Somatic Therapists in Oakville, MO

Photo of Heather Hinnah, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Heather Hinnah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Oakville, MO 63129  (Online Only)
Seeking therapeutic services requires courage and vulnerability. As your therapist, I am committed to honoring who you are as a human being by providing a safe and supportive environment. Together, we will identify what you need to thrive. Professionally, I'm an LCSW with over a decade of experience in providing clinical services to adults experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and grief. I am particularly knowledgeable in navigating those challenges as it relates to the impact of a chronic or terminal health condition.
Seeking therapeutic services requires courage and vulnerability. As your therapist, I am committed to honoring who you are as a human being by providing a safe and supportive environment. Together, we will identify what you need to thrive. Professionally, I'm an LCSW with over a decade of experience in providing clinical services to adults experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and grief. I am particularly knowledgeable in navigating those challenges as it relates to the impact of a chronic or terminal health condition.
(866) 738-3081 View (866) 738-3081
Photo of Laronda Treadway, Licensed Professional Counselor
Laronda Treadway
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Oakville, MO 63129  (Online Only)
Laronda Treadway Specializes in working with children, adults, and families Laronda has a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Edwardsville, Master in Professional and School Counseling, degree from Lindenwood University, and completed post-graduate work in counseling psychology, Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, DBT-Dialectical Behavior Therapy and traumatic grief. She holds a license in School Counseling (preK-8) and she worked as a school counselor for ten years.
Laronda Treadway Specializes in working with children, adults, and families Laronda has a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Edwardsville, Master in Professional and School Counseling, degree from Lindenwood University, and completed post-graduate work in counseling psychology, Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, DBT-Dialectical Behavior Therapy and traumatic grief. She holds a license in School Counseling (preK-8) and she worked as a school counselor for ten years.
(866) 738-3081 View (866) 738-3081
Photo of Heather Luhmann, Licensed Professional Counselor
Heather Luhmann
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Oakville, MO 63129  (Online Only)
Welcome! I know it is not easy to reach out for help but I am so glad that you did! I am sure you may have some questions about me, so let me tell you a little about myself. I have worked with clients with a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, addictions, trauma and abuse. Sometimes clients just want to reclaim their life - they are not able to name their concern other than feeling that their awe, happiness and zest for life has been replaced with a low grade numbness. I welcome all clients exactly where they are and work with them to get where they want to go.
Welcome! I know it is not easy to reach out for help but I am so glad that you did! I am sure you may have some questions about me, so let me tell you a little about myself. I have worked with clients with a broad range of concerns including anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, addictions, trauma and abuse. Sometimes clients just want to reclaim their life - they are not able to name their concern other than feeling that their awe, happiness and zest for life has been replaced with a low grade numbness. I welcome all clients exactly where they are and work with them to get where they want to go.
(866) 738-3081 View (866) 738-3081
Photo of Rachel Powell, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachel Powell
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Oakville, MO 63129  (Online Only)
Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. She has 6 years of experience working in the mental health field. She strives to provide a safe place for clients to feel heard and understood. Her approach to therapy begins with Person-Centered, by showing unconditional positive regard for her clients, and from there she utilizes a blend of eclectic therapy techniques to meet the need of the client. Please text or call today to discuss your individual needs and hopes for the...
Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri. She has 6 years of experience working in the mental health field. She strives to provide a safe place for clients to feel heard and understood. Her approach to therapy begins with Person-Centered, by showing unconditional positive regard for her clients, and from there she utilizes a blend of eclectic therapy techniques to meet the need of the client. Please text or call today to discuss your individual needs and hopes for the...
(866) 738-3081 View (866) 738-3081
Photo of Susan Hart, Licensed Professional Counselor
Susan Hart
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Oakville, MO 63129  (Online Only)
We all want to feel connected in this world. Unfortunately, most of us look in the wrong places for comfort. Things, substances, and even other people become escapes from the pain of this life. Helping people recognize what is holding them back is the goal of my practice. In our sessions, we will focus upon your needs as an individual. No two people deal with their problems exactly the same. Habits, patterns, thinking errors often cloud our judgement. Helping you figure out what you want in life and how best to achieve it will be the aim of our time together.
We all want to feel connected in this world. Unfortunately, most of us look in the wrong places for comfort. Things, substances, and even other people become escapes from the pain of this life. Helping people recognize what is holding them back is the goal of my practice. In our sessions, we will focus upon your needs as an individual. No two people deal with their problems exactly the same. Habits, patterns, thinking errors often cloud our judgement. Helping you figure out what you want in life and how best to achieve it will be the aim of our time together.
(866) 738-3081 View (866) 738-3081
Photo of Andrea Frey Metzger, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Andrea Frey Metzger
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Oakville, MO 63129  (Online Only)
I specialize in three types of clients - people who have been through so much transition that they often don't recognize themselves in the mirror, bilingual couples holding on by a thread, and people whose lives have plunged into chaos and need a guide to help them get their bearings.
I specialize in three types of clients - people who have been through so much transition that they often don't recognize themselves in the mirror, bilingual couples holding on by a thread, and people whose lives have plunged into chaos and need a guide to help them get their bearings.
(417) 212-5297 View (417) 212-5297
Photo of Andrea Wood, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Andrea Wood
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Oakville, MO 63129
Waitlist for new clients
I have a passion for helping children, teens, and young adults learn how to express and manage their emotions in healthier ways. I work with a variety of concerns ranging from young children with big emotions to high achieving teenagers who experience anxiety about perfectionism and performance. I strive to provide personalized and individualized care to my clients. I operate from the perspective that the client is the expert in their life; I am here to serve as their guide, providing them with support and teaching new ways to build capacity for life's challenges.
I have a passion for helping children, teens, and young adults learn how to express and manage their emotions in healthier ways. I work with a variety of concerns ranging from young children with big emotions to high achieving teenagers who experience anxiety about perfectionism and performance. I strive to provide personalized and individualized care to my clients. I operate from the perspective that the client is the expert in their life; I am here to serve as their guide, providing them with support and teaching new ways to build capacity for life's challenges.
(636) 259-4116 View (636) 259-4116
Photo of David Chism, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
David Chism
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakville, MO 63129
Not accepting new clients
I use a somatic-focused EMDR called Natural Processing, Deep Brain Reorienting, parts work, and the Safe and Sound Protocol.
Are you struggling with feeling numb, cut off from your emotions, isolating yourself from others, stuck in a depression that never seems to go away, struggling to stay present or even to have the energy to get out of bed in the morning? Or how about the opposite, feeling too much, dominated by anxiety and panic, constantly on edge around reminders of your trauma, struggling to keep it together and control your emotions? Or do you find yourself going back and forth between these feeling numb and feeling too much states? If so, I would love to help you work with both your brain and nervous system to help you resolve your trauma.
I use a somatic-focused EMDR called Natural Processing, Deep Brain Reorienting, parts work, and the Safe and Sound Protocol.
Are you struggling with feeling numb, cut off from your emotions, isolating yourself from others, stuck in a depression that never seems to go away, struggling to stay present or even to have the energy to get out of bed in the morning? Or how about the opposite, feeling too much, dominated by anxiety and panic, constantly on edge around reminders of your trauma, struggling to keep it together and control your emotions? Or do you find yourself going back and forth between these feeling numb and feeling too much states? If so, I would love to help you work with both your brain and nervous system to help you resolve your trauma.
(314) 907-0729 View (314) 907-0729

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Rachael Rehagen, LPC Intern
Rachael Rehagen
LPC Intern
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fenton, MO 63026
Waitlist for new clients
As a trauma-informed and person-centered therapist, I use a combination of cognitive and somatic approaches to uncover, build, and integrate your strengths, skills, and resiliency needed to create the future you hope to see.
I am passionate about working with individuals who are seeking to reconnect with themselves and grow their resiliency, especially if they are experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma. I also work with children and their families to build a toolbox of healthy coping skills, self-confidence, and self-compassion to overcome anxiety, behavioral challenges, bullying, or trauma. As a companion along your journey, I am here to assist you in navigating life's challenges, embracing self-acceptance and compassion, and celebrating your growth and reconnection to yourself!
As a trauma-informed and person-centered therapist, I use a combination of cognitive and somatic approaches to uncover, build, and integrate your strengths, skills, and resiliency needed to create the future you hope to see.
I am passionate about working with individuals who are seeking to reconnect with themselves and grow their resiliency, especially if they are experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma. I also work with children and their families to build a toolbox of healthy coping skills, self-confidence, and self-compassion to overcome anxiety, behavioral challenges, bullying, or trauma. As a companion along your journey, I am here to assist you in navigating life's challenges, embracing self-acceptance and compassion, and celebrating your growth and reconnection to yourself!
(636) 229-9813 View (636) 229-9813
Photo of Chatonia Williams, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chatonia Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63119  (Online Only)
Therapies used in session may include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and a student of Somatic Therapy.
You sometimes feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and you don’t know where to start. You wake up feeling irritated, overwhelmed, sad, heavy, or hopeless. It can be hard to show your feelings or get through the day when you think no one will understand or that you will be judged. You are never alone even when you feel like you are! I am here to listen and to help you feel supported. Let’s work together to help you find more successful ways to utilize your current strengths and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Therapies used in session may include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and a student of Somatic Therapy.
You sometimes feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and you don’t know where to start. You wake up feeling irritated, overwhelmed, sad, heavy, or hopeless. It can be hard to show your feelings or get through the day when you think no one will understand or that you will be judged. You are never alone even when you feel like you are! I am here to listen and to help you feel supported. Let’s work together to help you find more successful ways to utilize your current strengths and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
(314) 208-2852 View (314) 208-2852
Photo of Meghan Gaffney, MA, PLPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Meghan Gaffney
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, PLPC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63116
I tend to incorporate somatic techniques which are body-focused to help calm and connect the mind and body.
As someone who values genuineness, compassion, and transparency, I aim to create a space where clients can be vulnerable and authentically themselves. I feel healing occurs when client’s feel seen, supported, and validated. You can expect curiosity, passion, and informality to show up in my approach. I believe in meeting each client at where they're at in their journey. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, communication problems, and adjustment issues.
I tend to incorporate somatic techniques which are body-focused to help calm and connect the mind and body.
As someone who values genuineness, compassion, and transparency, I aim to create a space where clients can be vulnerable and authentically themselves. I feel healing occurs when client’s feel seen, supported, and validated. You can expect curiosity, passion, and informality to show up in my approach. I believe in meeting each client at where they're at in their journey. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, communication problems, and adjustment issues.
(314) 310-1870 View (314) 310-1870
Photo of Beth Perkins, Licensed Professional Counselor
Beth Perkins
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63127
I utilize Brainspotting, somatic and narrative tools, and also integrate the latest research in attachment, neurobiology and trauma.
Now accepting new clients! Whatever struggle is motivating you to start counseling, something inside is knocking. The knock may be feeling depressed, anxious, angry, or overwhelmed. It may be feeling disconnected in relationships and from what is meaningful in your life, a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose. To answer that knock means to turn inward, which can be challenging and uncomfortable at times, yet I whole-heartedly believe the life you seek is patiently waiting! The pain you are experiencing is actually an invitation for healing and growth. Answer the knock. When things break down, breakthroughs happen.
I utilize Brainspotting, somatic and narrative tools, and also integrate the latest research in attachment, neurobiology and trauma.
Now accepting new clients! Whatever struggle is motivating you to start counseling, something inside is knocking. The knock may be feeling depressed, anxious, angry, or overwhelmed. It may be feeling disconnected in relationships and from what is meaningful in your life, a sense of emptiness or lack of purpose. To answer that knock means to turn inward, which can be challenging and uncomfortable at times, yet I whole-heartedly believe the life you seek is patiently waiting! The pain you are experiencing is actually an invitation for healing and growth. Answer the knock. When things break down, breakthroughs happen.
(314) 207-5596 View (314) 207-5596
Photo of Melissa Koch, MA, LPC, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa Koch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Kirkwood, MO 63122
I incorporate bottom up approaches (which get to the root causes), including somatic experiencing and other experiential modalities.
Do you struggle with knowing what you want out of life? Do you have a hard time in and out of relationships? I help people to form a meaningful relationship with themself and others. My specialties include women’s concerns, relational and attachment concerns, and disordered eating. Feeling lost in life, the on the edge feeling of anxiety, the weighted down feelings of depression, or preoccupation with weight and food do not need to define you and be a part of your daily life. I have seen clients begin the journey of healing and achieve the healthy and happy life they want.
I incorporate bottom up approaches (which get to the root causes), including somatic experiencing and other experiential modalities.
Do you struggle with knowing what you want out of life? Do you have a hard time in and out of relationships? I help people to form a meaningful relationship with themself and others. My specialties include women’s concerns, relational and attachment concerns, and disordered eating. Feeling lost in life, the on the edge feeling of anxiety, the weighted down feelings of depression, or preoccupation with weight and food do not need to define you and be a part of your daily life. I have seen clients begin the journey of healing and achieve the healthy and happy life they want.
(314) 300-0313 View (314) 300-0313
Photo of Toni Richter, LCSW, CYT, TCYM, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Toni Richter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CYT, TCYM
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63109  (Online Only)
I use EMDR, somatic experiencing, and yoga to help women heal from trauma to live with more confidence, a sense of safety, intention, and purpose.
You are a woman and feel exhausted from feelings of shame, fear, and resentment. You desperately want something different. You want to give and receive love that feels authentic to you. Connect more to yourself. You want to stop stuffing down your needs and feelings for others. You want to let go of people-pleasing, break old patterns, and hold boundaries but you’re stuck in protective mode."My needs don't matter", "I'm worthless", or "I'm not good enough" play too often in your mind. You desperately want to release this pain to live, parent, and experience life differently. Awaken a life with feelings of safety and resilience.
I use EMDR, somatic experiencing, and yoga to help women heal from trauma to live with more confidence, a sense of safety, intention, and purpose.
You are a woman and feel exhausted from feelings of shame, fear, and resentment. You desperately want something different. You want to give and receive love that feels authentic to you. Connect more to yourself. You want to stop stuffing down your needs and feelings for others. You want to let go of people-pleasing, break old patterns, and hold boundaries but you’re stuck in protective mode."My needs don't matter", "I'm worthless", or "I'm not good enough" play too often in your mind. You desperately want to release this pain to live, parent, and experience life differently. Awaken a life with feelings of safety and resilience.
(314) 834-5832 View (314) 834-5832
Photo of Abby Evilsizor, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Abby Evilsizor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63122  (Online Only)
While my most commonly used approaches are somatic based, treatments are not one size fits all.
Fuerza means strength in Spanish and that is what I wish for all of my clients who come to Fuerza Wellness. What I hope for you during therapy is that you are able to find the strength you need to get through life’s challenges AND to allow yourself to let go and soften. That you can dream of your future AND live in the moment. That you may know your identities AND be confident in what those are. If you are going through a major life transition, coming into your own as an adult, are bicultural, or in the perinatal (pre-pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum) phase of life, we may be a good fit to work together!
While my most commonly used approaches are somatic based, treatments are not one size fits all.
Fuerza means strength in Spanish and that is what I wish for all of my clients who come to Fuerza Wellness. What I hope for you during therapy is that you are able to find the strength you need to get through life’s challenges AND to allow yourself to let go and soften. That you can dream of your future AND live in the moment. That you may know your identities AND be confident in what those are. If you are going through a major life transition, coming into your own as an adult, are bicultural, or in the perinatal (pre-pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum) phase of life, we may be a good fit to work together!
(314) 501-6627 View (314) 501-6627
Photo of Ashley Patek - Doing Better Conscious Parenting, OTRL, Occupational Therapist
Doing Better Conscious Parenting
Occupational Therapist, OTRL
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63109  (Online Only)
I host workshops and PD events that focus on attachment trauma, nervous system regulation, somatic experiencing, child development, internal family systems, non-violent communication, and trauma-informed inner child healing.
Ashley Patek is an occupational therapist, certified parent and life coach, Empathic Witnessing practitioner, and the founder of Doing Better Conscious Parenting, a nurturing community for parents dedicated to breaking punitive generational cycles. Ashley focuses on the whole-parent, whole-child, and whole-family systems to help them regulate their nervous systems, creating safety within the body and home.
I host workshops and PD events that focus on attachment trauma, nervous system regulation, somatic experiencing, child development, internal family systems, non-violent communication, and trauma-informed inner child healing.
Ashley Patek is an occupational therapist, certified parent and life coach, Empathic Witnessing practitioner, and the founder of Doing Better Conscious Parenting, a nurturing community for parents dedicated to breaking punitive generational cycles. Ashley focuses on the whole-parent, whole-child, and whole-family systems to help them regulate their nervous systems, creating safety within the body and home.
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Photo of Maria Carella, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Maria Carella
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63119  (Online Only)
My Treatment Orientation is eclectic and is informed by CPT, Insight Oriented, Somatic Therapy and Yoga to integrate mind and body.
I bring 30 years of experience working with women, couples and families. I am a gentle and compassionate listener who works hard to understand you and your concerns. I can help you sort through your thoughts and feelings so that you can make sense of the past and implement a plan for the future which includes clarity and compassion for yourself and others.
My Treatment Orientation is eclectic and is informed by CPT, Insight Oriented, Somatic Therapy and Yoga to integrate mind and body.
I bring 30 years of experience working with women, couples and families. I am a gentle and compassionate listener who works hard to understand you and your concerns. I can help you sort through your thoughts and feelings so that you can make sense of the past and implement a plan for the future which includes clarity and compassion for yourself and others.
(314) 492-5042 View (314) 492-5042
Photo of Angela Sastry, PhD, LPC, EMDR-C, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angela Sastry
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, EMDR-C, RYT
Verified Verified
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a nervous system-centered approach that combines neuroscience, EMDR, somatic practices, parts work, attachment theory, and ego state work to help you get to the root issues holding you back and keeping you from overcoming difficult life experiences and challenging situations.
Are you looking to experience more joy and peace in your life while increasing your resilience and balance? Do you want to improve your relationships? I believe encouragement and acceptance are essential. Therefore, I utilize a holistic person-centered approach focused on you as a whole person. My goal as a therapist is to help you attain emotional well-being, enhance your resilience, and unlock your full potential. By adopting a nervous system approach that focuses on your entire being, body, and mind, you can tap into your innate capacity for healing, resulting in profound personal growth.
I offer a nervous system-centered approach that combines neuroscience, EMDR, somatic practices, parts work, attachment theory, and ego state work to help you get to the root issues holding you back and keeping you from overcoming difficult life experiences and challenging situations.
Are you looking to experience more joy and peace in your life while increasing your resilience and balance? Do you want to improve your relationships? I believe encouragement and acceptance are essential. Therefore, I utilize a holistic person-centered approach focused on you as a whole person. My goal as a therapist is to help you attain emotional well-being, enhance your resilience, and unlock your full potential. By adopting a nervous system approach that focuses on your entire being, body, and mind, you can tap into your innate capacity for healing, resulting in profound personal growth.
(314) 254-2574 View (314) 254-2574
Photo of Elise Harowitz, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elise Harowitz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, SEP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Kirkwood, MO 63122
As a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (DMT) and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner in training (SEP-IT), my approach to therapy is grounded in the mind-body connection.
Are you struggling with anxiety, processing trauma, disordered eating, a life transition, depression, or changes in your mood? Do you or your child experience your emotions through your body's felt sense? Are you or your child struggling to adjust to new life circumstances and experiencing emotional dysregulation? Life brings challenges and with those challenges comes opportunity for growth. If you are ready or your loved one is ready to embark on a new path towards self-discovery, I am here to offer support, guidance and strategies to facilitate healthy change.
As a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist (DMT) and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner in training (SEP-IT), my approach to therapy is grounded in the mind-body connection.
Are you struggling with anxiety, processing trauma, disordered eating, a life transition, depression, or changes in your mood? Do you or your child experience your emotions through your body's felt sense? Are you or your child struggling to adjust to new life circumstances and experiencing emotional dysregulation? Life brings challenges and with those challenges comes opportunity for growth. If you are ready or your loved one is ready to embark on a new path towards self-discovery, I am here to offer support, guidance and strategies to facilitate healthy change.
(314) 274-9601 View (314) 274-9601
Photo of Cynthia Marsh, LCSW, BCN, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Cynthia Marsh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCN
Verified Verified
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Waitlist for new clients
I draw from experience in treating clients at both residential and outpatient levels of care using Attachment-based & Somatic Trauma approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), IFS informed, drama therapy, and other expressive-based interventions.
We can all resonate with feelings of disconnection - from ourselves, from people around us, from our purpose, from hope & peace. I believe that each individual has the ability to close the gap of disconnection and live a life characterized by healthy connection and emotional stability. My job is to show you how to access the necessary tools to do so, equip you to use them, and encourage you towards growth and healing. Therapy can feel intimidating, so I strive to offer a safe, secure, and compassionate space to meet you where you are at and allow you to move forward.
I draw from experience in treating clients at both residential and outpatient levels of care using Attachment-based & Somatic Trauma approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), IFS informed, drama therapy, and other expressive-based interventions.
We can all resonate with feelings of disconnection - from ourselves, from people around us, from our purpose, from hope & peace. I believe that each individual has the ability to close the gap of disconnection and live a life characterized by healthy connection and emotional stability. My job is to show you how to access the necessary tools to do so, equip you to use them, and encourage you towards growth and healing. Therapy can feel intimidating, so I strive to offer a safe, secure, and compassionate space to meet you where you are at and allow you to move forward.
(314) 916-6405 View (314) 916-6405

See more therapy options for Oakville

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.