What are Somatic Therapy Techniques

A woman stretching on a yoga mat, practicing mindful movement and body awareness as part of somatic therapy to release tension and reduce anxiety.

“The body has its own wisdom, its own way of healing. The body knows what to do, and it knows how to heal. We just need to learn how to listen."

– Peter Levine, Waking the Tiger (1997)

Somatic techniques connect the mind and body. It helps regulate emotions. It can help processes trauma. It can reduces stress. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it focuses on body awareness. It integrates breath, movement, and sensation. These body-based practices can help clients reconnect with their physical selves to support deep healing.

How Does Somatic Therapy Work?

We take an integrative approach. We combine somatic techniques with other methods. We use EMDR, CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. We help clients feel emotions in their bodies. We guide them toward healing. Somatic healing techniques work by accessing stored trauma in the body and using movement, breathwork, and nervous system healing therapy to promote emotional balance.

What Are the Core Somatic Therapy Techniques?

Somatic therapy includes:

  • Body Awareness – Clients notice physical sensations.

  • Breathwork – It calms the nervous system.

  • Movement – It releases stored tension.

  • Grounding – It helps clients stay present.

  • Guided Imagery – It fosters emotional resilience.

  • Titration & Pendulation – Helps process emotions in manageable doses.

Who Can Benefit from Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy helps many conditions:

  • Trauma & PTSD – It releases stored trauma.

  • Anxiety & Stress – It regulates emotions.

  • Depression – It breaks emotional numbness.

  • Chronic Pain – It eases tension.

  • Dissociation – It fosters connection with the body.

  • Emotional Dysregulation – It builds self-awareness and coping strategies.

  • Sleep Issues – It helps regulate nervous system activity for better rest.

  • Panic Attacks – It provides grounding techniques to regain stability.

Is Somatic Therapy Only About Talking?

No. Talking is part of the process, but the focus is on experience. Clients track bodily sensations. They regulate their nervous systems. They engage in healing beyond words.

How Long Does Somatic Therapy Take to Work?

Healing is personal. It varies from person to person. Some notice changes in a few sessions. Others take longer. Trauma depth, nervous system regulation, and readiness affect progress.

In my work as a somatic practitioner, I strive to help clients create meaningful and lasting transformation. This work is not a quick fix. It requires consistency, practice, and integration. Over time, clients gain emotional resilience, reduced stress, and a deeper connection with their bodies.

Can Somatic Therapy Be Done Online?

Yes. Many techniques adapt well to online sessions. Breathwork, guided imagery, and body awareness exercises are effective remotely. We ensure a safe, supportive experience.

Does Somatic Therapy Involve Physical Contact?

Yes, but we do not offer this as a part of our interventions at our practice.

How Does Somatic Therapy Support Trauma Healing?

Trauma lives in the body. Somatic therapy accesses stored trauma through sensation, movement, and nervous system regulation. It helps clients feel safe in their bodies, process past experiences, and create new patterns of resilience.

What Should I Expect in My First Session?

Your first session is about getting comfortable and starting to build a connection. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in and begin to gently introduce body awareness. Everything moves at your pace, based on your needs and readiness.

Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?

If emotions feel trapped in your body, somatic therapy techniques may help. It reconnects you to your physical self. It fosters healing. It promotes balance. We integrate somatic work into therapy. We tailor it to you.

Start Your Healing Journey

Looking for a therapist who uses somatic therapy techniques in Mckinney, Texas? Book a consultation. We’ll create a therapy plan. We’ll support your healing. We’ll help you feel present in your life.

Elizabeth Boyer, LMFT

I specialize in working with anxiety, codependency, trauma, narcissistic abuse and post divorce recovery.

https://AcadiaPsychotherapy.com
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