Somatic Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Stephan Charbit, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Stephan Charbit
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117
As well as a background in classical psychotherapy, I incorporate influences and techniques from neuroscience, attachment theory, and somatic psychotherapy to help you gain a better understanding of who you are.
Hello. I’m Stephan, and I’m a trauma-informed, relational psychotherapist based in San Francisco. I help people who struggle with depression, anxiety and relationship issues by helping them understand and work with their underlying patterns, so that they can reconnect with their true selves. I particularly enjoy working with people in the technology and design industries; as well as people from multicultural or international backgrounds. I am currently accepting clients for online psychotherapy. Please get in touch for a free 15-minute consultation
As well as a background in classical psychotherapy, I incorporate influences and techniques from neuroscience, attachment theory, and somatic psychotherapy to help you gain a better understanding of who you are.
Hello. I’m Stephan, and I’m a trauma-informed, relational psychotherapist based in San Francisco. I help people who struggle with depression, anxiety and relationship issues by helping them understand and work with their underlying patterns, so that they can reconnect with their true selves. I particularly enjoy working with people in the technology and design industries; as well as people from multicultural or international backgrounds. I am currently accepting clients for online psychotherapy. Please get in touch for a free 15-minute consultation
(415) 936-0073 View (415) 936-0073
Photo of Rebekah Gong, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Rebekah Gong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Online Only
Specially trained in relationship (EFT, IFIO) & sex therapy, and cutting-edge transformative trauma interventions (IFS, EMDR, Somatic Therapy).
Dear fellow traveler, do you want to find calm amidst anxiety and stress, claim inner peace from past wounds, rekindle love and affection with your partner(s), seek peace with food, discover pleasure with your body, or get more clarity and acceptance about who you are? As a seasoned trauma/ relationship/ sex specialist, I help highly motivated humans like you to create the life you've been waiting for. Together, we navigate the challenges you face, not only transforming your life, but also breaking generational cycles, and fostering healing for future generations (if you choose to have them).
Specially trained in relationship (EFT, IFIO) & sex therapy, and cutting-edge transformative trauma interventions (IFS, EMDR, Somatic Therapy).
Dear fellow traveler, do you want to find calm amidst anxiety and stress, claim inner peace from past wounds, rekindle love and affection with your partner(s), seek peace with food, discover pleasure with your body, or get more clarity and acceptance about who you are? As a seasoned trauma/ relationship/ sex specialist, I help highly motivated humans like you to create the life you've been waiting for. Together, we navigate the challenges you face, not only transforming your life, but also breaking generational cycles, and fostering healing for future generations (if you choose to have them).
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Photo of Noelle Braddock, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
Noelle Braddock
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, APCC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
The therapy that I offer is depth-oriented and strongly rooted in Gestalt and Somatic modalities, as well as intersectional feminism.
I offer counseling for individuals and partners experiencing a broad range of life challenges. And, I have extensive experience in supporting folks as they navigate the following content areas: communication & relationship issues; grief & loss; identity; trauma; sexual orientation, sexuality & sensuality; creativity; systems & lived experiences of oppression; anxiety & fear; depression; co-dependence; addiction; infidelity, betrayal & trust; and inner-child work. I’m sex-positive, queer, and poly- & kink-affirming, and welcome all ethnic & racial identities & positionalities. (For more info: www.noellebraddocktherapy.com)
The therapy that I offer is depth-oriented and strongly rooted in Gestalt and Somatic modalities, as well as intersectional feminism.
I offer counseling for individuals and partners experiencing a broad range of life challenges. And, I have extensive experience in supporting folks as they navigate the following content areas: communication & relationship issues; grief & loss; identity; trauma; sexual orientation, sexuality & sensuality; creativity; systems & lived experiences of oppression; anxiety & fear; depression; co-dependence; addiction; infidelity, betrayal & trust; and inner-child work. I’m sex-positive, queer, and poly- & kink-affirming, and welcome all ethnic & racial identities & positionalities. (For more info: www.noellebraddocktherapy.com)
(415) 527-5968 View (415) 527-5968
Photo of Sonia Troiani Doulton, MA
Sonia Troiani Doulton
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
Collaboratively we will explore the roots of your distress, integrate somatic awareness, and develop coping strategies, within a safe and non-judgemental space.
I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, low self-esteem, life transitions, parenting issues, migration issues, aging challenges, neurodivergence, childhood trauma, and marital issues. In the last 15 yrs I've helped people find relief from emotional distress, gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, improve coping skills, and foster resilience. I can help you achieve mental well-being, build healthier relationships, rediscover purpose and meaning in life, cultivate a sense of self-acceptance and fulfillment, and navigate life's challenges with greater ease, understanding, and authenticity.
Collaboratively we will explore the roots of your distress, integrate somatic awareness, and develop coping strategies, within a safe and non-judgemental space.
I work with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, low self-esteem, life transitions, parenting issues, migration issues, aging challenges, neurodivergence, childhood trauma, and marital issues. In the last 15 yrs I've helped people find relief from emotional distress, gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, improve coping skills, and foster resilience. I can help you achieve mental well-being, build healthier relationships, rediscover purpose and meaning in life, cultivate a sense of self-acceptance and fulfillment, and navigate life's challenges with greater ease, understanding, and authenticity.
(415) 727-8694 View (415) 727-8694
Photo of Delfina Piretti - J. Delfina Piretti LMFT, REAT, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, REAT
J. Delfina Piretti LMFT, REAT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, REAT
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
I specialize in somatic table work for treating developmental trauma.
I've been working in private practice, teaching and supervising therapists for over 20 years. I have found body mind psychotherapy to be effective for treating depression, anxiety, trauma as well as: life transitions, enhancing performance and stress. I am trained to do EMDR, TFT, TEB, Somatic Regulation and Resilience ,hypnotherapy, and sand tray therapy.
I specialize in somatic table work for treating developmental trauma.
I've been working in private practice, teaching and supervising therapists for over 20 years. I have found body mind psychotherapy to be effective for treating depression, anxiety, trauma as well as: life transitions, enhancing performance and stress. I am trained to do EMDR, TFT, TEB, Somatic Regulation and Resilience ,hypnotherapy, and sand tray therapy.
(415) 598-2307 View (415) 598-2307
Photo of Virginia Blue, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, FAE
Virginia Blue
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, FAE
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115
In addition to training in gestalt, somatic, and feminist psychotherapy, I bring a background in holistic reproductive health and body literacy.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families going through major life changes, such as birth and death, and confronting challenges related to anxiety, trauma, grief, and addiction of all kinds.
In addition to training in gestalt, somatic, and feminist psychotherapy, I bring a background in holistic reproductive health and body literacy.
I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families going through major life changes, such as birth and death, and confronting challenges related to anxiety, trauma, grief, and addiction of all kinds.
(415) 202-5546 View (415) 202-5546
Photo of Chandra Shanmugavel, Counselor, LPCC
Chandra Shanmugavel
Counselor, LPCC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Dependent on the needs of my client, I use a mix of narrative, internal family systems parts work, acceptance and commitment, existential, somatic, and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) interventions.
Hello and welcome. My name is Chandra and I co-create healing spaces with women and non-binary identifying adults who are looking to integrate past traumas and life experiences, to have more self acceptance. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking to establish ongoing care, I am here to support you on your journey home to yourself. The human experience comes with inadvertent messaging of what parts of us are acceptable and what parts are not. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate these complexities to unearth their most authentic self, leading to a more fulfilling and connected life.
Dependent on the needs of my client, I use a mix of narrative, internal family systems parts work, acceptance and commitment, existential, somatic, and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) interventions.
Hello and welcome. My name is Chandra and I co-create healing spaces with women and non-binary identifying adults who are looking to integrate past traumas and life experiences, to have more self acceptance. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking to establish ongoing care, I am here to support you on your journey home to yourself. The human experience comes with inadvertent messaging of what parts of us are acceptable and what parts are not. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate these complexities to unearth their most authentic self, leading to a more fulfilling and connected life.
(707) 744-3666 View (707) 744-3666
Photo of Tracy Artson, Psychologist, PhD
Tracy Artson
Psychologist, PhD
San Francisco, CA 94115
In addition, I am a Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and a facilitator of SE trainings.
I am a respectful and careful listener with an eclectic approach to designing individual treatment plans that honor the goals that are important to you. I utilize psychodynamic, Attachment Focused-EMDR, somatic experiencing (SEP), and mindfulness. My work is collaborative and individually tailored. I provide a safe environment for exploration and change.
In addition, I am a Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and a facilitator of SE trainings.
I am a respectful and careful listener with an eclectic approach to designing individual treatment plans that honor the goals that are important to you. I utilize psychodynamic, Attachment Focused-EMDR, somatic experiencing (SEP), and mindfulness. My work is collaborative and individually tailored. I provide a safe environment for exploration and change.
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Photo of Koo Im Robbins - Koo Im Robbins, Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
Koo Im Robbins
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I utilize somatic techniques for holistic healing and growth.
Relationships are core to our identity and play a fundamental role in the quality of our life, shaping who we are, and how we perceive ourselves. Relationships are endowed with our heart’s deepest longings: to be seen, loved and accepted for ourselves, to find healing and wholeness, and to reach our greatest potential. It is no wonder that relational conflicts can, at times, feel so gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and terrible.
I utilize somatic techniques for holistic healing and growth.
Relationships are core to our identity and play a fundamental role in the quality of our life, shaping who we are, and how we perceive ourselves. Relationships are endowed with our heart’s deepest longings: to be seen, loved and accepted for ourselves, to find healing and wholeness, and to reach our greatest potential. It is no wonder that relational conflicts can, at times, feel so gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and terrible.
(415) 625-6180 View (415) 625-6180
Photo of Thomas Meade - Thomas Meade - Brown Therapy Center, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Thomas Meade - Brown Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I use theoretical orientations such as Jungian depth psychotherapy, object relations, and somatic approaches to understanding my clients and helping them connect to different unconscious fragments of themselves.
Often, our past relationships leave us wounded. The story that we tell ourselves becomes permeated with negative thoughts, low self-worth, and shame. As these feelings manifest, we become anxious and depressed. Therapy can help us discover perspectives that create a new narrative, one in which we have different ways to manage our emotions and lead a more enjoyable life.
I use theoretical orientations such as Jungian depth psychotherapy, object relations, and somatic approaches to understanding my clients and helping them connect to different unconscious fragments of themselves.
Often, our past relationships leave us wounded. The story that we tell ourselves becomes permeated with negative thoughts, low self-worth, and shame. As these feelings manifest, we become anxious and depressed. Therapy can help us discover perspectives that create a new narrative, one in which we have different ways to manage our emotions and lead a more enjoyable life.
(415) 326-9802 View (415) 326-9802
Photo of Jennifer Cust, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, APHSW-C
Jennifer Cust
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, APHSW-C
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to help you feel less defined by your thoughts and worries, psychodynamic therapy to shine light on old patterns from childhood that you may have outgrown and mindfulness, somatic and self-compassion techniques to help you feel your emotions in your body.
Are you struggling to move through a transition or painful experience in your life? A bi-produce of our fast-paced, productivity-minded culture is the lack of time or space given to feel or process difficult emotions, losses or life changes. Without practice, we often mask emotional pain by overthinking, staying busy or turning to habits that no longer serve us. I am here to help you bravely face your pain as you initiate healing old wounds and fortify current coping strategies. Together we can move towards your emotions with gentleness and compassion. With time I know you will begin to feel more space, flexibility and joy.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to help you feel less defined by your thoughts and worries, psychodynamic therapy to shine light on old patterns from childhood that you may have outgrown and mindfulness, somatic and self-compassion techniques to help you feel your emotions in your body.
Are you struggling to move through a transition or painful experience in your life? A bi-produce of our fast-paced, productivity-minded culture is the lack of time or space given to feel or process difficult emotions, losses or life changes. Without practice, we often mask emotional pain by overthinking, staying busy or turning to habits that no longer serve us. I am here to help you bravely face your pain as you initiate healing old wounds and fortify current coping strategies. Together we can move towards your emotions with gentleness and compassion. With time I know you will begin to feel more space, flexibility and joy.
(628) 345-3979 View (628) 345-3979
Photo of Anna Stosich, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Anna Stosich
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
San Francisco, CA 94110
1) Trauma is treatable and medication is only marginally helpful and 2) in the context of authentic therapeutic alliances, mindful, somatic, body-oriented therapies transform not only trauma symptoms, but entire human beings.
In my practice, I help people process and release traumas with an integrative and holistic approach. Anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma can show up differently in everyone and is not always as obvious as you'd think. You might find yourself in a rough season of life where your normal coping tools are not bringing you relief. Or maybe you are noticing old memories or feelings coming back that are starting to preoccupy you and negatively affect your relationships and overall functioning.
1) Trauma is treatable and medication is only marginally helpful and 2) in the context of authentic therapeutic alliances, mindful, somatic, body-oriented therapies transform not only trauma symptoms, but entire human beings.
In my practice, I help people process and release traumas with an integrative and holistic approach. Anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma can show up differently in everyone and is not always as obvious as you'd think. You might find yourself in a rough season of life where your normal coping tools are not bringing you relief. Or maybe you are noticing old memories or feelings coming back that are starting to preoccupy you and negatively affect your relationships and overall functioning.
(415) 843-7628 View (415) 843-7628
Photo of Max Kopeikin, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PgDip, BA
Max Kopeikin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, PgDip, BA
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
My ideal client is open to work in a way that combines talk therapy, yoga/ somatic approaches and art-based therapies.
As a therapist, I interweave a variety of approaches depending on what is best going to serve my client. I am trained in Expressive Arts Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Somatic Psychology, Yoga-Based Mindfulness Approaches, and integrative talk therapy. All the work I do is informed by a Queer feminist lens and Liberation Psychology. I also speak Spanish.
My ideal client is open to work in a way that combines talk therapy, yoga/ somatic approaches and art-based therapies.
As a therapist, I interweave a variety of approaches depending on what is best going to serve my client. I am trained in Expressive Arts Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Somatic Psychology, Yoga-Based Mindfulness Approaches, and integrative talk therapy. All the work I do is informed by a Queer feminist lens and Liberation Psychology. I also speak Spanish.
(628) 244-3943 View (628) 244-3943
Photo of Valarie Eilert, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Valarie Eilert
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
San Francisco, CA 94131
I specialize in somatic therapy and mindfulness.
Tired of not living fully. Learn tools to be more engaged and present with your life and the people in it. One such tool is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way of directing your attention away from habitual thoughts(lists, judgements, negative self talk)and toward experiencing the present(where your life is actually being lived). I believe in the power of this work. Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, difficult relationships and addictions can be products of molding to others' ideas of who you "should" be. I will work with you to uncover who you want to be.
I specialize in somatic therapy and mindfulness.
Tired of not living fully. Learn tools to be more engaged and present with your life and the people in it. One such tool is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way of directing your attention away from habitual thoughts(lists, judgements, negative self talk)and toward experiencing the present(where your life is actually being lived). I believe in the power of this work. Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, difficult relationships and addictions can be products of molding to others' ideas of who you "should" be. I will work with you to uncover who you want to be.
(415) 800-1511 View (415) 800-1511
Photo of Lara Morales Daitter, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Lara Morales Daitter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
My style is grounded in a deep sense of relationality and informed by trauma and somatic theories and techniques.
As a therapist, my work revolves around helping individuals and families understand and navigate their relational dynamics. My clients are often curious about exploring the complexities of their personality and how it manifests in their relationships. I believe that a willingness to be open-minded and introspective is key to making progress in therapy. In addition to working with individuals, I also have experience working with families who are struggling to build healthier relationships with one another. Whether it's communication issues or other challenges, I'm dedicated to helping families find solutions that work for them.
My style is grounded in a deep sense of relationality and informed by trauma and somatic theories and techniques.
As a therapist, my work revolves around helping individuals and families understand and navigate their relational dynamics. My clients are often curious about exploring the complexities of their personality and how it manifests in their relationships. I believe that a willingness to be open-minded and introspective is key to making progress in therapy. In addition to working with individuals, I also have experience working with families who are struggling to build healthier relationships with one another. Whether it's communication issues or other challenges, I'm dedicated to helping families find solutions that work for them.
(628) 313-4275 View (628) 313-4275
Photo of Sabrina Rayner, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MA
Sabrina Rayner
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MA
San Francisco, CA 94110
Somatic therapy includes the body in a reflective process that can build a sense of wholeness.
Did you know that the heart sends more messages to the brain than the brain does to the heart? Meeting your edges of what feels safe, somatic inquiry into your body's present experience works to reprocess patterns related to trauma. I specialize in the Tamura Method of supportive psycho-energetic touch. This can be done online with self-touch and in person.
Somatic therapy includes the body in a reflective process that can build a sense of wholeness.
Did you know that the heart sends more messages to the brain than the brain does to the heart? Meeting your edges of what feels safe, somatic inquiry into your body's present experience works to reprocess patterns related to trauma. I specialize in the Tamura Method of supportive psycho-energetic touch. This can be done online with self-touch and in person.
(415) 233-7307 View (415) 233-7307
Photo of Jennifer Christian, Psychologist, PsyD, MA
Jennifer Christian
Psychologist, PsyD, MA
8 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I use somatic, transpersonal and mind-body approaches to healing.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, feeling unmotivated, burnt-out, or struggling with your intimate relationships? I work with clients wanting to change habitual and painful patterns such as self-criticism, guilt or shame, poor boundaries, difficulties in romantic relationships, issues with communication, or struggle to maintain a healthy work/life balance. I help you to see your personal challenges with greater clarity and compassion.
I use somatic, transpersonal and mind-body approaches to healing.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, feeling unmotivated, burnt-out, or struggling with your intimate relationships? I work with clients wanting to change habitual and painful patterns such as self-criticism, guilt or shame, poor boundaries, difficulties in romantic relationships, issues with communication, or struggle to maintain a healthy work/life balance. I help you to see your personal challenges with greater clarity and compassion.
(415) 527-3269 View (415) 527-3269
Photo of Marcia Romero, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP, NMP, SSP
Marcia Romero
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, SEP, NMP, SSP
Online Only
As a trauma informed, somatic psychotherapist.
My therapeutic expertise addresses the many life challenges caused by attachment trauma. In sessions I work with relational presence as a core resource in the exploration and processing of relational wounding, knowing that it's never too late to repair the heartbreak of relationships that failed to attune to you. The aim is to restore dignity and purpose.
As a trauma informed, somatic psychotherapist.
My therapeutic expertise addresses the many life challenges caused by attachment trauma. In sessions I work with relational presence as a core resource in the exploration and processing of relational wounding, knowing that it's never too late to repair the heartbreak of relationships that failed to attune to you. The aim is to restore dignity and purpose.
(510) 867-3294 View (510) 867-3294
Photo of Aliyah Simcoff, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Aliyah Simcoff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
I am trained in a variety of therapy modalities which I blend and root in compassion-focused, mindfulness-based and somatic therapy approaches.
Hi! I'm Aliyah Simcoff, LCSW, and I am currently accepting new clients over Telehealth! I have worked with clients across a breadth of issues including anxiety, depression, substance use, mood disorders, OCD, personality disorders, psychosis, grief and loss, life transitions, crisis, trauma, incarceration, housing insecurity, gender identity, sexual identity, and body-image. I've worked with clients ages 13-75, rural and urban, across a wide range of racial, gender, sexual, religious and cultural identities.
I am trained in a variety of therapy modalities which I blend and root in compassion-focused, mindfulness-based and somatic therapy approaches.
Hi! I'm Aliyah Simcoff, LCSW, and I am currently accepting new clients over Telehealth! I have worked with clients across a breadth of issues including anxiety, depression, substance use, mood disorders, OCD, personality disorders, psychosis, grief and loss, life transitions, crisis, trauma, incarceration, housing insecurity, gender identity, sexual identity, and body-image. I've worked with clients ages 13-75, rural and urban, across a wide range of racial, gender, sexual, religious and cultural identities.
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Photo of Kathleen Dunbar, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CHT
Kathleen Dunbar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, CHT
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I offer leading edge approaches to help you shift from surviving to thriving: Somatics; relational, attachment and experiential work; IFS Wise Self/Parts work; visualizations; and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (similar to Somatic Experiencing) for healing trauma, including shock, developmental, complex/CPTSD, attachment trauma, and panic attacks.
Wholeness, Celebration, Joy, Dignity, Compassion are fundamental qualities of a life truly lived. Discovering who we are is our birthright. But we must walk our path to discover ourselves and go on the hero and heroine’s journey that asks us to step into the unknown, relinquish the things we know we must let go of and claim the truth we know is ours. By being our unique selves, our lives flourish and the world is a better place. Making your dreams come alive means being uniquely you. You’ll be able to say, This is my life, I’m taking it seriously and enjoying it! And yes, you can learn to say out loud and mean it: I love myself!
I offer leading edge approaches to help you shift from surviving to thriving: Somatics; relational, attachment and experiential work; IFS Wise Self/Parts work; visualizations; and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (similar to Somatic Experiencing) for healing trauma, including shock, developmental, complex/CPTSD, attachment trauma, and panic attacks.
Wholeness, Celebration, Joy, Dignity, Compassion are fundamental qualities of a life truly lived. Discovering who we are is our birthright. But we must walk our path to discover ourselves and go on the hero and heroine’s journey that asks us to step into the unknown, relinquish the things we know we must let go of and claim the truth we know is ours. By being our unique selves, our lives flourish and the world is a better place. Making your dreams come alive means being uniquely you. You’ll be able to say, This is my life, I’m taking it seriously and enjoying it! And yes, you can learn to say out loud and mean it: I love myself!
(415) 300-2584 View (415) 300-2584

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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.