As a psychologist who incorporates hands-on somatic therapies into my practice, I’ve witnessed the profound benefits of somatic approaches for individuals struggling with trauma, complex trauma, and PTSD. Trauma isn’t just an emotional experience—it profoundly affects the body. The nervous system becomes dysregulated, and the body can become trapped in patterns of stress, hypervigilance, and tension. While talk therapy is valuable for processing trauma cognitively, somatic therapy offers a powerful, body-centered approach that helps individuals reconnect with their bodies, release stored tension, and heal on a deeper level.

Somatic therapy works by recognizing that trauma is stored not just in the mind but in the body itself. After a traumatic experience, the body often remains in a state of “fight or flight,” even when the danger has passed. This chronic state of tension, hyperarousal, or dissociation can keep someone stuck in their trauma response. In somatic therapy, we use hands-on techniques such as gentle touch, breathwork, and movement to help individuals access and release these deep physical responses. By working directly with the body, somatic therapy can create a pathway to emotional healing that allows the nervous system to reset and find a sense of balance and safety.

Complex trauma, often the result of prolonged exposure to trauma such as childhood abuse, neglect, or ongoing stressful environments, can deeply affect how individuals view themselves and interact with others. It can lead to emotional dysregulation, attachment issues, and a pervasive sense of anxiety or fear. Traditional therapies often address the emotional and cognitive impacts of complex trauma, but somatic therapy offers a critical complement by targeting the bodily sensations and tensions that accompany emotional distress. Somatic techniques help clients become more aware of their body’s signals and develop the ability to respond to those sensations in a more grounded, controlled way.

For individuals with PTSD, somatic therapy can provide significant relief from symptoms like intrusive memories, flashbacks, and hyperarousal. PTSD often keeps the body stuck in a heightened state of alertness, which can feel exhausting and overwhelming. Hands-on somatic therapies, such as gentle touch and movement exercises, help to regulate the nervous system, allowing the body to return to a state of rest and recovery. Through this process, clients can experience a reduction in anxiety and stress, a decrease in hypervigilance, and an overall sense of peace and safety. This can be a life-changing experience for those struggling with the relentless grip of PTSD.

One of the unique aspects of somatic therapy is its focus on the mind-body connection. Many trauma survivors have difficulty verbalizing their experiences or processing their emotions through traditional talk therapy alone. Somatic therapy allows individuals to reconnect with their bodies and tune into the sensations that arise when they feel triggered or overwhelmed. By learning to recognize and release tension and discomfort in the body, clients can process their trauma at a deeper level. This body-focused healing can be an empowering experience, as it allows individuals to take control of their healing process and feel more confident in their ability to cope with future stressors.

If you’ve been living with the effects of trauma, complex trauma, or PTSD and are searching for a holistic, body-based approach to healing, I encourage you to consider somatic therapy. As both a psychologist and a somatic therapist, I’ve seen how this approach can offer lasting relief for individuals who have not found success with traditional therapy alone. Somatic therapy can provide a deeper layer of healing by addressing the physical, emotional, and neurological components of trauma, helping you break free from the cycles of stress and fear that have kept you stuck.

If you’re ready to experience the transformative benefits of somatic therapy, I invite you to take the next step in your healing journey. Whether you’ve tried other forms of therapy or are new to somatic approaches, this hands-on therapy can help you reconnect with your body, release trapped trauma, and regain your sense of safety and balance. 

Don’t wait any longer—reach out today to schedule a somatic therapy session and begin the process of healing from the inside out. You deserve to live a life free from the lingering effects of trauma.