Somatic Therapy (Body-Focused)
Somatic approaches support regulation by working with the nervous system and body cues—especially helpful when stress shows up physically.
There’s no single “right” therapy—many people benefit from a blend, or a sequence, over time. What matters most is a pace that feels steady and supportive.
Who typically provides this?
Typically provided by licensed therapists; training varies widely across “somatic” approaches.
Training note
“Somatic” can mean many things. Ask what specific somatic method they use (and what training they’ve completed), and how they pace body-focused work in a steady, safe way.
Learn about credentials & training →What sessions can look like
- Track body sensations, impulses, and signals of safety
- Practice regulation tools (grounding, breath, movement, pacing)
- Connect body experience to emotion and meaning—gently and collaboratively
Often helpful for
- Trauma stress responses
- Anxiety
- Dissociation
- Chronic tension
- Panic-like body symptoms
Good fit if…
- You feel stress ‘in your body’
- Talking alone hasn’t been enough
- You want nervous-system support and skills
If this feels hard right now, that’s okay
Sometimes the best next step is choosing the right pace and support level first—then building from there.
- You only want talk therapy with no body focus (CBT/ACT/psychodynamic may fit better)
- Body awareness feels unsafe right now—starting with stabilization, grounding, and choice-based pacing can help
If you want help choosing a steady starting point, the quiz can narrow the field fast.
Questions you can bring to a first session
You don’t have to ask all of these—pick the ones that would help you feel confident and supported.
- What does a typical session look like with you?
- How will we set goals—and how will we know if things are improving?
- If something feels too fast or too intense, how do you adjust pace and support?
- How do you tailor this approach to my needs, identity, and preferences?
- What specific somatic method(s) do you use, and what training have you completed?
- How do you keep body-focused work steady and consent-based (especially with trauma history)?
Safety notes+
- A strong provider will pace slowly and prioritize consent, grounding, and your window of tolerance.
Educational only. Not medical advice. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.