Somatic Therapists in Roanoke City County, VA

Photo of Emily Webb Olsen, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emily Webb Olsen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24013
Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and deep level healing? I utilize somatic therapy and trauma therapy approaches that helps you recognize our deep connection between the body and mind, offering you a holistic path to emotional well-being. I am committed to creating a safe and empathetic space where you can explore your experiences, uncover your strengths, and build a foundation for lasting transformation. I enjoy working with other mental health professionals and teachers, and I offer sliding scale for those who are just starting their profession.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and deep level healing? I utilize somatic therapy and trauma therapy approaches that helps you recognize our deep connection between the body and mind, offering you a holistic path to emotional well-being. I am committed to creating a safe and empathetic space where you can explore your experiences, uncover your strengths, and build a foundation for lasting transformation. I enjoy working with other mental health professionals and teachers, and I offer sliding scale for those who are just starting their profession.
(540) 235-5664 View (540) 235-5664
Photo of Muriel Vinson, MA, AMFT, QMHP
Muriel Vinson
MA, AMFT, QMHP
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24013
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in somatic psychotherapy, utilizing a liberatory and systems framework to provide accessible, culturally relevant, and effective mental health services that fosters healing, an integrated sense of self, and overall wellness to people across age, gender, ability, race, religion, socioeconomic status, and sexual identity.
We are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we are not good enough, we are the problem, or we're not doing enough. This leads many feeling anxious, defeated, worthless and burnt out. I'm here to remind and show you that you are worthy of care, you are worthy of feeling seen and heard, and you are worthy of feeling understood. During therapy, I facilitate a deeper understanding of self, allowing you to identify behavioral and decision-making patterns that contribute to dis-ease and dis-function in your life. You can't hit a target you don't have. Let's identify opportunities for positive change for wellbeing and freedom.
I specialize in somatic psychotherapy, utilizing a liberatory and systems framework to provide accessible, culturally relevant, and effective mental health services that fosters healing, an integrated sense of self, and overall wellness to people across age, gender, ability, race, religion, socioeconomic status, and sexual identity.
We are constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we are not good enough, we are the problem, or we're not doing enough. This leads many feeling anxious, defeated, worthless and burnt out. I'm here to remind and show you that you are worthy of care, you are worthy of feeling seen and heard, and you are worthy of feeling understood. During therapy, I facilitate a deeper understanding of self, allowing you to identify behavioral and decision-making patterns that contribute to dis-ease and dis-function in your life. You can't hit a target you don't have. Let's identify opportunities for positive change for wellbeing and freedom.
(540) 502-3950 View (540) 502-3950
Photo of Caitlin Dallas, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Caitlin Dallas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24016
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be heartbreakingly difficult, and progress is often nonlinear – however, I am here to walk with you on your path to healing. I believe that everyone is capable of change and that change happens through the collaboration between client and counselor. I am honored to be a part of your journey. Often we experience a disconnect between our mind and our bodies. I use mindfulness and somatic techniques to help you reconnect and take steps to return to wholeness.
Life can be heartbreakingly difficult, and progress is often nonlinear – however, I am here to walk with you on your path to healing. I believe that everyone is capable of change and that change happens through the collaboration between client and counselor. I am honored to be a part of your journey. Often we experience a disconnect between our mind and our bodies. I use mindfulness and somatic techniques to help you reconnect and take steps to return to wholeness.
(540) 264-3837 View (540) 264-3837
Photo of Andrea S Reynolds, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea S Reynolds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24014
I earned my Master of Social Work from Radford University and I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and several therapeutic approaches including but not limited to Somatic Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Hi, my name is Andrea Reynolds (LCSW) and I practice from a Trauma-Informed perspective. I am licensed in the states of Virginia and North Carolina. I currently reside in southwest Virginia, I own and operate my private practice, Journey thru Counseling & Wellness, LLC, where I offer in-person and remote clinical services for individuals, couples, and groups in both states. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and on my yoga mat. I am a Registered Yoga Instructor (RYT-200) with Yoga Alliance and enjoy sharing the benefits of mindfulness in both my personal and professional communities.
I earned my Master of Social Work from Radford University and I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and several therapeutic approaches including but not limited to Somatic Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Hi, my name is Andrea Reynolds (LCSW) and I practice from a Trauma-Informed perspective. I am licensed in the states of Virginia and North Carolina. I currently reside in southwest Virginia, I own and operate my private practice, Journey thru Counseling & Wellness, LLC, where I offer in-person and remote clinical services for individuals, couples, and groups in both states. In my free time, I love spending time with my family and on my yoga mat. I am a Registered Yoga Instructor (RYT-200) with Yoga Alliance and enjoy sharing the benefits of mindfulness in both my personal and professional communities.
(540) 701-5092 View (540) 701-5092
Photo of Megan Massett, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Megan Massett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24016
According to Charles Swindoll, “Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.” This quotation implies that "responding" to life is easy, doesn't it? But the truth is, life can be messy, and navigating its ups and downs can be HARD. Having someone to act as a sounding board, teach us how to stay grounded, and support us in shifting our perspective, can be invaluable. Whether working with individuals or couples, I do my best work with adults who feel stuck in their lives, have decided that enough is enough, and are looking for relief, and fast.
According to Charles Swindoll, “Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.” This quotation implies that "responding" to life is easy, doesn't it? But the truth is, life can be messy, and navigating its ups and downs can be HARD. Having someone to act as a sounding board, teach us how to stay grounded, and support us in shifting our perspective, can be invaluable. Whether working with individuals or couples, I do my best work with adults who feel stuck in their lives, have decided that enough is enough, and are looking for relief, and fast.
(540) 900-2849 View (540) 900-2849
Photo of Joanna Nichols, LCSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joanna Nichols
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24015  (Online Only)
I provide therapy to adults who are ready to create profound, lasting change within themselves. Do you identify as a high achiever or a people pleaser? Do you find yourself going from over-working to zoned out and disconnected? Does it feel like no matter how hard you work or how much you do, you never feel good enough? Parts of you want to feel more connected and joyful, while other parts of you keep you distracted and disconnected. I help highly motivated individuals learn to understand themselves and calm the internal conflict inside of them. I'm successful at what I do, and right now you need an expert to guide you.
I provide therapy to adults who are ready to create profound, lasting change within themselves. Do you identify as a high achiever or a people pleaser? Do you find yourself going from over-working to zoned out and disconnected? Does it feel like no matter how hard you work or how much you do, you never feel good enough? Parts of you want to feel more connected and joyful, while other parts of you keep you distracted and disconnected. I help highly motivated individuals learn to understand themselves and calm the internal conflict inside of them. I'm successful at what I do, and right now you need an expert to guide you.
(540) 679-7129 View (540) 679-7129
Photo of Jan Nicholson, EdD, Psychologist
Jan Nicholson
Psychologist, EdD
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24016
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I'm Dr. Jan, a compassionate Harvard-educated psychologist with many years of experience in the integration and healing of mind, body, and spirit. Whether we meet online or in person, my goal is to create a safe nurturing space for you to embark on a journey of discovery, self-awareness, and transformation. In my practice, I offer support to individuals of all ages navigating life's many challenges: to better manage anxiety, stress, and depression related to medical conditions, life transitions, loss, everyday struggles as well as trauma. Many people come to me specifically to pursue personal and spiritual growth.
Welcome! I'm Dr. Jan, a compassionate Harvard-educated psychologist with many years of experience in the integration and healing of mind, body, and spirit. Whether we meet online or in person, my goal is to create a safe nurturing space for you to embark on a journey of discovery, self-awareness, and transformation. In my practice, I offer support to individuals of all ages navigating life's many challenges: to better manage anxiety, stress, and depression related to medical conditions, life transitions, loss, everyday struggles as well as trauma. Many people come to me specifically to pursue personal and spiritual growth.
(540) 506-3713 View (540) 506-3713
Photo of Season Childress, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Season Childress
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24001
Taking new clients for neurofeedback only. If you are interested in pursuing EMDR in 2025, I am happy to put you on my waiting list. If you are wanting more immediate or long term therapy, I can refer you to another practitioner in my practice. Have you had a traumatic incident(s) and still experiencing the symptoms? Are loss of sleep, unexplainable emotions, low self esteem, poor concentration or panic keeping you from enjoying your life? You may be working with a therapist and feel that your brain will just not allow you to implement the strategies. Trauma wires the brain, neurofeedback and EMDR rewire it.
Taking new clients for neurofeedback only. If you are interested in pursuing EMDR in 2025, I am happy to put you on my waiting list. If you are wanting more immediate or long term therapy, I can refer you to another practitioner in my practice. Have you had a traumatic incident(s) and still experiencing the symptoms? Are loss of sleep, unexplainable emotions, low self esteem, poor concentration or panic keeping you from enjoying your life? You may be working with a therapist and feel that your brain will just not allow you to implement the strategies. Trauma wires the brain, neurofeedback and EMDR rewire it.
(540) 328-9526 View (540) 328-9526
Photo of Dawn Cooperstein, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dawn Cooperstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24012  (Online Only)
I offer a nonjudgmental space where people can freely express themselves and begin the journey of self-discovery. My clinical experience has focused on working with those who have experienced trauma. I draw on modern evidence-based interventions and holistic psychotherapy practices to assist folks in reducing symptoms, becoming more present in life, and improving relationships.
I offer a nonjudgmental space where people can freely express themselves and begin the journey of self-discovery. My clinical experience has focused on working with those who have experienced trauma. I draw on modern evidence-based interventions and holistic psychotherapy practices to assist folks in reducing symptoms, becoming more present in life, and improving relationships.
(571) 500-1255 View (571) 500-1255
Photo of Nijeria J. Jones, LPC, NCC, ABS, Coach
Nijeria J. Jones
LPC, NCC, ABS, Coach
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24001
Do you struggle with intimacy issues or feel disconnected in your relationships? Is it affecting your ability to form meaningful connections? Do you feel overwhelmed by the thought of discussing sex and intimacy? Do you wonder if your sex life could be more fulfilling? Now more than ever, people of all genders & sexual orientations are feeling uncertain about overcoming societal stigmas around sex & intimacy. We believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live a fulfilling sexual life! At Sexhale Services LLC, I offer sex therapy and intimacy coaching for adults seeking to enhance their personal & sexual relationship.
Do you struggle with intimacy issues or feel disconnected in your relationships? Is it affecting your ability to form meaningful connections? Do you feel overwhelmed by the thought of discussing sex and intimacy? Do you wonder if your sex life could be more fulfilling? Now more than ever, people of all genders & sexual orientations are feeling uncertain about overcoming societal stigmas around sex & intimacy. We believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live a fulfilling sexual life! At Sexhale Services LLC, I offer sex therapy and intimacy coaching for adults seeking to enhance their personal & sexual relationship.
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Photo of Christina Berben - Flourish, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Flourish
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24001  (Online Only)
I am a dedicated and compassionate counselor who specializes in working with women. I provide a safe and empowering space for women to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and strengths. With a deep understanding of the complex factors that shape women's lives, I am committed to helping them navigate through various life stages and foster personal growth.
I am a dedicated and compassionate counselor who specializes in working with women. I provide a safe and empowering space for women to explore their unique experiences, challenges, and strengths. With a deep understanding of the complex factors that shape women's lives, I am committed to helping them navigate through various life stages and foster personal growth.
(540) 572-7461 View (540) 572-7461
Photo of Jenny Yates, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jenny Yates
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24001
Grab your comfiest clothes, maybe a cup of coffee. Join me in my cozy office with floor to ceiling plants, and 2 turtles, or outdoors, at your favorite spot. We'll laugh, talk and do a little therapy too. My name is Jenny and I have been a LCSW for 18 years, and practicing for 23. Your story is as individualized as your fingerprint, and I believe your therapy should be too. Take your time getting to know me and my approaches on 4RC's FB page, Instagram page (4riversjenny), or fourriverscounseling.org.
Grab your comfiest clothes, maybe a cup of coffee. Join me in my cozy office with floor to ceiling plants, and 2 turtles, or outdoors, at your favorite spot. We'll laugh, talk and do a little therapy too. My name is Jenny and I have been a LCSW for 18 years, and practicing for 23. Your story is as individualized as your fingerprint, and I believe your therapy should be too. Take your time getting to know me and my approaches on 4RC's FB page, Instagram page (4riversjenny), or fourriverscounseling.org.
(276) 800-0778 View (276) 800-0778
Photo of Nyomi Roth, LPC-S, MEd, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nyomi Roth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24001
Waitlist for new clients
I work with clients who come to counseling because they are ready to reflect, challenge and better understand themselves. I work with individuals who are experiencing life changes, family of origin issues, trauma, anxiety, mood dysregulation, wish to work on self esteem, work-life balance or finding life purpose. I have experience working with Multicultural/ Minority Groups, LGBTQ populations, non-religious and religious clients, therapists and medical related service professionals, women's related issues, and a number of other populations. My goal is to help clients end sessions with a greater sense of self awareness and insight.
I work with clients who come to counseling because they are ready to reflect, challenge and better understand themselves. I work with individuals who are experiencing life changes, family of origin issues, trauma, anxiety, mood dysregulation, wish to work on self esteem, work-life balance or finding life purpose. I have experience working with Multicultural/ Minority Groups, LGBTQ populations, non-religious and religious clients, therapists and medical related service professionals, women's related issues, and a number of other populations. My goal is to help clients end sessions with a greater sense of self awareness and insight.
(434) 443-8435 View (434) 443-8435
Photo of Nenden Stillman-Runyon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nenden Stillman-Runyon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24015
Not accepting new clients
Some of my approaches include: mindfulness/contemplative practices, trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (parts work), somatic awareness, movement and experiential approaches.
Thank you for taking a step towards exploring yourself, cultivating more internal awareness, and identifying areas in your life where you seek healing and strive for growth. I can offer guidance during this sometimes intense and hopefully enlightening process. Being in therapy brings challenging emotions to the surface. I'll help you lean into emotions such as fear, sadness, guilt, shame, anger, jealousy. Therapy can be a very co-creative process between us—the work stems from your intent, openness and motivation to witness yourself objectively, see patterns and start shifting those patterns. (Only accept Anthem/BCBS or Private Pay)
Some of my approaches include: mindfulness/contemplative practices, trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (parts work), somatic awareness, movement and experiential approaches.
Thank you for taking a step towards exploring yourself, cultivating more internal awareness, and identifying areas in your life where you seek healing and strive for growth. I can offer guidance during this sometimes intense and hopefully enlightening process. Being in therapy brings challenging emotions to the surface. I'll help you lean into emotions such as fear, sadness, guilt, shame, anger, jealousy. Therapy can be a very co-creative process between us—the work stems from your intent, openness and motivation to witness yourself objectively, see patterns and start shifting those patterns. (Only accept Anthem/BCBS or Private Pay)
(540) 305-3690 View (540) 305-3690
Photo of Elizabeth Gillmore, PhD, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elizabeth Gillmore
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Roanoke, VA 24012  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Having problems navigating the crossroads of life? Depression or anxiety getting you down? Add Covid-19 to the mix and maybe you are dealing with the stress of having the kids home or how to keep your marriage healthy. You wonder how you will survive financial and health changes or, like all of us, you're worried about what is coming next. Licensed as both a professional counselor and a marriage and family therapist I can address all of these concerns.
Having problems navigating the crossroads of life? Depression or anxiety getting you down? Add Covid-19 to the mix and maybe you are dealing with the stress of having the kids home or how to keep your marriage healthy. You wonder how you will survive financial and health changes or, like all of us, you're worried about what is coming next. Licensed as both a professional counselor and a marriage and family therapist I can address all of these concerns.
(540) 252-0076 View (540) 252-0076

Online Therapists

Photo of Atieno Bird, MA, CP
Atieno Bird
MA, CP
Verified Verified
Crozet, VA 22932
I also have an MA in conflict resolution, and am trained in Appreciative Inquiry, somatic, and mindfulness methods.
Are you feeling out of resources, stuck, alone, or like your goals are out of reach? Do you long for more self-acceptance, ease and joy in your body, your life, and this world? Do you want to strengthen your wise and loving parts and end self-sabotage? I'm here for all of it. If you feel blocked but aren't sure how - or even if - freedom is possible, I offer a blend of tools and knowledge, a process that stays true to your own process, but most importantly, my grounded presence, attuned intuition, and whole attention.
I also have an MA in conflict resolution, and am trained in Appreciative Inquiry, somatic, and mindfulness methods.
Are you feeling out of resources, stuck, alone, or like your goals are out of reach? Do you long for more self-acceptance, ease and joy in your body, your life, and this world? Do you want to strengthen your wise and loving parts and end self-sabotage? I'm here for all of it. If you feel blocked but aren't sure how - or even if - freedom is possible, I offer a blend of tools and knowledge, a process that stays true to your own process, but most importantly, my grounded presence, attuned intuition, and whole attention.
(540) 792-3589 View (540) 792-3589
Photo of Jessica Moutenot-Small, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Moutenot-Small
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
My background in somatic psychology, ecotherapy and expressive arts allows me to offer talk therapy as well as experiential modalities such as movement, art, adventure and nature therapies.
Through a holistic and integrative approach I support individuals and families to navigate the unique challenges that life has unfolded for them. Whether our work takes place in my office or out in nature, I help my clients identify, cultivate and nourish their strengths and resources. Through our work my clients deepen their connection to themselves, others and the natural world. As these connections grow I support my clients to uncover limiting patterns that inhibit their relationships, creativity and happiness so they can nourish new ways of moving and relating in the world that support authenticity, ease, and joy.
My background in somatic psychology, ecotherapy and expressive arts allows me to offer talk therapy as well as experiential modalities such as movement, art, adventure and nature therapies.
Through a holistic and integrative approach I support individuals and families to navigate the unique challenges that life has unfolded for them. Whether our work takes place in my office or out in nature, I help my clients identify, cultivate and nourish their strengths and resources. Through our work my clients deepen their connection to themselves, others and the natural world. As these connections grow I support my clients to uncover limiting patterns that inhibit their relationships, creativity and happiness so they can nourish new ways of moving and relating in the world that support authenticity, ease, and joy.
(434) 373-0878 View (434) 373-0878
Photo of Kathryn Dunn, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kathryn Dunn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22901  (Online Only)
The best of my advanced training includes EMDR/trauma work, Somatic therapies, Attachment/relationship therapy, Mindfulness, Guided imagery/Hypnosis, and Creative Arts healing.
I love helping people find their true freedom in life! To be all that you truly are with confidence. You may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, afraid, anxious, confused, sad, depressed, hopeless, angry ... or something else. Together we'll create a safe space for you to land with what's bothering you. We'll start with where you are, draw strength from the things that are already working well in your life, unravel and release what's got you stuck and keeping you from living the life you want.
The best of my advanced training includes EMDR/trauma work, Somatic therapies, Attachment/relationship therapy, Mindfulness, Guided imagery/Hypnosis, and Creative Arts healing.
I love helping people find their true freedom in life! To be all that you truly are with confidence. You may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, afraid, anxious, confused, sad, depressed, hopeless, angry ... or something else. Together we'll create a safe space for you to land with what's bothering you. We'll start with where you are, draw strength from the things that are already working well in your life, unravel and release what's got you stuck and keeping you from living the life you want.
(434) 336-7437 View (434) 336-7437
Photo of Jillian Houghton, MAEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jillian Houghton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roanoke, VA 24019
I draw from a combination of Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems, ACT, Narrative, Existential, Gestalt, and Somatic Therapy.
Religious trauma often coincides with believing that your heart is deceitful, your mind is fallen, your emotions are dangerous, and your body is sinful—beliefs that can be deeply rooted in your faith system. If you resonate with this, you understand the profound work that religious trauma survivors face in their healing journeys. Untangling these dehumanizing beliefs from your psyche is no small task. When you’ve been taught not to trust yourself, it can feel impossible to recognize the truth in your own thoughts, feelings, and physical responses. My role is to help you identify and navigate this tension.
I draw from a combination of Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems, ACT, Narrative, Existential, Gestalt, and Somatic Therapy.
Religious trauma often coincides with believing that your heart is deceitful, your mind is fallen, your emotions are dangerous, and your body is sinful—beliefs that can be deeply rooted in your faith system. If you resonate with this, you understand the profound work that religious trauma survivors face in their healing journeys. Untangling these dehumanizing beliefs from your psyche is no small task. When you’ve been taught not to trust yourself, it can feel impossible to recognize the truth in your own thoughts, feelings, and physical responses. My role is to help you identify and navigate this tension.
(540) 266-1891 View (540) 266-1891
Photo of Kate Pozo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate Pozo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
I am passionate about what I do, and I have a versatile toolkit to help you, including parts work, EMDR, somatic (body) work and more.
Hello, My name is Kate Pozo, and I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma. I focus mainly on working with teenagers and adults with trauma backgrounds.
I am passionate about what I do, and I have a versatile toolkit to help you, including parts work, EMDR, somatic (body) work and more.
Hello, My name is Kate Pozo, and I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma. I focus mainly on working with teenagers and adults with trauma backgrounds.
(434) 218-2175 View (434) 218-2175

See more therapy options for Roanoke City County

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.