Somatic Therapists in Richfield, MN

Photo of Ann L. P. Steely, MSW, LICSW, LADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ann L. P. Steely
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richfield, MN 55423
Waitlist for new clients
I use an integrated psychoanalytic, emotion-focused, and somatic approach to therapy, which focuses on exploring your thoughts, feelings, senses, and behaviors so you can feel more confident, less confused, and more satisfied in your life.
My name is Ann L. P. Steely and I am a clinical social worker and owner of Heartland Psychotherapy. I specialize in working with adolescents/adults in individual and family therapy. My focus in therapy is on my relationship with you, understanding what you need as an individual, and using this understanding to help you find insight into how to make the changes you want to make in your life. Psychotherapy is a process of working together towards healing and change. I will help you understand yourself authentically and find greater ease through the exploration of your emotional experience, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.
I use an integrated psychoanalytic, emotion-focused, and somatic approach to therapy, which focuses on exploring your thoughts, feelings, senses, and behaviors so you can feel more confident, less confused, and more satisfied in your life.
My name is Ann L. P. Steely and I am a clinical social worker and owner of Heartland Psychotherapy. I specialize in working with adolescents/adults in individual and family therapy. My focus in therapy is on my relationship with you, understanding what you need as an individual, and using this understanding to help you find insight into how to make the changes you want to make in your life. Psychotherapy is a process of working together towards healing and change. I will help you understand yourself authentically and find greater ease through the exploration of your emotional experience, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.
(612) 400-8528 View (612) 400-8528
Photo of Lindsay Benson, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Lindsay Benson
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richfield, MN 55423
My favorite quote is by Diane Ackerman, an American Poet, “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.” We could all use some help navigating big events, the roller coaster of life, a high stress career or simply losing sight of who you are. You can learn to be resilient, recovered and refreshed. The body/brain that takes over can be understood and rebalanced. We can learn to understand and navigate it together.
My favorite quote is by Diane Ackerman, an American Poet, “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.” We could all use some help navigating big events, the roller coaster of life, a high stress career or simply losing sight of who you are. You can learn to be resilient, recovered and refreshed. The body/brain that takes over can be understood and rebalanced. We can learn to understand and navigate it together.
(651) 362-1610 View (651) 362-1610
Photo of Amanda Suncire-Nerison, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Suncire-Nerison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richfield, MN 55423
In the midst of life's storm, finding solace and healing is not just a distant dream – it's an achievable reality. If you're grappling with the heavy weight of depression, the relentless grip of anxiety, or the lingering echoes of past traumas, please know that you're not alone. Together, we can navigate the labyrinth of emotions, working hand in hand to bring back the light that depression has dimmed. Let's uncover the roots of your anxiety and cultivate tools to regain control over your thoughts. And as we address the scars left by trauma, we'll embark on a journey towards reclaiming your power and rewriting your story.
In the midst of life's storm, finding solace and healing is not just a distant dream – it's an achievable reality. If you're grappling with the heavy weight of depression, the relentless grip of anxiety, or the lingering echoes of past traumas, please know that you're not alone. Together, we can navigate the labyrinth of emotions, working hand in hand to bring back the light that depression has dimmed. Let's uncover the roots of your anxiety and cultivate tools to regain control over your thoughts. And as we address the scars left by trauma, we'll embark on a journey towards reclaiming your power and rewriting your story.
(507) 564-3644 View (507) 564-3644
Photo of Maura McDonald, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Maura McDonald
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richfield, MN 55423
Are you struggling with how fast, complex and overwhelming life can feel? You’re not alone! A lot of folks I see are struggling with anxiety, nervous system dysregulation, perfectionism, trauma or internalized ableism. This can often lead to burnout and struggles with coping.
Are you struggling with how fast, complex and overwhelming life can feel? You’re not alone! A lot of folks I see are struggling with anxiety, nervous system dysregulation, perfectionism, trauma or internalized ableism. This can often lead to burnout and struggles with coping.
(952) 260-4041 View (952) 260-4041
Photo of Rebecca Roepke, MA, MSW, LICSW, CATP, RYT-500, EAGALA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rebecca Roepke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LICSW, CATP, RYT-500, EAGALA
Verified Verified
Richfield, MN 55423
Unleash your inner mermaid. Like a mermaid, you were born wondrous and whole, with awe-inspiring potential. Perhaps, like her, trauma hides your power, voice, and sense of magic; tries to cut you off from true self, body, community, and nature’s rhythms; tells oppressive stories that serve to keep you “in your place,” lost, lonely, ashamed, fearful, unfulfilled, or hating your body. The mermaid reclaims her birthright and returns to her community– stronger and more magnificent than ever. You, too, can lay that colonizing fear “am I enough?” in its watery grave, re-discover your voice, step into your wild power, and trust yourself.
Unleash your inner mermaid. Like a mermaid, you were born wondrous and whole, with awe-inspiring potential. Perhaps, like her, trauma hides your power, voice, and sense of magic; tries to cut you off from true self, body, community, and nature’s rhythms; tells oppressive stories that serve to keep you “in your place,” lost, lonely, ashamed, fearful, unfulfilled, or hating your body. The mermaid reclaims her birthright and returns to her community– stronger and more magnificent than ever. You, too, can lay that colonizing fear “am I enough?” in its watery grave, re-discover your voice, step into your wild power, and trust yourself.
(651) 409-3751 View (651) 409-3751
Photo of Jay Theisen - Canvas Health, Bloomington, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Canvas Health, Bloomington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Richfield, MN 55423
All Are Welcome at our Bloomington mental health clinic. We believe that getting help is taking a bold step towards getting what you need, and getting "unstuck" from the things that are holding you back. Our Bloomington clinicians use a variety of therapeutic approaches, adapting and customizing all of the possible tools for each unique client to build upon your innate strengths.
All Are Welcome at our Bloomington mental health clinic. We believe that getting help is taking a bold step towards getting what you need, and getting "unstuck" from the things that are holding you back. Our Bloomington clinicians use a variety of therapeutic approaches, adapting and customizing all of the possible tools for each unique client to build upon your innate strengths.
(612) 800-0458 View (612) 800-0458
Photo of Brittany Clapshaw, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Brittany Clapshaw
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richfield, MN 55423
Not accepting new clients
Is your child or adolescent struggling? Maybe a recent divorce, life transition, or addiction in the family has brought out some behaviors that are concerning to you. While I also work with couples, my primary focus is kids and teenagers that need some support or help working through a traumatic event. Often children show symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma differently than adults do, but noticing a behavioral change in your child and getting them support right away can make all the difference.
Is your child or adolescent struggling? Maybe a recent divorce, life transition, or addiction in the family has brought out some behaviors that are concerning to you. While I also work with couples, my primary focus is kids and teenagers that need some support or help working through a traumatic event. Often children show symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma differently than adults do, but noticing a behavioral change in your child and getting them support right away can make all the difference.
(855) 977-0896 View (855) 977-0896

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Mollie Newhouse - Mollie Newhouse, PsyD, LP, PsyD, LP, Psychologist
Mollie Newhouse, PsyD, LP
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomington, MN 55431
I also can incorporate somatic work into my therapeutic approach.
Accepting residents of MN. Do you often feel misunderstood, scared, stuck, unheard, or like you don't matter? Sometimes life experiences have us feeling like we are constantly struggling or fighting to survive. Maybe you feel like it's difficult to connect with others or even find it difficult to love yourself. This can leave you feeling lonely and unsure of the future, possibly even unsure if you can trust anyone to understand your struggles. I have interest in helping those who struggle with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief, and psychological trauma.
I also can incorporate somatic work into my therapeutic approach.
Accepting residents of MN. Do you often feel misunderstood, scared, stuck, unheard, or like you don't matter? Sometimes life experiences have us feeling like we are constantly struggling or fighting to survive. Maybe you feel like it's difficult to connect with others or even find it difficult to love yourself. This can leave you feeling lonely and unsure of the future, possibly even unsure if you can trust anyone to understand your struggles. I have interest in helping those who struggle with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief, and psychological trauma.
(651) 240-2660 View (651) 240-2660
Photo of Kiel Walters, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kiel Walters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bloomington, MN 55431
Waitlist for new clients
I offer EMDR, along with drawing from cognitive-behavioral, somatic, ACT, IFS, and solution-focused approaches to foster deep therapeutic work.
I look forward to engaging in an open dialogue with you, offering perspective, and providing support as you take steps toward positive life change. I have extensive experience treating clients suffering from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, and relationship difficulties, and refine my therapeutic approach to each individual's needs. This means helping clients develop coping skills and change behaviors, connecting with teenagers, providing parent guidance, facilitating communication among families, and guiding processing to find resolution and relieve suffering.
I offer EMDR, along with drawing from cognitive-behavioral, somatic, ACT, IFS, and solution-focused approaches to foster deep therapeutic work.
I look forward to engaging in an open dialogue with you, offering perspective, and providing support as you take steps toward positive life change. I have extensive experience treating clients suffering from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, and relationship difficulties, and refine my therapeutic approach to each individual's needs. This means helping clients develop coping skills and change behaviors, connecting with teenagers, providing parent guidance, facilitating communication among families, and guiding processing to find resolution and relieve suffering.
(612) 260-1537 View (612) 260-1537
Photo of Thomas R Tucker - Thomas R. Tucker, MSW, PhD, LICSW, MSW, PhD, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Thomas R. Tucker, MSW, PhD, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, PhD, LICSW
Verified Verified
Edina, MN 55439  (Online Only)
Effective treatment requires strategies that target the cognitive, emotional and somatic aspects of experience.
Incidents from your past may interfere with your present life. A moment may trigger vivid memories, painful feelings, and intrusive negative thoughts. Your coping strategies may seem insufficient, and at times you may feel stuck with intense emotions and rumination. My specialty is helping people to heal from the impact of past adversity and trauma. I believe that everyone has within them innate capacities to heal and grow, and to discover and develop their inner strengths and wisdom. I have advanced training and expertise in evidence-based methods (EMDR, DBT, and Somatic Therapy) that can help you to recover from the past.
Effective treatment requires strategies that target the cognitive, emotional and somatic aspects of experience.
Incidents from your past may interfere with your present life. A moment may trigger vivid memories, painful feelings, and intrusive negative thoughts. Your coping strategies may seem insufficient, and at times you may feel stuck with intense emotions and rumination. My specialty is helping people to heal from the impact of past adversity and trauma. I believe that everyone has within them innate capacities to heal and grow, and to discover and develop their inner strengths and wisdom. I have advanced training and expertise in evidence-based methods (EMDR, DBT, and Somatic Therapy) that can help you to recover from the past.
(952) 592-2368 View (952) 592-2368
Photo of Quinn Maroney-Hernandez, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Quinn Maroney-Hernandez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55423
) which is an eye movement therapy that promotes rapid emotional and somatic (physical) healing of stress and trauma in 1-5 sessions.
Expertise: I work with women and non-binary folks age 14-65 who are looking for a space to explore how their lives, experiences, & behaviors shape their understanding and authentic needs. I specialize in ADHD/ neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, and couples looking to reduce conflict and increase friendship.
) which is an eye movement therapy that promotes rapid emotional and somatic (physical) healing of stress and trauma in 1-5 sessions.
Expertise: I work with women and non-binary folks age 14-65 who are looking for a space to explore how their lives, experiences, & behaviors shape their understanding and authentic needs. I specialize in ADHD/ neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, and couples looking to reduce conflict and increase friendship.
(952) 522-6038 View (952) 522-6038
Photo of Kelly Fern, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kelly Fern
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55419
I love working with people who are ready to work to grow. Being in therapy takes courage, and it takes commitment to growth. While I meet my clients where they are, I love encouraging growth at the same time. I use a somatic whole-body and mind approach. I believe people are incredibly resilient when they feel supported and safe enough to express their feelings, thoughts, sensations, meaning making, and to be themselves.
I love working with people who are ready to work to grow. Being in therapy takes courage, and it takes commitment to growth. While I meet my clients where they are, I love encouraging growth at the same time. I use a somatic whole-body and mind approach. I believe people are incredibly resilient when they feel supported and safe enough to express their feelings, thoughts, sensations, meaning making, and to be themselves.
(763) 452-9132 View (763) 452-9132
Photo of Brooke Keilholtz, PhD, LAMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Brooke Keilholtz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, PhD, LAMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Edina, MN 55439
I use aspects of Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing.
Feeling disconnect from yourself or others? Aware of the patterns that aren't serving you but having difficulty disengaging from them? Wanting to make changes but unsure of where to start? We may be fit. In my approach, we will work to understand how previous experiences shape your current reality, and give space to consider alternative and more authentic ways of living. Together we will sit with and process the difficult, celebrate good, and honor growth. We will promote the attunement and connection you have with yourself and others, and build the coping and interpersonal skills it takes to live a regulated and value driven life.
I use aspects of Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing.
Feeling disconnect from yourself or others? Aware of the patterns that aren't serving you but having difficulty disengaging from them? Wanting to make changes but unsure of where to start? We may be fit. In my approach, we will work to understand how previous experiences shape your current reality, and give space to consider alternative and more authentic ways of living. Together we will sit with and process the difficult, celebrate good, and honor growth. We will promote the attunement and connection you have with yourself and others, and build the coping and interpersonal skills it takes to live a regulated and value driven life.
(612) 887-3416 View (612) 887-3416
Photo of Kristine Lynn Martin, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Kristine Lynn Martin
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Bloomington, MN 55431
I am trained as a somatic, energetic, intuitive therapist.
During this unprecedented time in our lives I provide compassionate guidance to clients seeking support and hopefulness as we collectively deconstruct old paradigms, while creating new ways of understanding ourselves and each other. I believe we are emerging into a new era of letting go of what no longer serves us, negative beliefs about ourselves, fear based thinking and scarcity mindset of the "self" as not enough. This moment in time, we have the opportunity to to heal and learn to love ourselves and cultivate empowered life affirming beliefs.
I am trained as a somatic, energetic, intuitive therapist.
During this unprecedented time in our lives I provide compassionate guidance to clients seeking support and hopefulness as we collectively deconstruct old paradigms, while creating new ways of understanding ourselves and each other. I believe we are emerging into a new era of letting go of what no longer serves us, negative beliefs about ourselves, fear based thinking and scarcity mindset of the "self" as not enough. This moment in time, we have the opportunity to to heal and learn to love ourselves and cultivate empowered life affirming beliefs.
(612) 255-6589 View (612) 255-6589
Photo of Nikki Wachlarowicz, LGSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nikki Wachlarowicz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55407
My understanding of attachment, inherited family trauma, and somatic healing inform my holistic approach, and is grounded in understanding the importance of relationships.
Life lately has presented us with many unexpected obstacles. Stress levels are at an all-time high. Yet, for many, it’s also been a time of reflection. Have you been feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Are you navigating loss, a major life transition, or wanting to address some unresolved trauma? Perhaps you’re a person of color or navigating mixed identities and are looking for a therapist who can relate. Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time or looking for something new, I can help. My role as a psychotherapist is to accompany people on their courageous journeys of healing, discovery, and self-expression.
My understanding of attachment, inherited family trauma, and somatic healing inform my holistic approach, and is grounded in understanding the importance of relationships.
Life lately has presented us with many unexpected obstacles. Stress levels are at an all-time high. Yet, for many, it’s also been a time of reflection. Have you been feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Are you navigating loss, a major life transition, or wanting to address some unresolved trauma? Perhaps you’re a person of color or navigating mixed identities and are looking for a therapist who can relate. Whether you’re seeking therapy for the first time or looking for something new, I can help. My role as a psychotherapist is to accompany people on their courageous journeys of healing, discovery, and self-expression.
(612) 662-6524 View (612) 662-6524
Photo of Mariya Javed-Payne, MSW, LICSW, LADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mariya Javed-Payne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LADC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Bloomington, MN 55420
Waitlist for new clients
Hi! I'm so glad you found my page. I'm a licensed therapist that specializes in trauma, addiction, and ketamine assisted psychotherapy. Clients work with me to engage in deeper, somatic psychotherapy to free themselves from complex traumas, addictions, burdens, and problems that they've not been able to resolve on their own. Those struggling with PTSD, addictions, identity issues, depression, anxiety, or those who have done lots of therapy without achieving the results they want may benefit from the trauma healing intensives that I do. This setting allows us to get to the core of your issues without the limits of a one hour session.
Hi! I'm so glad you found my page. I'm a licensed therapist that specializes in trauma, addiction, and ketamine assisted psychotherapy. Clients work with me to engage in deeper, somatic psychotherapy to free themselves from complex traumas, addictions, burdens, and problems that they've not been able to resolve on their own. Those struggling with PTSD, addictions, identity issues, depression, anxiety, or those who have done lots of therapy without achieving the results they want may benefit from the trauma healing intensives that I do. This setting allows us to get to the core of your issues without the limits of a one hour session.
(952) 209-3257 View (952) 209-3257
Photo of Vanessa Marr, PhD, LICSW, LMSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vanessa Marr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LICSW, LMSW-C
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55419  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Thank you for being here and for taking this bold move toward your healing. As a somatic therapist, I practice from a holistic and trauma-informed perspective to connect mind, body, and soul. As one who values justice, I am aware of how environmental and societal factors impact our health. I meet people where they are, especially those coping with anxiety, shame, complex PTSD, life transitions, chronic stress, relationship challenges, and grief. Our work involves exploring where you have been and supporting the resilient person you desire to become. I'm deeply honored to work with those from BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ communities.
Thank you for being here and for taking this bold move toward your healing. As a somatic therapist, I practice from a holistic and trauma-informed perspective to connect mind, body, and soul. As one who values justice, I am aware of how environmental and societal factors impact our health. I meet people where they are, especially those coping with anxiety, shame, complex PTSD, life transitions, chronic stress, relationship challenges, and grief. Our work involves exploring where you have been and supporting the resilient person you desire to become. I'm deeply honored to work with those from BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ communities.
(763) 373-4975 View (763) 373-4975
Photo of Laurel Severns Guntzel, MA, LPCC
Laurel Severns Guntzel
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55419
I use somatic, cognitive, and mindfulness-based approaches including EMDR and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy.
You are smart, capable, introspective—and feeling stuck or struggling in some important area of your life. Perhaps you are a high performer in certain contexts, but seem to shut down or get counter-productive in others. Perhaps there is a painful or traumatic past experience that you need to process (even if it seems like you should have "gotten over it" by now). Maybe you are the person everyone leans on, but you're lacking adequate support for yourself.
I use somatic, cognitive, and mindfulness-based approaches including EMDR and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy.
You are smart, capable, introspective—and feeling stuck or struggling in some important area of your life. Perhaps you are a high performer in certain contexts, but seem to shut down or get counter-productive in others. Perhaps there is a painful or traumatic past experience that you need to process (even if it seems like you should have "gotten over it" by now). Maybe you are the person everyone leans on, but you're lacking adequate support for yourself.
(612) 448-9424 View (612) 448-9424
Photo of Bryn Hennessy, Pre-Licensed Professional
Bryn Hennessy
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to exploring through conversation, we may use mindfulness, visualization, and somatic awareness in our work, if you choose.
I believe all people have inherent strength, wisdom, and worthiness. Yet sometimes we find ourselves stuck, lost, bereft, or confused. In childhood, we sensibly develop habits that get us through particular circumstances, but sometimes we outgrow those habits and are not sure how else to live. Therapy can help us more fully understand these patterns and learn new ways of being. Through therapy, we can actively choose how we want to live and relate to others.
In addition to exploring through conversation, we may use mindfulness, visualization, and somatic awareness in our work, if you choose.
I believe all people have inherent strength, wisdom, and worthiness. Yet sometimes we find ourselves stuck, lost, bereft, or confused. In childhood, we sensibly develop habits that get us through particular circumstances, but sometimes we outgrow those habits and are not sure how else to live. Therapy can help us more fully understand these patterns and learn new ways of being. Through therapy, we can actively choose how we want to live and relate to others.
(952) 522-2878 View (952) 522-2878
Photo of Jenifer Fennell, PhD
Jenifer Fennell
PhD
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Meaning emerges organically in somatic work and your stories reveal previously hidden truths.
We all feel stuck or anxious or hopeless sometimes, but when the feelings take over your life, you're probably dealing with unresolved trauma. Trauma involves system overwhelm - something that was too much, too fast, or happened when you were too young to cope. Left unaddressed, it undermines your sense of safety and wellbeing and hijacks your nervous system. Talk therapies address the story-telling mind, which can be an important aspect of healing, but we need to work with trauma where it lives: in the body and often outside of conscious awareness. If you've tried traditional therapy and it didn't really work, this might be why.
Meaning emerges organically in somatic work and your stories reveal previously hidden truths.
We all feel stuck or anxious or hopeless sometimes, but when the feelings take over your life, you're probably dealing with unresolved trauma. Trauma involves system overwhelm - something that was too much, too fast, or happened when you were too young to cope. Left unaddressed, it undermines your sense of safety and wellbeing and hijacks your nervous system. Talk therapies address the story-telling mind, which can be an important aspect of healing, but we need to work with trauma where it lives: in the body and often outside of conscious awareness. If you've tried traditional therapy and it didn't really work, this might be why.
(952) 234-8845 View (952) 234-8845

See more therapy options for Richfield

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.