In the evolving landscape of mental health treatment, somatic therapy has emerged as a powerful approach that honors the profound connection between mind and body. At Monima Wellness, we recognize that healing doesn’t just happen in the mind—our bodies hold our experiences, traumas, and emotions in ways that traditional talk therapy alone may not address.
Understanding Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy is a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit in the healing process [1]. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses primarily on thoughts and emotions from a cognitive perspective, somatic therapy acknowledges that our physical bodies store memories, traumas, and patterns that influence our mental health and overall well-being.
The word “somatic” comes from the Greek word “soma,” meaning “body.” This mind-body approach is founded on the understanding that our physical sensations, postures, movements, and bodily experiences are integral to our emotional and psychological states.
The Science Behind Somatic Therapy
Neuroscience research has validated what somatic practitioners have long understood: trauma and stress are physically stored in the body, not just mentally processed in the brain. When we experience threatening or overwhelming situations, our autonomic nervous system activates our stress response (fight, flight, or freeze) [2]. If these stress responses aren’t fully processed and released, they can become trapped in the body, creating tension, reactivity, and disconnection patterns.
Key scientific principles behind somatic therapy include:
- Polyvagal Theory: Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory explains how our autonomic nervous system regulates our sense of safety and connection [3]. Somatic therapy works with this system to help clients move from states of hyperarousal (anxiety, panic) or hypoarousal (depression, dissociation) into a regulated state where healing can occur.
- Neuroplasticity: Our brains and nervous systems can reorganize and create new neural pathways throughout life. Somatic therapy leverages this neuroplasticity by creating new bodily experiences that can rewire trauma responses [4].
- Interoception: Interoception is our ability to sense what’s happening inside our bodies. Many people with trauma or chronic stress have disconnected from their internal sensations as a coping mechanism [5]. Somatic therapy helps rebuild this internal awareness, which is crucial for emotional regulation.
Core Principles of Somatic Therapy
Regardless of the specific somatic approach being used, several core principles guide this type of therapy [1]:
- Present-moment awareness: Somatic therapy emphasizes tuning into bodily sensations, movements, and feelings in the present moment rather than just analyzing past events.
Bottom-up processing: Unlike cognitive approaches that work from the “top-down” (changing thoughts to influence emotions), somatic therapy works from the “bottom-up,” addressing the body’s responses to help shift emotional states. - Titration: This involves working with manageable amounts of complex material simultaneously, preventing overwhelm and re-traumatization.
- Pendulation: Moving between states of activation/discomfort and states of resource/safety to build capacity for regulating the nervous system.
- Bodily resource building: Developing somatic resources (grounding techniques, self-regulation skills) that create safety in the nervous system.
Types of Somatic Therapy
There are several modalities within the umbrella of somatic therapy, each with unique approaches and techniques:
1. Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing is based on the understanding that trauma symptoms result from a dysregulated nervous system. In a safe, controlled environment, SE helps clients gradually release trapped traumatic energy and complete interrupted defensive responses (fight, flight, freeze). This approach uses tracking of bodily sensations, gentle touch (when appropriate), movement, and imagery to help clients process and integrate traumatic experiences.
2. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Dr. Pat Ogden created Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which integrates cognitive and emotional processing with bodily awareness and movement [6]. This approach is particularly effective for addressing developmental trauma and attachment issues. Therapists help clients notice how thoughts and emotions manifest in their posture, movement, and tension patterns and then work with these physical expressions to process unresolved issues.
3. Hakomi Method
Ron Kurtz developed Hakomi, a mindfulness-centered somatic therapy that helps clients study their moment-to-moment experiences to discover core beliefs and patterns [7]. The therapist creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can observe how their bodies respond to gentle experiments, revealing unconscious material that can be processed and transformed.
4. Bioenergetic Analysis
This approach, developed by Alexander Lowen (a student of Wilhelm Reich), uses specific physical exercises, breathing techniques, and postures to help release chronic muscular tension and emotional blocks [8]. Bioenergetic analysis connects psychological issues with physical manifestations in the body, using movement and expressive techniques to restore natural energy flow.
Techniques Used in Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapists employ a variety of techniques to help clients connect with their bodies and process experiences:
- Mindful body awareness: Learning to notice and track bodily sensations without judgment.
- Resourcing: Identifying and strengthening positive bodily experiences that create feelings of safety and capability.
- Grounding exercises: Physical techniques that help bring awareness back to the present moment and create a sense of stability.
- Boundary work: Physical exercises that help clients sense and express their boundaries.
- Movement and gesture: Using intentional movements to express emotions, complete defensive responses, or explore new ways of being.
- Breathwork: Conscious breathing techniques to regulate the nervous system and access emotional states.
- Touch work (with appropriate consent): Gentle, supportive touch to help identify tension, restore connection, or provide containment.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, though it’s particularly effective for conditions with a strong mind-body component:
- Trauma and PTSD: Somatic approaches are especially effective for processing traumatic experiences that remain “stuck” in the body.
- Anxiety and panic disorders: By addressing the physical manifestations of anxiety and teaching nervous system regulation.
Chronic stress: Helping release tension patterns and develop sustainable self-regulation skills. - Depression: Addressing the physical components of depression, such as low energy, disconnection from the body, and restricted breathing patterns.
- Attachment and relationship issues: How early relational patterns manifest in the body and impact current relationships.
- Chronic pain and psychosomatic conditions: Exploring the connection between emotional states and physical symptoms.
- Eating disorders and body image issues: Rebuilding a healthy relationship with the body and its sensations.
Somatic Therapy for Women: A Gender-Specific Approach
At Monima Wellness, we understand that women often have unique experiences that can benefit from somatic approaches:
- Women are more likely to experience certain types of trauma and may have different physiological responses to stress and trauma.
- Cultural expectations around femininity can lead to specific patterns of bodily tension, restriction, or disconnection.
- Female bodies experience unique hormonal fluctuations and life changes (menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause) that can impact mental health in ways that connect directly to somatic experience.
- Many women have experienced objectification or have been taught to view their bodies as objects rather than the lived center of their experience.
Our gender-specific approach to somatic therapy honors these differences and creates a safe space for women to reclaim embodied awareness and agency.
Integration of Somatic Therapy at Monima Wellness
At Monima Wellness, somatic therapy isn’t a standalone treatment but part of our comprehensive, integrated approach to women’s mental health. We combine somatic techniques with other evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and EMDR to address the full spectrum of our clients’ needs.
Some of the somatic approaches available at Monima include:
- Trauma-informed yoga: Using mindful movement, breath, and body awareness to help regulate the nervous system and process trauma.
- Breathwork: Specialized breathing techniques that help release tension, process emotions, and regulate the nervous system.
- Somatic Experience Therapy: Working directly with bodily sensations to process trauma and build resilience.
- Acupuncture: This Traditional Chinese Medicine approach helps release physical blockages and restore energetic flow in the body.
- Sound healing: Using vibration and resonance to release tension and create coherence in the body.
- Dance therapy: Expressive movement that helps process emotions, build body awareness, and create new patterns.
What to Expect From Somatic Therapy at Monima Wellness
At Monima Wellness, somatic therapy is integrated into our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) through group sessions, educational components, and individualized care. Here’s what you can expect:
- Comprehensive assessment: As part of your initial neuropsychological testing, our clinical team evaluates how your body holds trauma and stress. This helps us understand how somatic approaches can best support your recovery within your personalized treatment plan.
- Educational groups: You’ll participate in structured groups that teach the fundamentals of the mind-body connection, nervous system regulation, and how trauma manifests physically. These educational components provide a foundation for experiential work.
- Skill-building groups: In a supportive community of women, you’ll learn practical somatic skills for emotional regulation, grounding, and nervous system resilience. These groups offer a safe space to practice techniques you can use daily.
- Experiential workshops: Our program includes regular movement-based sessions such as trauma-informed yoga, breathwork, and guided somatic exercises. These group experiences allow you to explore bodily awareness within a community of support.
- Integration sessions: In both group and individual therapy, you’ll have opportunities to process and integrate your somatic experiences, connecting physical sensations with emotions, thoughts, and life patterns.
- Complementary, holistic modalities: Depending on your treatment plan, you may also experience somatic healing through acupuncture, sound healing, or other body-centered approaches that complement the primary therapeutic work.
Throughout our programs, you’re always in control of your healing journey. Our skilled clinical team creates a trauma-informed environment where you can explore somatic approaches at your own pace, with appropriate support and without pressure to engage with overwhelming material. The community aspect of our programs also provides valuable peer support as you develop a new relationship with your body.
The Benefits of Somatic Therapy
Clients who engage in somatic therapy often report a range of benefits, including:
- Increased body awareness and connection
- Better ability to identify and express emotions
- Improved capacity to self-regulate during stress
- Release of chronic tension patterns
- A more authentic sense of self and personal boundaries
- Greater resilience in the face of challenges
- A deeper sense of presence and embodiment
- Improved relationships through better nonverbal awareness
- Reduction in physical symptoms related to stress and trauma
Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?
While somatic therapy can be beneficial for many people, it may be particularly valuable if:
- You’ve tried traditional talk therapy but feel something is missing
- You experience physical symptoms related to emotional states
- You’ve experienced trauma that feels “stuck” in your body
- You feel disconnected from your body or physical sensations
- You notice recurring patterns of tension, pain, or discomfort
- You’re interested in approaches that go beyond cognitive understanding
At Monima Wellness, our comprehensive neuropsychological testing and assessment process helps determine which therapeutic approaches, including somatic methods, benefit your specific needs.
Begin Your Healing Journey Today
Your body holds the wisdom for healing—and we’re here to help you access it. At Monima Wellness, our expert female clinicians create a safe, supportive environment where you can reconnect with your body and discover the transformative power of somatic therapy.
Take the first step toward integrated healing by calling us at (858) 500-1542 to schedule your consultation and learn more about our outpatient treatment programs.
References
[1] Kuhfuß, M., Maldei, T., Hetmanek, A., & Baumann, N. (2021). Somatic experiencing – effectiveness and key factors of a body-oriented trauma therapy: a scoping literature review. European journal of psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1929023. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1929023
[2] Chu B, Marwaha K, Sanvictores T, et al. Physiology, Stress Reaction. [Updated 2024 May 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541120/
[3] Porges S. W. (2022). Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety. Frontiers in integrative neuroscience, 16, 871227. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2022.871227
[4] Wilkinson, S. T., Holtzheimer, P. E., Gao, S., Kirwin, D. S., & Price, R. B. (2019). Leveraging Neuroplasticity to Enhance Adaptive Learning: The Potential for Synergistic Somatic-Behavioral Treatment Combinations to Improve Clinical Outcomes in Depression. Biological psychiatry, 85(6), 454–465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.09.004
[5] Chen, W. G., Schloesser, D., Arensdorf, A. M., Simmons, J. M., Cui, C., Valentino, R., Gnadt, J. W., Nielsen, L., Hillaire-Clarke, C. S., Spruance, V., Horowitz, T. S., Vallejo, Y. F., & Langevin, H. M. (2021). The Emerging Science of Interoception: Sensing, Integrating, Interpreting, and Regulating Signals within the Self. Trends in neurosciences, 44(1), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2020.10.007
[6] Fisher, J. (2019). Sensorimotor psychotherapy in the treatment of trauma. Practice Innovations, 4(3), 156–165. https://doi.org/10.1037/pri0000096
[7] Kelly, S. W., & Papps, F. A. (2021). ‘Really caring, really curious, and really there’: a qualitative exploration of therapeutic presence from a Hakomi therapy perspective. Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy, 17(2), 150–165. https://doi.org/10.1080/17432979.2021.1939162
[8] ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Bioenergetics. In Topics in Social Sciences. Elsevier. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/bioenergetics
