Somatic Experiencing

Sometimes difficult experiences, ongoing stress, or overwhelming emotions can be felt in the body—not just in our thoughts. You may notice tension, restlessness, feeling constantly on alert, shutting down, feeling disconnected, or becoming overwhelmed without fully understanding why.

Somatic Experiencing is a body-focused approach to therapy that pays attention to the connection between your emotions, physical sensations, and nervous system. Rather than relying only on talking about what happened, somatic work helps you become more aware of how your body responds to stress and develop ways to feel more grounded, present, and regulated.

What Can I Expect in a Session?

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A Somatic Experiencing session may look different from traditional talk therapy. Your therapist will still talk with you about what you are experiencing, but may also invite you to gently notice what is happening in your body.

For example, you might notice areas of tension or relaxation, changes in your breathing, physical sensations, emotions, or moments when you begin to feel overwhelmed or disconnected.

Your therapist will help you explore these experiences gradually and at a pace that feels manageable. You do not need to immediately revisit or describe difficult experiences in detail. Instead, sessions may focus on developing awareness, identifying what helps you feel safe and grounded, and increasing your ability to move through difficult emotions without becoming overwhelmed.

Over time, somatic therapy can support a greater understanding of your body's responses to stress and help you develop a stronger sense of safety, regulation, and connection with yourself.

You don't need to have the right words for what you're experiencing to begin.