Somatic Therapists in Fair Oaks, CA

Photo of Andrea Diemert - Andrea Diemert -Sequoia Counseling- Brainspotting , LMFT, LAADC , CCHT, APCC, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrea Diemert -Sequoia Counseling- Brainspotting
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC , CCHT, APCC, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
My therapeutic approach integrates cutting-edge techniques with a deep understanding of the brain-body connection, emphasizing somatic healing to promote lasting change.
Are you struggling to find meaning and satisfaction in your daily life, feeling stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction? Or are you feeling overwhelmed by persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness? As a dedicated therapist, my primary focus is on nurturing an environment of trust, attachment, and safety, where you can feel empowered to explore your challenges and strengths with compassion and guidance. . I specialize in addressing a range of complex issues, including substance abuse, identity and values conflicts, trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, ego work, and mood disorders. Goal oriented clients apply!
My therapeutic approach integrates cutting-edge techniques with a deep understanding of the brain-body connection, emphasizing somatic healing to promote lasting change.
Are you struggling to find meaning and satisfaction in your daily life, feeling stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction? Or are you feeling overwhelmed by persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness? As a dedicated therapist, my primary focus is on nurturing an environment of trust, attachment, and safety, where you can feel empowered to explore your challenges and strengths with compassion and guidance. . I specialize in addressing a range of complex issues, including substance abuse, identity and values conflicts, trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, ego work, and mood disorders. Goal oriented clients apply!
(916) 621-5556 View (916) 621-5556
Photo of Amy Tatreau, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amy Tatreau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628  (Online Only)
I use a combination of ACT(Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) which is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Experiential (helps to tune into your body when you are numb/cut-off/or too much in your thoughts), Psychodynamic Experiential, Heart Rate Variance(HRV) biofeedback training, and Trauma Informed Mindfulness based skills.
I can help you discover and strengthen healthy boundaries, guide you to take action on your personal values and life goals, and teach you how to regain your emotional balance when life is working your last nerve. Be kinder to yourself, have greater patience with loved ones, your family of choice, friends and co-workers, and decrease the overwhelming sense of loneliness that you may have felt during this crummy pandemic.
I use a combination of ACT(Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) which is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Experiential (helps to tune into your body when you are numb/cut-off/or too much in your thoughts), Psychodynamic Experiential, Heart Rate Variance(HRV) biofeedback training, and Trauma Informed Mindfulness based skills.
I can help you discover and strengthen healthy boundaries, guide you to take action on your personal values and life goals, and teach you how to regain your emotional balance when life is working your last nerve. Be kinder to yourself, have greater patience with loved ones, your family of choice, friends and co-workers, and decrease the overwhelming sense of loneliness that you may have felt during this crummy pandemic.
(916) 510-0571 View (916) 510-0571
Photo of Diana Dee Sundukos, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Diana Dee Sundukos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I utilize a person centered, strengths based approach in tandem with a variety of evidenced based techniques such as cognitive, somatic, motivational, dialectical, and behavioral therapy.
In searching for a therapist, you have taken the courageous first step towards emotional freedom. Whether it is to cope with the challenges of everyday life, overcoming negative or traumatic life experiences, or learning how to work through difficult relationships, I am here to help you achieve a happy healthy future. I work with individuals of all ages including children and adolescents. I strive to provide a safe place where you and/or your child can explore confusing feelings, improve communication, learn to problem solve, and develop healthy boundaries for healthier happier relationships.
I utilize a person centered, strengths based approach in tandem with a variety of evidenced based techniques such as cognitive, somatic, motivational, dialectical, and behavioral therapy.
In searching for a therapist, you have taken the courageous first step towards emotional freedom. Whether it is to cope with the challenges of everyday life, overcoming negative or traumatic life experiences, or learning how to work through difficult relationships, I am here to help you achieve a happy healthy future. I work with individuals of all ages including children and adolescents. I strive to provide a safe place where you and/or your child can explore confusing feelings, improve communication, learn to problem solve, and develop healthy boundaries for healthier happier relationships.
(916) 249-7642 View (916) 249-7642
Photo of Alex Derevyanchuk, CADC II, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Alex Derevyanchuk
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I believe substance use to be a symptom and not the root issue, but without first addressing and treating addiction we will not be able to intervene the underlying issues. There is an array of individuals and families that I enjoy working with. Teens, young adults and their families, adults and or partners/spouses who need support around their loved ones addiction and also with parents whos children are struggling with addiction. My approach to treatment is trauma and attachment informed because I believe that most addiction is driven by trauma and a lack of a healthy relationship with ones self.
I believe substance use to be a symptom and not the root issue, but without first addressing and treating addiction we will not be able to intervene the underlying issues. There is an array of individuals and families that I enjoy working with. Teens, young adults and their families, adults and or partners/spouses who need support around their loved ones addiction and also with parents whos children are struggling with addiction. My approach to treatment is trauma and attachment informed because I believe that most addiction is driven by trauma and a lack of a healthy relationship with ones self.
(916) 248-7453 View (916) 248-7453
Photo of Samantha Skiles, AMFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Samantha Skiles
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
All the thoughts you’ve never said out loud have been weighing you down. You put pressure on yourself to perform perfectly all the time, so much so that you think no one knows who you really are or how you really feel. Yet, you don’t know when it’s safe to let your walls down or let people in because being seen can feel scary and vulnerable. You give so much to others without giving to yourself or getting much in return. You’re willing to put your relationship with yourself first so that you can walk in the world more authentically.
All the thoughts you’ve never said out loud have been weighing you down. You put pressure on yourself to perform perfectly all the time, so much so that you think no one knows who you really are or how you really feel. Yet, you don’t know when it’s safe to let your walls down or let people in because being seen can feel scary and vulnerable. You give so much to others without giving to yourself or getting much in return. You’re willing to put your relationship with yourself first so that you can walk in the world more authentically.
(916) 545-6503 View (916) 545-6503
Photo of Veronica Hagen, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Veronica Hagen
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Are you seeking a trauma-informed therapist who will show up authentically, listen without judgment, and extend compassion? Do you feel alone and like no one understands? I welcome you with compassionate curiosity, empathy, and kindness. I believe all clients have their own intuitive wisdom, but when we experience traumatic life experiences, we disconnect from ourselves and others for protection. Healing involves reconnection. A big part of this healing involves grief work. I support and guide clients as they grieve, heal, reconnect, and learn to trust the intuition that has always been there.
Are you seeking a trauma-informed therapist who will show up authentically, listen without judgment, and extend compassion? Do you feel alone and like no one understands? I welcome you with compassionate curiosity, empathy, and kindness. I believe all clients have their own intuitive wisdom, but when we experience traumatic life experiences, we disconnect from ourselves and others for protection. Healing involves reconnection. A big part of this healing involves grief work. I support and guide clients as they grieve, heal, reconnect, and learn to trust the intuition that has always been there.
(916) 794-3747 View (916) 794-3747
Photo of Karen Sackheim - Karen Sackheim , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen Sackheim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628  (Online Only)
Tired of your inner critic running the show? Of the negative experiences from your past creeping their way into your present? It's time to take back control from those internalized negative messages and the story you’ve come to believe about yourself. Let's rewrite that story, starting now. I'm passionate about accompanying people on their healing & empowerment journeys. With a compassion-first approach, I specialize in providing support to those dealing with trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, as well as those confronting a new diagnosis or rebuilding their self-esteem after years of subscribing to self-limiting beliefs.
Tired of your inner critic running the show? Of the negative experiences from your past creeping their way into your present? It's time to take back control from those internalized negative messages and the story you’ve come to believe about yourself. Let's rewrite that story, starting now. I'm passionate about accompanying people on their healing & empowerment journeys. With a compassion-first approach, I specialize in providing support to those dealing with trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, as well as those confronting a new diagnosis or rebuilding their self-esteem after years of subscribing to self-limiting beliefs.
(916) 926-0662 View (916) 926-0662
Photo of Kenny J Hill Sr, CADC 3, IS, CPT, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Kenny J Hill Sr
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC 3, IS, CPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Trauma: Trauma is part of the human condition, and past trauma will drive future behavioral choices. We will work on the trauma that is causing poor symptomology. Brainspotting is cutting-edge trauma treatment can speed up the healing process, so that life's previous experiences can stop controlling your present negative actions. (See https://www.recoveryhill.info/brainspotting-trauma-therapy to find out more). The act of researching for help makes the correct assumption that your life matters! My practice, Recovery Hill, specializes with Trauma & Substance Abuse, from adolescents to seniors, all genders, Vets & First Responders.
Trauma: Trauma is part of the human condition, and past trauma will drive future behavioral choices. We will work on the trauma that is causing poor symptomology. Brainspotting is cutting-edge trauma treatment can speed up the healing process, so that life's previous experiences can stop controlling your present negative actions. (See https://www.recoveryhill.info/brainspotting-trauma-therapy to find out more). The act of researching for help makes the correct assumption that your life matters! My practice, Recovery Hill, specializes with Trauma & Substance Abuse, from adolescents to seniors, all genders, Vets & First Responders.
(916) 721-2247 View (916) 721-2247
Photo of Candace Childers, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Candace Childers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Wouldn’t it be nice if life felt like taking a well-traveled path – full of signs, directions and even tour guides to help us when we get lost? For many of us, life does not feel that way; it can even feel like we took a wrong turn along the way, and suddenly we are on a cliff-edged trail that is getting narrower and narrower. When we experience chronic stress – whether it be from trauma, relational issues, anxiety, depression or even sensitivity – life can feel hard. As pressure mounts, we can find ourselves reacting to daily experiences through outbursts of emotion, impulsivity, agitation or even numbing out.
Wouldn’t it be nice if life felt like taking a well-traveled path – full of signs, directions and even tour guides to help us when we get lost? For many of us, life does not feel that way; it can even feel like we took a wrong turn along the way, and suddenly we are on a cliff-edged trail that is getting narrower and narrower. When we experience chronic stress – whether it be from trauma, relational issues, anxiety, depression or even sensitivity – life can feel hard. As pressure mounts, we can find ourselves reacting to daily experiences through outbursts of emotion, impulsivity, agitation or even numbing out.
(916) 602-4903 View (916) 602-4903
Photo of Ruth Cohn, PsyD, Psychologist
Ruth Cohn
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I don't have a specific client that is "ideal" as every client has their own unique history and backstory. I definitely look forward to meeting with people who are interested in self-growth but I also enjoy helping people get to the point to where the may be ready to work on their self-growth. If you are reading this, you would probably be the ideal client since you have taken the first step in just having that thought in your head about maybe it is time to give yourself the love you give to others and focusing on yourself.
I don't have a specific client that is "ideal" as every client has their own unique history and backstory. I definitely look forward to meeting with people who are interested in self-growth but I also enjoy helping people get to the point to where the may be ready to work on their self-growth. If you are reading this, you would probably be the ideal client since you have taken the first step in just having that thought in your head about maybe it is time to give yourself the love you give to others and focusing on yourself.
(916) 269-4853 View (916) 269-4853
Photo of Angela Luna J.d. Lmft, MFT, JD, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Angela Luna J.d. Lmft
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, JD, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
If you're seeking a compassionate guide to heal from childhood trauma, you're in the right place! As a LatinX therapist with 14+ years of experience, I've seen the transformative power of healing deep wounds. Maybe you've done inner work, but still struggle to uncover the source of your pain, leaving you feeling self-critical, anxious, and uncertain. You're not alone! Generational trauma can leave a legacy of self-doubt and unworthiness. But by exploring your trauma story, identity, and culture, we can rewire negative patterns, rebuild self-trust, and unlock your true essence. Embracing your authentic self is a journey worth taking!
If you're seeking a compassionate guide to heal from childhood trauma, you're in the right place! As a LatinX therapist with 14+ years of experience, I've seen the transformative power of healing deep wounds. Maybe you've done inner work, but still struggle to uncover the source of your pain, leaving you feeling self-critical, anxious, and uncertain. You're not alone! Generational trauma can leave a legacy of self-doubt and unworthiness. But by exploring your trauma story, identity, and culture, we can rewire negative patterns, rebuild self-trust, and unlock your true essence. Embracing your authentic self is a journey worth taking!
(510) 992-3492 View (510) 992-3492
Photo of Olivia Wingate, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Olivia Wingate
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Are you feeling stuck and not sure where to turn? Do you long for a life that is meaningful, in line with your values, and filled with satisfying relationships? Therapy can help clients gain insight and the tools necessary to move through pain, build resiliency, and cultivate a flourishing life. I work with children, adolescents, adults, elders, couples, families, and groups. My areas of interest include premarital counseling, couples therapy, anxiety and depression related disorders, processing grief and loss, and working with individuals in seasons of life transition.
Are you feeling stuck and not sure where to turn? Do you long for a life that is meaningful, in line with your values, and filled with satisfying relationships? Therapy can help clients gain insight and the tools necessary to move through pain, build resiliency, and cultivate a flourishing life. I work with children, adolescents, adults, elders, couples, families, and groups. My areas of interest include premarital counseling, couples therapy, anxiety and depression related disorders, processing grief and loss, and working with individuals in seasons of life transition.
(530) 688-6749 View (530) 688-6749
Photo of Helene E Goble - Helene E Goble, MFT, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Helene E Goble, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Helping people struggling with ADHD and trauma is my passion. I see ADHD as a different way to see and learn, not necessarily a "disorder." I enjoy working with clients who are ready to find ways to increase their quality of life. Another focus of treatment is exploring unresolved trauma that impacts functioning. It's amazing how processing these events changes the way you react to stress. The difference is processing from the mid brain. Brainspotting is used to accomplish this necessary part of healing. It literally speeds up therapy. Let's talk and decide if it can help.
Helping people struggling with ADHD and trauma is my passion. I see ADHD as a different way to see and learn, not necessarily a "disorder." I enjoy working with clients who are ready to find ways to increase their quality of life. Another focus of treatment is exploring unresolved trauma that impacts functioning. It's amazing how processing these events changes the way you react to stress. The difference is processing from the mid brain. Brainspotting is used to accomplish this necessary part of healing. It literally speeds up therapy. Let's talk and decide if it can help.
(916) 472-0858 View (916) 472-0858
Photo of Linda Carlos, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Linda Carlos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I meet with clients at my offices in Elk Grove and Gold River. I specialize in couples, singles and individual counseling of adults. I address issues from trauma & abuse recovery to relationships to anxiety, depression, grief and loss. A key resource in recovery from traumatic events involves strengthening our ability to attach to ourselves and others in a way that soothes and calms our nervous systems and grounds us, based on the latest neurological research and evidence-based techniques. This therapy can be much more effective and require a shorter duration of treatment than traditional talk therapy.
I meet with clients at my offices in Elk Grove and Gold River. I specialize in couples, singles and individual counseling of adults. I address issues from trauma & abuse recovery to relationships to anxiety, depression, grief and loss. A key resource in recovery from traumatic events involves strengthening our ability to attach to ourselves and others in a way that soothes and calms our nervous systems and grounds us, based on the latest neurological research and evidence-based techniques. This therapy can be much more effective and require a shorter duration of treatment than traditional talk therapy.
(916) 251-9904 View (916) 251-9904
Photo of Tracey Peterson, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Tracey Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
I am here to really see and understand what you are going through. With compassion, I offer a safe space to talk about whatever is going on for you. Together we can explore the challenges you are experiencing, how you are coping, and find new ways to move forward, so you can begin to feel better. It can feel so overwhelming to manage daily anxiety, try to get out of bed while living with depression, or cope with past pain that persists in the present. This is where I come in, to be with you in these times, to listen, understand, and come up with resolutions that fit for you.
I am here to really see and understand what you are going through. With compassion, I offer a safe space to talk about whatever is going on for you. Together we can explore the challenges you are experiencing, how you are coping, and find new ways to move forward, so you can begin to feel better. It can feel so overwhelming to manage daily anxiety, try to get out of bed while living with depression, or cope with past pain that persists in the present. This is where I come in, to be with you in these times, to listen, understand, and come up with resolutions that fit for you.
(916) 282-7823 View (916) 282-7823
Photo of Theresa Inslee, MS, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Theresa Inslee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628  (Online Only)
If you’re here, you’re considering making some changes in your life, and I’m glad you’re exploring your options for feeling better. Many of the people I work with often feel worried, sad, overwhelmed, stressed, or navigating grief from a major loss. Others generally feel stuck in old patterns and struggle with challenging relationships. Feeling uncomfortable with the status quo and wanting to improve one's quality of life are common themes that bring people to my office. I’m a therapist with over a decade of experience providing therapy to a wide variety of clients seeking support and clarity.
If you’re here, you’re considering making some changes in your life, and I’m glad you’re exploring your options for feeling better. Many of the people I work with often feel worried, sad, overwhelmed, stressed, or navigating grief from a major loss. Others generally feel stuck in old patterns and struggle with challenging relationships. Feeling uncomfortable with the status quo and wanting to improve one's quality of life are common themes that bring people to my office. I’m a therapist with over a decade of experience providing therapy to a wide variety of clients seeking support and clarity.
(916) 545-6316 View (916) 545-6316
Photo of Barbara Eggenberger, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Barbara Eggenberger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628  (Online Only)
If you struggle with chronic issues and have tried other therapists and are still struggling, I may be the therapist for you. I am a specialist in accessing early trauma and clearing it through the use of brain-based therapies such as EMDR and Brainspotting. I am certified in Brainspotting and Systemic Family Constellations and trained in EMDR I/II. I combine these three methods plus my natural empathic abilities to access blockages and clear them. You will feel immediately better!
If you struggle with chronic issues and have tried other therapists and are still struggling, I may be the therapist for you. I am a specialist in accessing early trauma and clearing it through the use of brain-based therapies such as EMDR and Brainspotting. I am certified in Brainspotting and Systemic Family Constellations and trained in EMDR I/II. I combine these three methods plus my natural empathic abilities to access blockages and clear them. You will feel immediately better!
(916) 571-9297 View (916) 571-9297
Photo of Rachel Hickey, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Rachel Hickey
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
It takes a huge amount of courage to take the step towards coming to therapy. Life can be incredibly overwhelming, exhausting and overstimulating in both good experiences and hard experiences. I find it a true privilege to walk alongside clients in their journey as they find healing and relief from painful emotions and trauma that have been weighing them down. I have come to learn that when people feel seen and heard, they can open their hearts to receive and give love to those around them. It brings me deep joy to provide counseling services to my clients. My hope is that you will feel safe in our sessions together.
It takes a huge amount of courage to take the step towards coming to therapy. Life can be incredibly overwhelming, exhausting and overstimulating in both good experiences and hard experiences. I find it a true privilege to walk alongside clients in their journey as they find healing and relief from painful emotions and trauma that have been weighing them down. I have come to learn that when people feel seen and heard, they can open their hearts to receive and give love to those around them. It brings me deep joy to provide counseling services to my clients. My hope is that you will feel safe in our sessions together.
(530) 420-8184 View (530) 420-8184
Photo of Relational Therapy For Individuals And Couples -Ellen Garavatti, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Relational Therapy For Individuals And Couples -Ellen Garavatti
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Fair Oaks, CA 95628  (Online Only)
Are you tired of feeling like you're on opposite sides of a chasm from your partner? Do you find yourself yearning for that elusive sense of understanding and closeness? I know how it feels to crave connection but struggle to find it amidst the chaos of everyday life. That's what brings me to the therapist chair – to offer a haven where you can finally experience the deep connection and clarity you've been longing for. Imagine waking up each day feeling truly seen and understood by your partner, knowing that you're both on the same team, supporting each other through life's challenges. This is the reality I want to help you create.
Are you tired of feeling like you're on opposite sides of a chasm from your partner? Do you find yourself yearning for that elusive sense of understanding and closeness? I know how it feels to crave connection but struggle to find it amidst the chaos of everyday life. That's what brings me to the therapist chair – to offer a haven where you can finally experience the deep connection and clarity you've been longing for. Imagine waking up each day feeling truly seen and understood by your partner, knowing that you're both on the same team, supporting each other through life's challenges. This is the reality I want to help you create.
(530) 296-3355 View (530) 296-3355
Photo of Mare Brooks-Motl, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Mare Brooks-Motl
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
Not accepting new clients
Having trained in NLP, EMDR, DBT and Somatic therapies, utilizing these interchangeably.
I am a strength based holistic integrative therapist. I specialize in assisting people realize their full potential far past any diagnosis they have ever been given or heard from a provider in the past. My ideal client is someone who is ready to move past their own limits and are looking for deeper meaning within their own psychology. I work well with motivated clients who have experienced trauma, anxiety and/or are depressed and looking for someone to assist in helping them in believing they can become more than their past and their suffering. Unchanging labels harm everyone, let's challenge them together.
Having trained in NLP, EMDR, DBT and Somatic therapies, utilizing these interchangeably.
I am a strength based holistic integrative therapist. I specialize in assisting people realize their full potential far past any diagnosis they have ever been given or heard from a provider in the past. My ideal client is someone who is ready to move past their own limits and are looking for deeper meaning within their own psychology. I work well with motivated clients who have experienced trauma, anxiety and/or are depressed and looking for someone to assist in helping them in believing they can become more than their past and their suffering. Unchanging labels harm everyone, let's challenge them together.
(916) 827-3785 View (916) 827-3785
1
Somatic Therapists

How does somatic therapy work?

Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.

Is EMDR a somatic therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.

Is somatic therapy evidence-based?

Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.

What is somatic trauma therapy?

Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.