somatic therapy
You have the self awareness but still struggle
You are incredibly insightful. You know exactly where your patterns come from, understand your childhood dynamics and have great self-awareness. Yet, you are still suffering. You still have panic attacks, shut down in relationships and wake up at 3am.
It feels like your body hasn’t caught up with your mind. You try to think your way out of a nervous system response, but end up frustrated and exhausted.
What is somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is a holistic, mind-body approach to healing trauma, stress, and anxiety.
Somatic therapy is rooted in the idea that trauma and stress don’t just live in your thoughts or your memories; they live in your body. In your chest that tightens when you walk into a room, or how your shoulders creep up toward your ears before a hard conversation.
As somatic therapists in Michigan, we know you are more than a “floating” head. We believe that your body should be an important part of the treatment process. In somatic therapy, you will pay attention to how trauma affects your thoughts, feelings, actions, and body. You can heal from PTSD without having to talk about the specific traumas if it’s too difficult for you. Studies have shown that somatic counseling is a proven way to treat trauma and PTSD.
The felt sense is a medium through which we experience the fullness of sensations and knowledge of ourselves.
- Peter Levine -
Is Somatic Therapy only for Trauma?
Somatic therapy is often used to help treat trauma and PTSD, but it can also help with other conditions. It focuses on how your mind and body are connected and how your physical sensations and experiences relate to your emotions and thoughts. This type of therapy can help you grow personally, feel better emotionally, and improve your health and well-being in general. You will learn techniques on how to pay attention to your body, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. Somatic therapy can be helpful for many conditions, such as:
Stress
Grief / Loss
Body image or self-esteem concerns
our approach
We Heal our Body, Not Just our Mind
In traditional talk therapy like CBT, we focus on three elements – thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Thoughts are the ideas, opinions, and beliefs that we have about ourselves and the world around us. Feelings are our emotional experiences, such as happiness, sadness, guilt, shame, and excitement. Behaviors are the physical responses and actions we take. The main goal of talk therapy is to understand how our thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. The aim is to either change our thoughts or behaviors to feel better or change our moods and thoughts to alter how we behave.
Somatic therapy goes beyond talk therapy. Somatic work integrates thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while adding body sensations and imagery.
Together with your therapist, you will explore how trauma and self-protection responses such as fight, flight, and freeze can be released from the body. You no longer need to feel held back by your trauma.
Our somatic therapists are experts in body-centered approaches and know how the mind and body work together. You’ll (re)connect with your body, let go of stored trauma or tension, and learn better ways to handle life. We aim to provide a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your emotions, sensations, and beliefs. Our somatic counselors help you increase your self-awareness and create positive changes in your life. No matter your goal, our therapists are here to support you on your path toward healing.
Common Questions about Somatic Therapy
Could Somatic Therapy Be a Good Fit for You?
What Does a Typical Somatic Therapy Session Look Like?
Sessions will begin to focus more on your body, inviting you to notice sensations like tightness in your shoulders or butterflies in your stomach. Your therapist may guide you through gentle movements, breathing exercises, or visualizations to help you connect with your body. Together, you’ll explore how your emotions and physical sensations are linked, all at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you.
Does Somatic Therapy Involve Touch?
Some forms of somatic therapy involve touch, such as guiding posture or demonstrating grounding techniques, but at Embodied Wellness, we do not use touch in our sessions.
Instead, we focus on helping you connect with your body through other methods, like breathing exercises, gentle movements, and awareness of physical sensations. This approach ensures that you feel safe and supported throughout your healing journey.
What to Expect in a Somatic Therapy Session
Who Is a Good Candidate for Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy can help anyone, but it’s especially helpful for people dealing with trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, or depression.
If you’ve felt stuck or disconnected, somatic therapy can help you reconnect with your body and emotions. It’s also a great choice for people who want to include the body in their healing journey.
What Is the Goal of Somatic Therapy?
How Long Does Somatic Therapy Take to Work?
Every person’s healing journey is unique, so the time it takes to see results can vary. Some people notice improvements after just a few sessions, while others, especially those with complex trauma, may benefit from six months to a year of consistent therapy.
We’ve found that clients who attend weekly sessions often experience the most effective and lasting results. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine a pace that feels supportive and aligns with your individual goals.
