Somatic therapy is becoming more and more popular, and thus, more discussed (and for good reason!) As people deepen their understanding of trauma, stress, and the nervous system, many are seeking approaches to healing that go beyond “just” talking.
Traditional therapy often focuses on thoughts, emotions, and insight, while somatic therapy recognizes that our bodies play a central role in how we experience and process life. Stressful and overwhelming experiences can become stored in the nervous system as tension, numbness, chronic activation, or shutdown (any of these sound familiar?) Somatic therapy works gently with these patterns, helping the body access what it needs to return to a sense of safety and balance.
One of the defining parts of somatic therapy is its pace. Instead of jumping right into content (especially traumatic or distressing details), sessions are often slowed down to allow clients to notice bodily sensations, such as tightness, warmth, or ease, and to build awareness of how their body responds. This is called interoception, or the ability to notice and understand sensations inside the body- this is how we tune in to our internal experience.
In somatic therapy, interoception is foundational. Many people disconnect from their bodies as a way to cope with stress or trauma, which can make it harder to recognize needs or regulate emotions. Somatic therapy gently rebuilds this awareness, helping clients notice subtle bodily signals before they become overwhelming. By strengthening interoception, individuals gain greater emotional regulation, self-trust, and a deeper sense of connection to their body.
At its core, somatic therapy honors the body as an essential part of the healing process. It’s less about reliving past traumatic experiences and more about nervous system regulation. By integrating mind and body, it offers a compassionate, empowering approach for those seeking lasting change, resilience, and a deeper connection to themselves.
I’ll leave this quote here by Dr. Hillary McBride, which I feel really encapsulates the gift of somatic therapy. If you’re interested in becoming more connected to yourself & understanding your nervous system in a deeper way, please reach out to one of our therapists!
“If you’re willing to pay attention to and dialogue with what’s happening inside of you, you’ll find that your body already knows the answers about how to live a full, present, connected, and healthy life.” – Dr. Hillary McBride