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by: Patricia Berendsen
Somatic therapy helps release trauma stored in the body. Learn how it works and why it’s one of the most effective approaches for nervous system healing.
When we experience trauma or prolonged stress, the nervous system can get stuck in survival mode, even after the danger has passed. That’s where somatic therapy comes in.
Unlike traditional talk therapy that focuses primarily on thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy works through body awareness. It helps you reconnect with internal cues like breath, posture, and sensation, often where trauma is silently stored.
Somatic Experiencing (SE), developed by Dr. Peter Levine, is a body-oriented therapeutic model that supports trauma resolution by focusing on physical responses. Rather than retelling traumatic stories in detail, SE guides clients to notice and gently release bodily tension, allowing the nervous system to re-regulate.
Clients who feel anxious, chronically on edge, shut down, or stuck often benefit from this approach. Somatic therapy can help with:
→ PTSD
→ Anxiety and panic attacks
→ Chronic pain and illness
→ Dissociation
→ Emotional overwhelm
Somatic work doesn’t rush. It prioritizes safety and goes at your pace. By working with the body rather than against it, clients often experience shifts that feel organic, not forced.
Anyone who has experienced trauma, whether from childhood, relationships, illness, or a major life event, can benefit. It’s especially helpful if traditional therapy hasn’t led to full resolution.
This approach is used across our team, often integrated with EMDR, IFS, or talk-based therapies. If you feel like you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck, somatic therapy may be the missing piece.
© Copyright Patricia Berendsen - All Rights Reserved
Website Designed and Developed by Liquid Media Studios