The Benefits of Working With a Somatic Therapist: What to Expect and How It Helps Healing
Founder and Executive Director of The Counseling Corner
Est. 1998
Have you ever walked into a room and suddenly felt your chest tighten—even though nothing dangerous was happening? Have you ever felt your shoulders tense or jaw clench before you even knew you were stressed? Or realized your body answered a question long before your mouth did?
Your body remembers what your mind tries to forget.
This is the heart of somatic therapy: the understanding that trauma, stress, and emotions don't just live in your thoughts—they live in your muscles, your breath, your gut. And sometimes, talking about your problems isn't enough. Sometimes, you need to feel your way through them.
Think of your body as a filing cabinet where every experience you've ever had is stored—not just in your mind, but in your tissues, your posture, your breathing patterns. Somatic therapy helps you open those drawers, one at a time, and finally organize what's been weighing you down. Another way to envision this is to imagine your nervous system as a smoke alarm that got stuck in "fire mode" years ago during a trauma, and never reset. Somatic therapy teaches your body to turn off the alarm and recognize: "I'm safe now. The fire is out. If you’ve ever wondered why your body reacts before your brain does, somatic therapy offers the missing link.
If you've been carrying tension you can't explain, reacting to stress in ways you don't understand, or feeling like your body is holding you hostage—you're not broken. You're human. And somatic therapy might be exactly what you need. Many individuals struggle with emotional and physical issues that traditional talk therapies may not fully address.
In this guide, we'll walk through what somatic therapy is, how it works, its key benefits, who it helps most, how it differs from traditional talk therapy, and what you can expect in your first session.
Let's start with the basics.
What Is Somatic Therapy and How Does It Work?
Somatic therapy is based on a simple but profound truth: "your body keeps the score."
While traditional talk therapy focuses on understanding your thoughts and emotions through conversation, somatic therapy goes deeper—into the physical sensations where trauma, stress, and unprocessed emotions actually live.
This method operates on the principle that our bodies hold onto past traumas and emotional experiences, which can manifest as physical tension or discomfort. By addressing these physical sensations, somatic therapy aims to release stored emotions and promote healing.
Through techniques like breathwork, mindful movement, grounding, and body awareness practices, somatic therapy helps you:
Release tension your body has been holding for years
Reconnect with physical sensations you've been avoiding
Regulate your nervous system so you can finally feel safe
It's neuroscience, psychology, bodywork, and mindfulness in action. Research shows that trauma is stored not just in memory, but in muscle patterns, posture, and breath. Somatic therapy helps you access and release what talk therapy alone can't reach.
The Science: How Trauma Lives in Your Body
This approach is further supported by research highlighting how trauma is stored not just in the mind, but also physically within the body.
Trauma's Impact: Mind-Body Connection & Healing When most people think of trauma, they think of memories, flashbacks, or emotions. But trauma doesn’t just live in the mind, it lives in the body, too. If you’ve ever felt tense, restless, or physically drained after recalling a painful event, you’ve experienced the body’s powerful role in storing trauma. How Trauma Shows Up in the Body: The Mind-Body Connection Explained
Defining Somatic Therapy: Mind-Body Healing Explained
Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection, recognizing that emotional experiences can be stored in the body. Techniques such as breathwork, movement, and touch are employed to help clients become aware of their physical sensations and emotions
For instance, a client may be guided to notice tension in their shoulders, which could be linked to stress or anxiety. By exploring these sensations, clients can gain insights into their emotional states and work towards releasing them. This process not only aids in emotional healing but also enhances overall well-being.
This emphasis on physical sensations for emotional insight is a core aspect of somatic awareness.
Somatic Awareness: A Holistic Healing Heuristic Somatic awareness represents a guiding healing heuristic which acknowledges the validity of the patient's physical symptoms and uses body sensations to identify the psychological, physiological, and social factors needed for symptom self-regulation. Somatic awareness in the clinical care of patients with body distress symptoms, 2008
What Are the Key Benefits of Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve emotional and physical health. By focusing on the body’s sensations, clients can experience profound emotional release, increased body awareness, and stress reduction. These benefits contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life, allowing individuals to navigate their emotions and experiences more effectively.
Emotional Release and Trauma Recovery Through Somatic Techniques
One of the primary benefits of somatic therapy is its ability to facilitate emotional release. Emotional release through somatic therapy is like finally unclenching a fist you've been holding tight for years. You didn't even realize how much energy it was taking—until you let go. Techniques such as guided movement and breathwork help clients access and process emotions that may have been suppressed.
Imagine your nervous system finally exhaling for the first time in years.
And the research backs this up. Studies continue to show what somatic therapists have seen for decades—trauma is stored not only in memory, but in muscle patterns, posture, and breath. Somatic approaches can be particularly effective for trauma recovery, as they allow individuals to reconnect with their bodies and release pent-up emotions. This process can lead to significant healing and a reduction in symptoms associated with trauma, such as anxiety and depression. Indeed, controlled studies have specifically evaluated the effectiveness of body-focused therapies like Somatic Experiencing for conditions such as PTSD.
Somatic Experiencing: Effective Body-Focused PTSD Therapy controlled study evaluating the effectiveness of somatic experiencing (SE), an integrative body-focused therapy for treating people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Somatic experiencing for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled outcome study, D Brom, 2017
Improved Body Awareness and Stress Reduction Outcomes
Terri came to therapy complaining of chronic shoulder pain. No amount of massage or physical therapy helped. Through somatic work, she realized she'd been literally "carrying the weight of the world" on her shoulders since her mother's death five years earlier. Once she connected the physical tension to her unprocessed grief, the pain began to release.
Joel couldn't stop tapping his foot during meetings. He thought it was just a nervous habit—until somatic therapy uncovered a deeper pattern: his body was constantly scanning for threats, a survival response from growing up in an unpredictable home.
Chris always "froze" during conflict—his mind would go blank, his voice would disappear. Through breathwork and grounding techniques, he learned to stay present in his body even when his nervous system wanted to shut down.
Mattie carried stomach tightness and poor posture for years. In somatic therapy, she realized: "Safety meant staying small." Once she gave herself permission to take up space, her body began to feel comfortable again.
Healing isn't just a mental process. It's a felt experience.
Somatic therapy enhances body awareness, enabling clients to recognize and respond to their physical sensations more effectively. This increased awareness can lead to better stress management, as individuals learn to identify stress triggers and develop coping strategies.
Your body remembers what your mind has forgotten—and somatic therapy helps you read those hidden chapters.
Techniques such as mindfulness and body scanning are often used to cultivate this awareness, promoting relaxation and reducing overall stress levels. As clients become more attuned to their bodies, they can make healthier choices that support their emotional and physical well-being.
How Does Somatic Therapy Differ From Talk Therapy?
Somatic therapy differs from traditional talk therapy in its approach and techniques. While talk therapy primarily focuses on verbal communication and cognitive processes, somatic therapy emphasizes the physical sensations and experiences of the body. If talk therapy is like reading the story of your life, somatic therapy is like finally turning the page your body has been stuck on. This distinction allows somatic therapy to address issues that may not be fully explored through conversation alone.
Your body remembers what your mind tries to forget.
Comparing Somatic Therapy and Traditional Talk Therapy Approaches
In traditional talk therapy, clients often discuss their thoughts and feelings, which can be beneficial for understanding their emotional landscape. However, this approach may not fully address the physical manifestations of emotional distress. Somatic therapy, on the other hand, encourages clients to explore their bodily sensations, providing a more comprehensive understanding of their emotional experiences. This integration of mind and body can lead to deeper healing and transformation.
Talk Therapy vs. Somatic Therapy: A Side-by-Side Example
In Traditional Talk Therapy:
Cient:"I feel anxious when I think about my job."
Therapist: "What thoughts come up when you feel that anxiety?"
(Focus: Understanding the cognitive patterns)
In Somatic Therapy:
Client:"I feel anxious when I think about my job."
Therapist: "Where do you feel that anxiety in your body right now?”
Client: "In my chest. It's tight."
Therapist: "Stay with that tightness. What does it need?"
(Focus: Releasing the physical holding pattern)
Both are valuable. But somatic therapy goes deeper into the places words can't always reach.
If talk therapy works from the top down (thoughts → feelings → body), somatic therapy often works from the bottom up (body → feelings → thoughts)
When to Choose Somatic Therapy Over Talk Therapy
Although both approaches are excellent choices and can function well together, individuals may choose somatic therapy over traditional talk therapy when they feel stuck in their emotional healing process or when physical symptoms accompany their emotional struggles. Somatic therapy can be particularly beneficial for those who have experienced trauma, as it offers a safe space to process emotions through the body. Additionally, clients seeking a more holistic approach to therapy may find somatic techniques more aligned with their healing goals.
What Somatic Therapy Techniques Can You Expect?
Somatic therapy encompasses a variety of techniques designed to promote body awareness and emotional healing. These techniques often include movement, breathwork, and mindfulness practices, all aimed at helping clients connect with their bodies and emotions.
Common Somatic Exercises and Body Awareness Practices
Clients can expect to engage in various somatic exercises during their sessions. These may include gentle movements, body scans, and guided imagery. For example, a therapist might guide a client through a series of movements to help them release tension and connect with their physical sensations. These exercises not only promote relaxation but also enhance body awareness, allowing clients to better understand their emotional states.
Role of Breathwork and Movement in Somatic Therapy Sessions
Breathwork and movement play a crucial role in somatic therapy. Breathwork techniques help clients regulate their emotions and reduce anxiety, while movement allows for the release of stored tension in the body. For instance, clients may be encouraged to practice deep breathing or engage in spontaneous movement to express their emotions physically. This combination of breath and movement fosters a deeper connection between the mind and body, facilitating healing and emotional release.
Who Can Benefit Most From Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, particularly those dealing with trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress. By addressing both emotional and physical aspects of healing, somatic therapy offers a comprehensive approach to well-being.
Somatic Therapy for Trauma Survivors: Healing Beyond Words
Trauma survivors often find somatic therapy to be a powerful tool for healing. Traditional talk therapy may not fully address the physical manifestations of trauma, such as tension or pain. Somatic therapy allows clients to explore these sensations and release the emotions associated with their traumatic experiences. This process can lead to significant healing and a renewed sense of safety in their bodies.
Applications for Anxiety, PTSD, and Chronic Stress Relief
Somatic therapy is particularly effective for individuals experiencing anxiety, PTSD, or chronic stress. By focusing on the body’s sensations, clients can learn to manage their anxiety and stress more effectively. Techniques such as breathwork and mindfulness help clients develop coping strategies that promote relaxation and emotional regulation. As a result, many individuals report reduced symptoms and improved overall well-being after engaging in somatic therapy.
What Should You Expect During Your First Somatic Therapy Session?
Preparing for your first somatic therapy session can help ease any anxiety you may have. Understanding the structure and goals of the session will allow you to approach the experience with an open mind.
Walking Into Your First Somatic Therapy Session: A Real Example
Let's say you're coming to therapy because you feel "stuck." You've talked about your anxiety in traditional therapy, but nothing's shifted. You still wake up with a knot in your stomach every morning.
In your first somatic session, your therapist won't just ask you to talk about the knot. They'll ask you to notice it.
"Where exactly do you feel it? What shape is it? Does it have a temperature? A color?"
At first, this might feel strange. But as you describe the sensation—"It's tight, like a fist. Cold. Gray."—something shifts. You realize this knot has been there since childhood, since you learned that showing fear wasn't safe.
Your therapist might guide you through gentle breathwork or invite you to move your body in a way that feels natural. You might shake your hands, stretch, or simply place a hand on your stomach and breathe.
And slowly, the knot begins to loosen.
This is somatic therapy: not talking about your body, but talking through it.
Initial Assessment and Setting Therapy Goals
During the initial assessment, the therapist will discuss your history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This collaborative process helps establish a foundation for your work together. The therapist may ask questions about your physical sensations (e.g., a flutter in your stomach, pressure behind your ribs, heat rising in your face), body tension (i.e., the invisible armor your muscles never stopped wearing), emotional experiences, and any specific issues you wish to address. Setting clear therapy goals will guide your sessions and ensure that your needs are met.
Typical Session Structure and Client-Therapist Interaction
A typical somatic therapy session may begin with a brief check-in, followed by guided exercises that focus on body awareness and emotional exploration. The therapist will facilitate the process, providing support and guidance as you navigate your sensations and emotions. Throughout the session, the therapist may encourage you to express your feelings verbally or through movement, fostering a safe and supportive environment for healing.
Try This Tonight: The Body Scan Check-In
Sit quietly for 2 minutes.
Close your eyes.
Ask yourself:
✅ Where am I holding tension right now?
✅ What does this tension feel like? (tight, heavy, hot, cold?)
✅ If this tension could speak, what would it say? What is it asking for?
This is the beginning of somatic awareness—and it's something you can practice anytime.
Your Body Has Been Waiting to Be Heard
For years, you've been trying to think your way out of feelings that live deeper than thought. You've analyzed, journaled, talked—and still, something feels unfinished.
That's because healing isn't just a mental process. It's a felt experience.
Somatic therapy offers a path forward for those who are tired of feeling stuck, who know there's more to heal than words can reach, and who are ready to reconnect with the wisdom their body has been holding all along.
You don't have to do this alone.
If you're struggling with trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, or simply feel disconnected from yourself, somatic therapy might be the missing piece. Our therapists at The Counseling Corner are trained in body-centered approaches that honor both your story and your nervous system.
Three easy steps:
Reach out for an initial session.
Meet with a somatic therapist to discuss goals and sensations.
Begin integrating mind–body practices that help release stored tension and restore safety.
📞 Ready to explore somatic therapy? Schedule today in Orlando, Clermont, or Orange City/Deland. Available in person and via secure telehealth across Florida 👉 Call Us: 407-843-4968 or email at info@counselingcorner.net
Your body has been whispering the truth for years. Somatic therapy helps you finally listen—and respond. Healing becomes possible when the mind and body stop fighting each other and start working as a team again.