Somatic Therapy

Finding the Right Counsellor for Somatic Therapy in Victoria, Greater Vancouver or online.

This page will provide a summary of what Somatic Therapy is, how it works, and why it can be beneficial. Somatic Therapy is becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the mind-body connection and the potential benefits of focusing on how the body responds to mental health issues, particularly trauma.

What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic Therapy is a holistic, body-centered approach to mental health care that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. This therapeutic method recognizes that emotional and psychological distress can be stored in the body, often manifesting as physical tension, discomfort, or other symptoms. Through various techniques that increase body awareness, Somatic Therapy helps individuals process and release these stored experiences, promoting healing and well-being.

Types of Somatic Therapy include Somatic Attachment Therapy, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Somatic Breath Therapy, to name a few. If you want to know more, discuss it with your counsellor during your consult or once you begin counselling.

How does Somatic Therapy work?

Somatic Therapy integrates both talk therapy and physical awareness practices to help clients connect with their bodily sensations and emotions. A trained somatic therapist guides clients through techniques such as:

• Breathwork: Using conscious breathing to regulate the nervous system and release tension.
• Grounding Exercises: Techniques that help individuals stay connected to the present moment.
• Movement and Body Awareness: Gentle movements and mindful observation of physical sensations.
• Touch Therapy (when appropriate): Therapeutic touch can help release stored tension and trauma.

By tuning into bodily sensations, clients can access and process emotions that may be difficult to reach through traditional talk therapy alone.

Benefits of Somatic Therapy

Somatic Therapy can be effective for individuals dealing with a variety of mental health concerns, including:

• Stress and Emotional Regulation: Teaches practical tools to manage stress and build emotional resilience.ur problems and stop them having a negative impact on your life, even after your course of treatment finishes.

• Trauma and PTSD: Helps release trauma stored in the body, aiding in recovery from distressing experiences.
• Anxiety and Depression: Reduces physical symptoms related to anxiety and promotes a sense of calm.
• Chronic Pain: Addresses the emotional components of physical pain, supporting overall pain management.

Is Somatic Therapy right for you?

If you find that traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully addressed your emotional or physical symptoms, Somatic Therapy might be a good fit. It provides a compassionate, body-based approach to mental health that empowers individuals to feel more connected, grounded, and resilient in their daily lives.

Where to get the right counsellor for Somatic Therapy?

If you are ready to take the next step towards emotional balance and fulfillment, we are here to help. All of our counsellors providing Somatic Therapy offer a free 20 minute consultation by phone or video so you can see if the fit feels right. You can select your own counsellor or reach out to us and we can help to match you with the strongest counsellor for your individual situation. Alternatively, you can complete our online matching survey and a professional will be in touch with you about recommended counsellors.