The word “somatic” comes from the Greek soma, meaning “body.” Somatic approaches are based on the idea that trauma is held not only in memory but also in the body, where it can show up as tension, pain, or a constantly activated stress response.
How Does Somatic Therapy Work?
In somatic therapy, the clinician guides you to pay attention to inner physical sensations—tightness, warmth, trembling, or restlessness—that may carry traumatic stress. By gently tracking these sensations at a tolerable pace, the nervous system can discharge stuck survival energy and return to a calmer, regulated state. The goal is to help your body feel safe again, not to relive the trauma all at once.
What Is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is one of the most well-known somatic methods. It is a body-oriented approach that treats the physical symptoms of trauma by building awareness of internal sensations seen as “carriers” of the traumatic memory. A randomized controlled study of Somatic Experiencing for PTSD found preliminary evidence of benefit, though researchers note that more high-quality studies are still needed.
What Techniques Are Used in Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapists draw on a range of body-centered tools, often combined with talk therapy:
- Body awareness — noticing and naming physical sensations.
- Grounding — using the senses to feel anchored in the present.
- Breathwork — using breathing to calm the nervous system.
- Titration and pendulation — moving gently between distress and calm in small, manageable steps.
- Mindful movement — gentle movement to release tension.
What Conditions Does Somatic Therapy Treat?
Somatic approaches are most often used for trauma-related concerns and stress conditions, including:
- PTSD and trauma — including childhood trauma; see our PTSD intensive outpatient program.
- Anxiety and chronic stress tied to a hyperactive nervous system.
- Trauma stored in the body, which can produce physical symptoms—explore 8 physical signs your body is releasing trauma.
Somatic therapy is often combined with other trauma treatments, such as EMDR, as part of outpatient therapy services.
What to Expect
Somatic therapy is collaborative and paced to your comfort; you stay in control throughout. Because it can surface strong physical and emotional responses, it is best delivered by a trained, qualified clinician within a coordinated treatment plan. Talk with a provider to decide whether a body-based approach fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Somatic Therapy
What is somatic therapy used for?
Somatic therapy is used mainly for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and chronic stress, focusing on how these experiences are held in the body and nervous system.
Is somatic therapy evidence-based?
Somatic approaches such as Somatic Experiencing show promising early research for PTSD, though the evidence base is smaller than for therapies like CBT and continues to grow.
How is somatic therapy different from talk therapy?
Traditional talk therapy focuses on thoughts and emotions, while somatic therapy adds attention to physical sensations and the body’s stress response.
Does somatic therapy require touch?
Not necessarily. Many somatic methods rely on guided awareness, breath, and movement, and any approach involving touch should always be consent-based and clearly explained.
Does DMHBH offer somatic therapy?
DMHBH provides outpatient and intensive outpatient mental health care and can incorporate body-based, trauma-focused approaches. Contact us to learn what fits your treatment plan.