Somatic Therapists in Portland, OR

Photo of Elyse Raupp-Gardner, MA, LPCA, LPCC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Elyse Raupp-Gardner
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LPCA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
I specialize in Women's Issues, Couples, Families, Psychedelic Integration, Nature-based Interventions, Transitions & Rites of Passage, Trauma, Boundary work, Self-Esteem, Anxiety and Depression with a Mindful and Trauma-Informed Somatic (body-focused) approach.
Elyse (she/hers) has her masters in Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Naropa University, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Studio Art from Wittenberg University. Additionally, Elyse has certifications in Post-Traumatic Growth Somatic therapy from Southwest Trauma Training, and Psychedelic Integration Coaching from Being True to You.
I specialize in Women's Issues, Couples, Families, Psychedelic Integration, Nature-based Interventions, Transitions & Rites of Passage, Trauma, Boundary work, Self-Esteem, Anxiety and Depression with a Mindful and Trauma-Informed Somatic (body-focused) approach.
Elyse (she/hers) has her masters in Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Naropa University, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Studio Art from Wittenberg University. Additionally, Elyse has certifications in Post-Traumatic Growth Somatic therapy from Southwest Trauma Training, and Psychedelic Integration Coaching from Being True to You.
(503) 925-3805 View (503) 925-3805
Photo of Bex Mertulien - Simply Queer Therapy, MA
Simply Queer Therapy
Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I practice from a somatic (body focused) perspective, drawing from attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology and mindfulness practices.
I work with individuals (14+) struggling with issues related to ADHD, gender identity exploration, trauma, racial identity exploration and going from surviving to thriving while living in systems of oppression. I also offer relationship counseling for adults struggling with issues of connection, trust, and sexual intimacy.
I practice from a somatic (body focused) perspective, drawing from attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology and mindfulness practices.
I work with individuals (14+) struggling with issues related to ADHD, gender identity exploration, trauma, racial identity exploration and going from surviving to thriving while living in systems of oppression. I also offer relationship counseling for adults struggling with issues of connection, trust, and sexual intimacy.
(503) 461-9742 View (503) 461-9742
Photo of Michael D'Angelo - Michael D'Angelo, MA, LMFT,OR, MFTA,WA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Michael D'Angelo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT,OR, MFTA,WA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
I specialize in EMDR and Internal Family Systems as well as mindfulness, somatic, expressive, and relational therapies.
I offer a warm and welcoming space for those seeking positive change in their lives or in relationship. Whether you and/or your loved ones are going through a family or life transition, experiencing relational difficulties, or needing support with emotional struggles, I can help you mobilize your strengths to meet and transform challenges in your life. As a supportive ally, I help you discover how to reduce anxiety, heal from traumas, transform relational patterns, and develop the skills needed to increase trust and connection with yourself and others.
I specialize in EMDR and Internal Family Systems as well as mindfulness, somatic, expressive, and relational therapies.
I offer a warm and welcoming space for those seeking positive change in their lives or in relationship. Whether you and/or your loved ones are going through a family or life transition, experiencing relational difficulties, or needing support with emotional struggles, I can help you mobilize your strengths to meet and transform challenges in your life. As a supportive ally, I help you discover how to reduce anxiety, heal from traumas, transform relational patterns, and develop the skills needed to increase trust and connection with yourself and others.
(971) 326-8538 View (971) 326-8538
Photo of Evan Marx, MA, LPCI, LPC Intern
Evan Marx
LPC Intern, MA, LPCI
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97215
I did a year Internship in Somatic Psychotherapy at Portland’s META Clinic, in addition to training in Integral Counseling in San Francisco.
My passion is working with men’s issues, LGBTQ folk, people living cross-cultural lives, creatives, and trauma, especially Religious Trauma. In healing my own childhood trauma, in my training, and guiding others, I know well the remarkable power of mind/body integration. I will be with you every step of the way as you emerge into a loving, connected and free self. My holistic approach is down-to-earth and gentle, centering in mindful awareness of the present moment and how your past is shaping it. I work with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our work is collaborative to help you reconnect with innate strengths, resources and wisdom.
I did a year Internship in Somatic Psychotherapy at Portland’s META Clinic, in addition to training in Integral Counseling in San Francisco.
My passion is working with men’s issues, LGBTQ folk, people living cross-cultural lives, creatives, and trauma, especially Religious Trauma. In healing my own childhood trauma, in my training, and guiding others, I know well the remarkable power of mind/body integration. I will be with you every step of the way as you emerge into a loving, connected and free self. My holistic approach is down-to-earth and gentle, centering in mindful awareness of the present moment and how your past is shaping it. I work with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our work is collaborative to help you reconnect with innate strengths, resources and wisdom.
(971) 256-6099 View (971) 256-6099
Photo of Sophia Fleming, LCSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sophia Fleming
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97221
Sophia is a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP).
Sophia Fleming, LCSW, SEP offers virtual counseling sessions for adults throughout Oregon who are yearning to experience more peace and more joy in their lives. Typically, when one seeks counseling, he or she feels "stuck". Sophia has a knack for guiding clients to untangle the pieces. Sophia has had the honor of working and training at The Meadows, a world-renowned treatment center, and has received training from world-renowned therapists Pia Mellody on codependency, love addiction/ love avoidance, and inner child work, Claudia Black focusing on couples therapy, and Peter Levine developer of Somatic Experiencing.
Sophia is a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP).
Sophia Fleming, LCSW, SEP offers virtual counseling sessions for adults throughout Oregon who are yearning to experience more peace and more joy in their lives. Typically, when one seeks counseling, he or she feels "stuck". Sophia has a knack for guiding clients to untangle the pieces. Sophia has had the honor of working and training at The Meadows, a world-renowned treatment center, and has received training from world-renowned therapists Pia Mellody on codependency, love addiction/ love avoidance, and inner child work, Claudia Black focusing on couples therapy, and Peter Levine developer of Somatic Experiencing.
(971) 290-2672 View (971) 290-2672
Photo of Jessica Klein, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Klein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97219
Current In-Person Availability. I am an interactive therapist who will work to find unique tools and solutions for you. I specialize in couples therapy and adult individual therapy. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, an approach that helps couples increase closeness and heal through understanding each together, increasing empathy and interrupting destructive cycles. I also specialize in trauma and use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), somatic psychotherapy, polyvagal theory, and mindfulness tools to help clients stabilize their systems, process trauma and heal.
Current In-Person Availability. I am an interactive therapist who will work to find unique tools and solutions for you. I specialize in couples therapy and adult individual therapy. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, an approach that helps couples increase closeness and heal through understanding each together, increasing empathy and interrupting destructive cycles. I also specialize in trauma and use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), somatic psychotherapy, polyvagal theory, and mindfulness tools to help clients stabilize their systems, process trauma and heal.
(971) 545-4944 View (971) 545-4944
Photo of Elizabeth Raffer Anderson, MA, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor
Elizabeth Raffer Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Hi! I am so glad you are here. My approach is direct, nurturing and connective. I believe in the capacity to grow and to become our best selves. I incorporate psychodynamic talk therapy to understand the stuck points, while incorporating mindfulness and somatic work to connect the mind and body. Additionally, I acknowledge that oppression exists within marginalized communities, thus treating the individual in a social context.
Hi! I am so glad you are here. My approach is direct, nurturing and connective. I believe in the capacity to grow and to become our best selves. I incorporate psychodynamic talk therapy to understand the stuck points, while incorporating mindfulness and somatic work to connect the mind and body. Additionally, I acknowledge that oppression exists within marginalized communities, thus treating the individual in a social context.
(503) 694-4740 View (503) 694-4740
Photo of Sally Foster Rudolph, LCAT, ART-BC, Art Therapist
Sally Foster Rudolph
Art Therapist, LCAT, ART-BC
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97206
I combine the use of art therapy with regular talk therapy, writing, meditation, IFS (Internal Family Systems), and somatic awareness.
As a therapist, I strive to provide an accepting, genuine, creative, and hands-on way to process loss, trauma and overwhelm. Maybe the past is not allowing you to move forward, or worry about the future makes you feel stuck. Perhaps you have lost a loved one, or your health, or a job, or an important relationship. Perhaps you are looking for a way to express yourself fully and integrate your experiences, but need structure and guidance to do so. I offer art therapy sessions in both individual and group format.
I combine the use of art therapy with regular talk therapy, writing, meditation, IFS (Internal Family Systems), and somatic awareness.
As a therapist, I strive to provide an accepting, genuine, creative, and hands-on way to process loss, trauma and overwhelm. Maybe the past is not allowing you to move forward, or worry about the future makes you feel stuck. Perhaps you have lost a loved one, or your health, or a job, or an important relationship. Perhaps you are looking for a way to express yourself fully and integrate your experiences, but need structure and guidance to do so. I offer art therapy sessions in both individual and group format.
(503) 832-5061 View (503) 832-5061
Photo of Nevada Martinez-Warren, LMFT-A, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Nevada Martinez-Warren
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
I utilize mindful, somatic, IFS, experiential and attachment informed practice.
When relationship challenges arise, it can be more difficult to feel connected, in alignment, and in choice. Most of us are doing our best, but if our strategies aren't effective we can sometimes feel stuck, distressed, or confused. By bringing awareness to our relational patterns in a compassionate and non-judgmental environment, I believe we build capacity to take on our unique challenges as a team with the important people in our life. My goal is to support people to feel greater safety, self worth, regulation, collaboration and alignment in their lives and relationships.
I utilize mindful, somatic, IFS, experiential and attachment informed practice.
When relationship challenges arise, it can be more difficult to feel connected, in alignment, and in choice. Most of us are doing our best, but if our strategies aren't effective we can sometimes feel stuck, distressed, or confused. By bringing awareness to our relational patterns in a compassionate and non-judgmental environment, I believe we build capacity to take on our unique challenges as a team with the important people in our life. My goal is to support people to feel greater safety, self worth, regulation, collaboration and alignment in their lives and relationships.
(458) 213-4949 View (458) 213-4949
Photo of Elli Adkins, MS, LPCA
Elli Adkins
Professional Counselor Associate , MS, LPCA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97205
Currently only accepting Moda health insurance and out-of-pocket payments. Our past experiences can impact how we navigate the present. Understanding and processing our experiences can lead to healing and transformation. My priority is creating an open and safe space to explore these experiences through genuine connection, empathy and acceptance. I use a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to therapy that draws on techniques from attachment theory, somatic therapy, EMDR, CBT and others that align with your unique needs, values and goals.
Currently only accepting Moda health insurance and out-of-pocket payments. Our past experiences can impact how we navigate the present. Understanding and processing our experiences can lead to healing and transformation. My priority is creating an open and safe space to explore these experiences through genuine connection, empathy and acceptance. I use a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to therapy that draws on techniques from attachment theory, somatic therapy, EMDR, CBT and others that align with your unique needs, values and goals.
(971) 396-1526 View (971) 396-1526
Photo of Grace Carter, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Grace Carter
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
Waitlist for new clients
I offer trauma informed talk therapy and creative/ somatic therapies for creative thinkers.
It feels like nothing you do is good enough, sapping your energy and joy from life. The critical inner voice as at a volume 10, and things just don’t feel worth attempting to do anymore. You are worn out, and tired of repeating the same patterns. You feel alone.
I offer trauma informed talk therapy and creative/ somatic therapies for creative thinkers.
It feels like nothing you do is good enough, sapping your energy and joy from life. The critical inner voice as at a volume 10, and things just don’t feel worth attempting to do anymore. You are worn out, and tired of repeating the same patterns. You feel alone.
(503) 386-0932 View (503) 386-0932
Photo of Michael Patrick Viola, LPC, MA, BA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Michael Patrick Viola
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, BA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97211  (Online Only)
This can happen through conversation, somatic, energetic, and/or journey work.
*Accepting New Clients* I help my clients recognize and work through their traumas, patterns, and blocks. They learn that deep within there is a truth that is yearning for recognition. At some level they are aware that this truth maps the path and purpose of their lives. We'll work together to find new paths of success and personal power. I reflect to them the wisdom and talents they hold within so that they may begin to own that identity and build confidence in becoming who they really are. I work from a framework that is Archetypal, Jungian, Somatic, Shamanic, Transpersonal, Holistic, Spiritual, and Vibrational/Energetic.
This can happen through conversation, somatic, energetic, and/or journey work.
*Accepting New Clients* I help my clients recognize and work through their traumas, patterns, and blocks. They learn that deep within there is a truth that is yearning for recognition. At some level they are aware that this truth maps the path and purpose of their lives. We'll work together to find new paths of success and personal power. I reflect to them the wisdom and talents they hold within so that they may begin to own that identity and build confidence in becoming who they really are. I work from a framework that is Archetypal, Jungian, Somatic, Shamanic, Transpersonal, Holistic, Spiritual, and Vibrational/Energetic.
(844) 818-9320 View (844) 818-9320
Photo of Bethany Sala, MFT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Bethany Sala
Licensed Professional Counselor, MFT
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
I have a holistic treatment approach based on my training in yoga, meditation, attachment theory, somatic experiencing, EMDR, parts work/IFS, and Jungian psychology. I specialize in working with couples and adults. I work with people looking to deepen their emotional connection and live an authentic life. I specialize in working with highly sensitive neuro-types, pre/postnatal mental health concerns, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues and disordered eating/body image concerns. I work with clients using leading trauma therapy models such as EMDR and IFS.
I have a holistic treatment approach based on my training in yoga, meditation, attachment theory, somatic experiencing, EMDR, parts work/IFS, and Jungian psychology. I specialize in working with couples and adults. I work with people looking to deepen their emotional connection and live an authentic life. I specialize in working with highly sensitive neuro-types, pre/postnatal mental health concerns, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues and disordered eating/body image concerns. I work with clients using leading trauma therapy models such as EMDR and IFS.
(503) 404-1762 View (503) 404-1762
Photo of Yulia Tsarenko Carey, PCA
Yulia Tsarenko Carey
Professional Counselor Associate, PCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205
Using evidence-based techniques like EMDR and somatic focus, we'll work together to process difficult experiences and build resilience.
Feeling stuck in old patterns? You're not alone. Maybe you're grappling with anxiety that keeps you on edge, or depression that colors your world gray. Perhaps trauma from your past is holding you back from living fully in the present. Or you might be an athlete struggling to perform under pressure, your mind becoming your toughest opponent. You're seeking more than just temporary relief—you want lasting change, a chance to rewrite your story and reclaim your life. You're ready to understand yourself better, to develop new coping strategies, to feel more in control.
Using evidence-based techniques like EMDR and somatic focus, we'll work together to process difficult experiences and build resilience.
Feeling stuck in old patterns? You're not alone. Maybe you're grappling with anxiety that keeps you on edge, or depression that colors your world gray. Perhaps trauma from your past is holding you back from living fully in the present. Or you might be an athlete struggling to perform under pressure, your mind becoming your toughest opponent. You're seeking more than just temporary relief—you want lasting change, a chance to rewrite your story and reclaim your life. You're ready to understand yourself better, to develop new coping strategies, to feel more in control.
(503) 744-5297 View (503) 744-5297
Photo of Eileen Aguon Martinez, MSW, CSWA
Eileen Aguon Martinez
MSW, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97203  (Online Only)
Welcome! My name is Eileen and I am a biracial clinician of Chamorro (Pacific Islander) and Mexican descent originally from Anaheim, California. It is my mission to provide specialized treatment for children, youth, & adults in areas of mental health recovery (depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, body-focused repetitive behaviors, & complex trauma), racial identity challenges, relationship issues, intercultural relationship navigation, life transitions, ancestral/intergenerational trauma, and somatic therapy. I am committed as an ally to human rights and the issues of social/racial justice, equity, and equality for all.
Welcome! My name is Eileen and I am a biracial clinician of Chamorro (Pacific Islander) and Mexican descent originally from Anaheim, California. It is my mission to provide specialized treatment for children, youth, & adults in areas of mental health recovery (depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, body-focused repetitive behaviors, & complex trauma), racial identity challenges, relationship issues, intercultural relationship navigation, life transitions, ancestral/intergenerational trauma, and somatic therapy. I am committed as an ally to human rights and the issues of social/racial justice, equity, and equality for all.
(971) 287-5231 View (971) 287-5231
Photo of Ceshaun Hankins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ceshaun Hankins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214
I’m a liberation-focused somatic therapist who has been working with folks of color to address stress and trauma since 2006.
You're looking to be understood in your experience. You struggle with questioning if you are the issue or if it's the world around you. You live and work in high-stress and demanding environments where you're underrepresented. You've begun to realize your old ways of coping aren't working the same anymore. You may have even tried standard talk therapy in the past - and while helpful - you still find yourself troubled by disturbing experiences or memories.
I’m a liberation-focused somatic therapist who has been working with folks of color to address stress and trauma since 2006.
You're looking to be understood in your experience. You struggle with questioning if you are the issue or if it's the world around you. You live and work in high-stress and demanding environments where you're underrepresented. You've begun to realize your old ways of coping aren't working the same anymore. You may have even tried standard talk therapy in the past - and while helpful - you still find yourself troubled by disturbing experiences or memories.
(503) 822-3797 View (503) 822-3797
Photo of Scott Vignola, MSW, LCSW, YT200, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Scott Vignola
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, YT200
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97232
I provide a dynamic, somatic, and experiential psychodynamic psychotherapy aiming to process emotions, identify and alter unrecognized relationship patterns, and unmask underlying perspectives.
If your aims include greater insight and agency, while immersed in a new relationship experience that highlights patterns you may be unaware of, then a psychodynamic relational therapy may be ideal for you. You experience symptom relief as the process of treatment deepens: anxiety and depression, interpersonal conflict, these transform, opening new possibilities for your life. We highlight your sense of self and how your self-expression manifests, while illuminating the relational cycles you repeat with yourself, others, and through habits, as you develop a new capacity to understand and influence these aspects of your life.
I provide a dynamic, somatic, and experiential psychodynamic psychotherapy aiming to process emotions, identify and alter unrecognized relationship patterns, and unmask underlying perspectives.
If your aims include greater insight and agency, while immersed in a new relationship experience that highlights patterns you may be unaware of, then a psychodynamic relational therapy may be ideal for you. You experience symptom relief as the process of treatment deepens: anxiety and depression, interpersonal conflict, these transform, opening new possibilities for your life. We highlight your sense of self and how your self-expression manifests, while illuminating the relational cycles you repeat with yourself, others, and through habits, as you develop a new capacity to understand and influence these aspects of your life.
(503) 455-7826 View (503) 455-7826
Photo of Katie Solomon, Pre-Licensed Professional
Katie Solomon
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97232  (Online Only)
As a trauma-informed, somatic, and relational therapist, I approach therapy with a lot of curiosity, gentleness, and eagerness to explore what is happening for clients in the present moment. I often encourage clients to check in with the sensations in their bodies and may highlight patterns I notice. I strive to create a non-judgmental space where clients can access and explore their emotions and experiences, enabling a deeper connection to themselves and others. I also like to bring (appropriate) humor into sessions. I believe that building a strong therapeutic relationship is a key part of the process!
As a trauma-informed, somatic, and relational therapist, I approach therapy with a lot of curiosity, gentleness, and eagerness to explore what is happening for clients in the present moment. I often encourage clients to check in with the sensations in their bodies and may highlight patterns I notice. I strive to create a non-judgmental space where clients can access and explore their emotions and experiences, enabling a deeper connection to themselves and others. I also like to bring (appropriate) humor into sessions. I believe that building a strong therapeutic relationship is a key part of the process!
(971) 328-4181 View (971) 328-4181
Photo of Eileen Fisher, MA, LPC, SEP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Eileen Fisher
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97216
I have completed advanced training in Somatic Experiencing- a body centered approach to support nervous system regulation.
I believe we all possess innate health and wholeness. In my therapeutic work I assist individuals in reconnecting with their inherent health and resiliency so that they can live their lives more fully. At the center of my practice is a respectful, non-judgmental, and compassionate space used to explore each individual’s unique healing process.
I have completed advanced training in Somatic Experiencing- a body centered approach to support nervous system regulation.
I believe we all possess innate health and wholeness. In my therapeutic work I assist individuals in reconnecting with their inherent health and resiliency so that they can live their lives more fully. At the center of my practice is a respectful, non-judgmental, and compassionate space used to explore each individual’s unique healing process.
(503) 461-8088 View (503) 461-8088
Photo of Simone Maya Weit, LPCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Simone Maya Weit
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97215
Some methods that I incorporate with Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy might include mindfulness, trauma-informed yoga and somatic awareness work, expressive arts, EMDR, parts integration work, and attachment based therapy.
I am currently accepting adult clients for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy in Grass Valley, CA and Portland, OR. My regular therapy practice is only open for Telehealth. I work with individuals experiencing PTSD, grief, end-of life transition, eco-anxiety, treatment resistant depression, relational challenges, and integrating non-ordinary states of consciousness. I am passionate about helping clients gain insight through self-inquiry, heal attachment through authentic connection, release trauma through embodied awareness, and experience breakthrough by dismantling patterns that no longer serve them.
Some methods that I incorporate with Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy might include mindfulness, trauma-informed yoga and somatic awareness work, expressive arts, EMDR, parts integration work, and attachment based therapy.
I am currently accepting adult clients for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy in Grass Valley, CA and Portland, OR. My regular therapy practice is only open for Telehealth. I work with individuals experiencing PTSD, grief, end-of life transition, eco-anxiety, treatment resistant depression, relational challenges, and integrating non-ordinary states of consciousness. I am passionate about helping clients gain insight through self-inquiry, heal attachment through authentic connection, release trauma through embodied awareness, and experience breakthrough by dismantling patterns that no longer serve them.
(971) 299-2898 View (971) 299-2898
1
...
Somatic Therapists

How does somatic therapy work?

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

Is EMDR a somatic therapy?

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

Is somatic therapy evidence-based?

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

What is somatic trauma therapy?

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