on a deep level, it can be particularly useful for people who feel stuck in their healing process or who have tried other forms of therapy without success.

It may be a good fit if you:

• Experience anxiety or depression that feels “trapped” in your body.
• Have past trauma that still affects you emotionally and physically.
• Struggle with chronic stress, muscle tension, or headaches linked to emotional distress.
• Find it difficult to express or process emotions through words alone.
• Want to feel more connected to your body and emotions.

Since somatic therapy doesn’t rely purely on talking, it can be especially beneficial for those who have difficulty verbalising their experiences. By working with both the body and mind, it provides an alternative way to heal and move forward.

What Makes Somatic Therapy Different from Traditional Talk Therapy?

While traditional talk therapy focuses on understanding thoughts and emotions, somatic psychotherapy takes a more whole-body approach. Instead of only discussing feelings, it encourages people to notice where emotions are stored physically.

For example, imagine you’re talking about a stressful situation at work. A talk therapist might help you explore the thoughts and feelings behind the stress, whereas a somatic therapist might ask:

• Where do you feel this stress in your body? (Tight shoulders? A knot in your stomach?)
• What happens if you take a deep breath and focus on that sensation?
• Can we release that tension through movement or breathwork?

By addressing physical sensations, somatic therapy can unlock emotions that might not be easily accessed through words alone. This approach can help people feel more connected to themselves and gain new insights into their emotional responses.

Is There Science Behind Somatic Psychotherapy?

Yes! The effectiveness of somatic psychotherapy is backed by research in neuroscience and trauma studies. Experts in the field of trauma have studied how the body holds onto traumatic experiences and how releasing tension can promote healing.

Some key findings that support somatic therapy include:

• The nervous system stores trauma – When something traumatic happens, the body may enter a heightened state of alertness (fight-or-flight mode). If this energy isn’t released, it can remain trapped in the body, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, or physical symptoms.
• Breath and movement help regulate emotions – Practices like deep breathing, grounding techniques, and mindful movement have been shown to calm the nervous system and reduce stress responses.
• The body can heal itself with the right tools – By working directly with bodily sensations, somatic therapy helps people process and release trauma in a safe and supportive way.

What Techniques Are Used in Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy includes a range of techniques designed to bring awareness to the body and release stored tension. A therapist may introduce these techniques based on what feels comfortable and appropriate for each person’s needs. Some commonly used methods include:

• Body scans: A guided exercise where you focus on different parts of your body to notice sensations, tension, or emotions.
• Grounding exercises: Simple techniques like pressing your feet into the ground or holding a physical object to bring you back to the present moment.
• Breathwork: Deep, intentional breathing to help regulate emotions and calm the nervous system.
• Mindful movement: Gentle exercises such as stretching or shaking out tension to encourage emotional release.
• Somatic tracking: Paying close attention to bodily sensations as they shift, helping to process emotions without becoming overwhelmed.

How Can You Practise Somatic Awareness on Your Own?

While working with a therapist is the best way to experience somatic psychotherapy, there are simple ways to start incorporating somatic awareness into daily life:

• Pause and check in with your body: Take a moment to notice how your body feels throughout the day. Are your shoulders tense? Is your breath shallow?
• Practice mindful breathing: Set aside a few minutes to breathe deeply, noticing how it feels in your chest, stomach, and ribs.
• Move your body: Gentle stretching, yoga, or even shaking out tension can help release stored stress.
• Use grounding techniques: If you feel overwhelmed, try pressing your feet firmly into the floor or focusing on the sensation of an object in your hands.

How Can Somatic Therapy Help You?

If you’ve ever felt like emotions are trapped in your body or struggled to move past stress and trauma, somatic psychotherapy could be a powerful tool for healing. By working with both the mind and body, it offers a holistic, empowering approach to emotional well-being.

Talk to Us

At the Institute of Body Psychotherapy, we specialise in somatic therapies that help clients reconnect with themselves, release stored tension, and find a sense of balance. If you’re curious about how somatic psychotherapy could support you, we’d love to help.

Get in touch with us today to learn more or book your first appointment.