Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach to healing that helps individuals reconnect with their physical selves to process and release stored stress, trauma, and emotional pain. Unlike traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy focuses on the physical sensations in the body as vital sources of insight and transformation. By incorporating body awareness, breathwork, movement, and other somatic tools into the therapeutic process, we can begin to gently release patterns of tension, uncover deeper emotional truths, and build greater resilience.
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Somatic therapy is grounded in the understanding that our bodies hold and reflect our life experiences—especially trauma. Often, when we experience overwhelming events, our nervous system goes into survival mode (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn) to protect us. These responses can become "stuck" in the body long after the event has passed, leading to chronic tension, anxiety, dissociation, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed or numb.
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I draw from Somatic Experiencing, a gentle, body-oriented approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine, which supports the nervous system in completing unfinished stress responses and restoring a sense of safety and regulation, as well as Brainspotting, a neurobiological approach to healing that uses eye position and focused mindfulness to access and process deeply held trauma and emotional experiences stored in the brain and body. Both methods support the body’s innate capacity to heal by working with the nervous system rather than against it. These approaches allow us to gently and safely explore stored trauma without needing to relive painful memories, creating space for meaningful regulation, release, and integration.
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When combined with art therapy, somatic work becomes even more powerful. Creative expression can access deep emotional material that might not yet have words, while somatic tools help keep the process grounded and supportive. You might find that a single image, gesture, or sensation opens the door to insight and release—without being overwhelming.
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This work is especially supportive for individuals healing from trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, or feeling disconnected from their bodies. You don’t need to have any art experience—just a willingness to explore and be curious. Together, we’ll create a safe, compassionate space where you can reconnect with your body, tap into your inner wisdom, and move toward wholeness.