Somatic Therapists in Bridgeville, PA

Photo of Emily Yelling, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Emily Yelling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bridgeville, PA 15017
The goal for all of my clients is to find peace within themselves and begin living a life that they choose. Life circumstances can strip us of our authentic selves and I am here to help you explore and welcome a path of personal wholeness and self acceptance. My approach to therapy is holistic and consists primarily of cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic techniques, self-compassion, and mindfulness. Whether it is mental health, addiction, an unhealthy relationship, stress, trauma or something else, I understand the importance of working with the mind, body and spirit in order to experience complete healing.
The goal for all of my clients is to find peace within themselves and begin living a life that they choose. Life circumstances can strip us of our authentic selves and I am here to help you explore and welcome a path of personal wholeness and self acceptance. My approach to therapy is holistic and consists primarily of cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic techniques, self-compassion, and mindfulness. Whether it is mental health, addiction, an unhealthy relationship, stress, trauma or something else, I understand the importance of working with the mind, body and spirit in order to experience complete healing.
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Photo of Kristen Keeper, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kristen Keeper
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bridgeville, PA 15017
I primarily work with those suffering from trauma-based issues, abuse, PTSD, anxiety, and Women’s issues (such as pregnancy and postpartum). I enjoy working with those looking to heal from past trauma or adverse experiences in order to heal and live a more fulfilling life. I also seek to assist those suffering from anxiety in the present, as well as those experiencing feelings that are overwhelming and difficult. If you are looking to heal from your past and be more comfortable in your present, I am here to help.
I primarily work with those suffering from trauma-based issues, abuse, PTSD, anxiety, and Women’s issues (such as pregnancy and postpartum). I enjoy working with those looking to heal from past trauma or adverse experiences in order to heal and live a more fulfilling life. I also seek to assist those suffering from anxiety in the present, as well as those experiencing feelings that are overwhelming and difficult. If you are looking to heal from your past and be more comfortable in your present, I am here to help.
(878) 728-9911 View (878) 728-9911
Photo of Chelsea Lyle-Mallory, LPC, MSCP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Chelsea Lyle-Mallory
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MSCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bridgeville, PA 15017
Hi there! I'm Chelsea - I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist. One thing that I've learned across my practice is that sometimes life circumstances, relationships, past memories/experiences - can make us feel stuck. Stuck in our pasts, stuck in current circumstances, stuck in maladaptive coping skills, and stuck in our bodies or thoughts. My goal as your therapist is to create a collaborative effort where we work to meet your treatment goals together. You don't have to figure everything out on your own - I think it's important for us to normalize that :)
Hi there! I'm Chelsea - I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist. One thing that I've learned across my practice is that sometimes life circumstances, relationships, past memories/experiences - can make us feel stuck. Stuck in our pasts, stuck in current circumstances, stuck in maladaptive coping skills, and stuck in our bodies or thoughts. My goal as your therapist is to create a collaborative effort where we work to meet your treatment goals together. You don't have to figure everything out on your own - I think it's important for us to normalize that :)
(724) 221-9978 View (724) 221-9978
Photo of Sam Adams, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sam Adams
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bridgeville, PA 15017
Waitlist for new clients
Meeting someone where they're at is the greatest gift a counselor can offer. Maybe life has been changing so fast it’s hard to keep up, or it feels like your mind is always racing. Perhaps it's been this way for a long time, or maybe things have changed recently; regardless I am here to support those in their journey. Together we would focus on building and enhancing the foundations of overall wellness.
Meeting someone where they're at is the greatest gift a counselor can offer. Maybe life has been changing so fast it’s hard to keep up, or it feels like your mind is always racing. Perhaps it's been this way for a long time, or maybe things have changed recently; regardless I am here to support those in their journey. Together we would focus on building and enhancing the foundations of overall wellness.
(724) 200-8702 View (724) 200-8702
Photo of Tracy Clarke, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tracy Clarke
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Bridgeville, PA 15017  (Online Only)
(412) 960-6051 View (412) 960-6051

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dan Duffy, MSW, LCSW, C-ISTT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dan Duffy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, C-ISTT
Verified Verified
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
I offer afternoon, evening and Saturday morning availability both virtually and in-person in Mt. Lebanon, PA. I am honored to work with individuals in the areas of addiction, mood, and personality; as well as partnerships in relational distress. I am Certified in Somatic Trauma Therapy and Gottman Institute trained for couples and others. My work continues with adolescents with acute life experiences at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital. I see clients ages 14 and up. I utilize gender affirming care, as I have served the LGBTQIA+ community directly.
I offer afternoon, evening and Saturday morning availability both virtually and in-person in Mt. Lebanon, PA. I am honored to work with individuals in the areas of addiction, mood, and personality; as well as partnerships in relational distress. I am Certified in Somatic Trauma Therapy and Gottman Institute trained for couples and others. My work continues with adolescents with acute life experiences at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital. I see clients ages 14 and up. I utilize gender affirming care, as I have served the LGBTQIA+ community directly.
(412) 285-1681 View (412) 285-1681
Photo of Gail Tomarchio, LPC, Counselor
Gail Tomarchio
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15212  (Online Only)
I use a unique approach combining mindfulness, somatic techniques and motivational interviewing, existential, and cognitive-behavioral therapies, along with energy psychology to find the most effective and powerful results.
What's keeping you from fully living your life? Are you stuck in a cycle of frustration because you keep doing the same things that don't work over and over again? Are your relationships troubled? Are you too busy worrying about the past or the future and not present for your life today? Combining years of professional training, with my unique perspective from life lessons and teachings from my roles as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, I work with my clients to guide them through the minefields of anxiety, self-doubt, fear and distorted perceptions as they navigate the transitions and challenges of life.
I use a unique approach combining mindfulness, somatic techniques and motivational interviewing, existential, and cognitive-behavioral therapies, along with energy psychology to find the most effective and powerful results.
What's keeping you from fully living your life? Are you stuck in a cycle of frustration because you keep doing the same things that don't work over and over again? Are your relationships troubled? Are you too busy worrying about the past or the future and not present for your life today? Combining years of professional training, with my unique perspective from life lessons and teachings from my roles as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, I work with my clients to guide them through the minefields of anxiety, self-doubt, fear and distorted perceptions as they navigate the transitions and challenges of life.
(484) 285-4689 View (484) 285-4689
Photo of Melody Dascanio, MS, NCC, C-PD, CCTP-II, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melody Dascanio
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, C-PD, CCTP-II, LPC
Verified Verified
Finleyville, PA 15332  (Online Only)
This type of trauma dysregulates the nervous system and must be approached with both somatic and cognitive techniques.
Will I ever be good enough?....Maybe I AM the crazy one?... Have you had these thoughts? Are you anxious, depressed, a chronic people pleaser? Have your "loved ones" blamed you for "everything that is wrong"? Do you hate the way they act around you, but then a few memories of when they were nice make you feel guilty for having those thoughts (cognitive dissonance)? This is all normal if you have experienced narcissistic abuse or emotionally immature parents. This is where I come in. Healing is a real possibility. You deserve it and I'm dedicated to helping you move from surviving to thriving!
This type of trauma dysregulates the nervous system and must be approached with both somatic and cognitive techniques.
Will I ever be good enough?....Maybe I AM the crazy one?... Have you had these thoughts? Are you anxious, depressed, a chronic people pleaser? Have your "loved ones" blamed you for "everything that is wrong"? Do you hate the way they act around you, but then a few memories of when they were nice make you feel guilty for having those thoughts (cognitive dissonance)? This is all normal if you have experienced narcissistic abuse or emotionally immature parents. This is where I come in. Healing is a real possibility. You deserve it and I'm dedicated to helping you move from surviving to thriving!
(484) 380-9979 View (484) 380-9979
Photo of Andrea Bigenho - Lucent Counseling and Consulting, LLC, MS, LPC, CRC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lucent Counseling and Consulting, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CRC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15216
The interventions we draw from include: Dialectical Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, Harm Reduction, Mindfulness, EMDR, Somatic, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychedelic Integration therapies.
Being a human is hard. Some of the things that make it harder are big life transitions, unexpected or chronic illness, loss of a loved one, experiencing abuse or neglect, past or present trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief. At Lucent Counseling, we find it a privilege to help you process and integrate these experiences so that you can heal and move through the difficult times in your life. Our Master's level therapists have excellent training and draw from an eclectic variety of techniques. Our interventions are guided by the therapeutic relationship, and are individually curated to help you move toward your goals.
The interventions we draw from include: Dialectical Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, Harm Reduction, Mindfulness, EMDR, Somatic, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychedelic Integration therapies.
Being a human is hard. Some of the things that make it harder are big life transitions, unexpected or chronic illness, loss of a loved one, experiencing abuse or neglect, past or present trauma, depression, anxiety, and grief. At Lucent Counseling, we find it a privilege to help you process and integrate these experiences so that you can heal and move through the difficult times in your life. Our Master's level therapists have excellent training and draw from an eclectic variety of techniques. Our interventions are guided by the therapeutic relationship, and are individually curated to help you move toward your goals.
(878) 645-3643 View (878) 645-3643
Photo of Brittney A Whitman - Tree Of Hope Counseling, MEd, LPC, Counselor
Tree Of Hope Counseling
Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15236  (Online Only)
As an inclusive clinician, I have connected with hundreds of clients to help them focus on their most important goals. A common goal for all individuals is to be happy and increase their well-being. I use hands-on activities incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, somatic experiencing, expressive arts, and Brainspotting. I love counseling and incorporating mind-body interventions to assist clients in rediscovering strengths and aligning their minds, body, and energy.
As an inclusive clinician, I have connected with hundreds of clients to help them focus on their most important goals. A common goal for all individuals is to be happy and increase their well-being. I use hands-on activities incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, somatic experiencing, expressive arts, and Brainspotting. I love counseling and incorporating mind-body interventions to assist clients in rediscovering strengths and aligning their minds, body, and energy.
(484) 986-2327 View (484) 986-2327
Photo of Christina Belknap, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christina Belknap
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
I have experience in many modalities, from CBT, DBT, EMDR, and somatic therapy approaches.
My ideal client aims to engage in an active partnership to build self-awareness and take action to make a change. I will give you feedback and challenge you, which is not everyone’s cup of tea! I work best with those suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, overwhelm, trauma, or emotional flooding. Many of my clients report that our work helped them shift from survival mode to a sense of thriving. I suggest homework; your progress is based on your willingness to practice. The ideal client for my strengths is someone who wants to learn and shift by discovering tangible skills and techniques they can use in their own lives.
I have experience in many modalities, from CBT, DBT, EMDR, and somatic therapy approaches.
My ideal client aims to engage in an active partnership to build self-awareness and take action to make a change. I will give you feedback and challenge you, which is not everyone’s cup of tea! I work best with those suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, overwhelm, trauma, or emotional flooding. Many of my clients report that our work helped them shift from survival mode to a sense of thriving. I suggest homework; your progress is based on your willingness to practice. The ideal client for my strengths is someone who wants to learn and shift by discovering tangible skills and techniques they can use in their own lives.
(856) 437-5737 View (856) 437-5737
Photo of Susie J. Balcom, LCSW, MSW, RYT-200, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susie J. Balcom
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15233  (Online Only)
I use IFS/parts work, Gestalt techniques, yoga, expressive arts, and somatic therapy.
If you experienced sexual violence in the state of PA, ask me about ways to help cover your costs. I use a relational and feminist framework to help clients understand how our relationships and society affect our healing and connections. I have experience treating those with complex trauma, anxiety/depression, relationship issues, and life transitions. I've worked extensively with survivors of sexual/gender-based violence, C/PTSD, workplace harassment, and those with re-traumatizing legal experiences. I'm proficient in working with those in sex work, the LGBTQIA+ community, and those exploring late-diagnosis neurodivergence.
I use IFS/parts work, Gestalt techniques, yoga, expressive arts, and somatic therapy.
If you experienced sexual violence in the state of PA, ask me about ways to help cover your costs. I use a relational and feminist framework to help clients understand how our relationships and society affect our healing and connections. I have experience treating those with complex trauma, anxiety/depression, relationship issues, and life transitions. I've worked extensively with survivors of sexual/gender-based violence, C/PTSD, workplace harassment, and those with re-traumatizing legal experiences. I'm proficient in working with those in sex work, the LGBTQIA+ community, and those exploring late-diagnosis neurodivergence.
(412) 520-3576 View (412) 520-3576
Photo of Elizabeth Christine Sammons, MA, LPC, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elizabeth Christine Sammons
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15211  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My eclectic approach draws on The Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), Attachment-Based Practices, Somatic Interventions, Ego States, Motivational Interviewing, and Systems Work.
I am available to serve clients located in PA & OH. I take a holistic approach to healing, because more often than not the environments that contribute to strife are all encompassing. The path to healing is not linear, I enjoy aiding clients through an eclectic approach tailored to fit their needs. It's not about what's wrong with you- it's about what happened to you. I do not view clients as a diagnosis, but dynamic individuals navigating the human experience.
My eclectic approach draws on The Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), Attachment-Based Practices, Somatic Interventions, Ego States, Motivational Interviewing, and Systems Work.
I am available to serve clients located in PA & OH. I take a holistic approach to healing, because more often than not the environments that contribute to strife are all encompassing. The path to healing is not linear, I enjoy aiding clients through an eclectic approach tailored to fit their needs. It's not about what's wrong with you- it's about what happened to you. I do not view clients as a diagnosis, but dynamic individuals navigating the human experience.
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Photo of Jieun Gu, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jieun Gu
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15220  (Online Only)
EMDR, Somatic, IFS, Mindfulness, Gestalt Therapy, etc.
Have you found yourself not getting much better from Talk Therapy sessions? Despite all of your efforts and work in progress, are you still struggling with rumination, confusion, exhaustion, numbness, sleeping and eating issues, avoidance, addiction, body image issues, guilt, shame, anger, irritability, sadness, feeling empty or void, loss of interest, self-limiting beliefs (I’m not good enough), and so forth? In over 8 years of clinical experience, I have observed profound healing in my clients by addressing the underlying causes of their distress.
EMDR, Somatic, IFS, Mindfulness, Gestalt Therapy, etc.
Have you found yourself not getting much better from Talk Therapy sessions? Despite all of your efforts and work in progress, are you still struggling with rumination, confusion, exhaustion, numbness, sleeping and eating issues, avoidance, addiction, body image issues, guilt, shame, anger, irritability, sadness, feeling empty or void, loss of interest, self-limiting beliefs (I’m not good enough), and so forth? In over 8 years of clinical experience, I have observed profound healing in my clients by addressing the underlying causes of their distress.
(484) 729-7903 View (484) 729-7903
Photo of Christina Belknap, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christina Belknap
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
I have experience in many modalities, from CBT, DBT, EMDR, and somatic therapy approaches.
My ideal client aims to engage in an active partnership to build self-awareness and take action to make a change. I will give you feedback and challenge you, which is not everyone’s cup of tea! I work best with those suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, overwhelm, trauma, or emotional flooding. Many of my clients report that our work helped them shift from survival mode to a sense of thriving. I suggest homework; your progress is based on your willingness to practice. The ideal client for my strengths is someone who wants to learn and shift by discovering tangible skills and techniques they can use in their own lives.
I have experience in many modalities, from CBT, DBT, EMDR, and somatic therapy approaches.
My ideal client aims to engage in an active partnership to build self-awareness and take action to make a change. I will give you feedback and challenge you, which is not everyone’s cup of tea! I work best with those suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, overwhelm, trauma, or emotional flooding. Many of my clients report that our work helped them shift from survival mode to a sense of thriving. I suggest homework; your progress is based on your willingness to practice. The ideal client for my strengths is someone who wants to learn and shift by discovering tangible skills and techniques they can use in their own lives.
(267) 532-1310 View (267) 532-1310
Photo of Sean Cox, MA, CCTP-I, Pre-Licensed Professional
Sean Cox
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, CCTP-I
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Because no one therapy model works for all people, I like to integrate my training in bottom-up models (EMDR, Somatic Therapy) with models that provide concrete skills to promote an internal sense of safety and security (DBT, ACT).
Many of us go through life carrying limiting beliefs and behaviors that seem to sabotage our efforts to grow and connect with others. I believe these patterns are not disorders to be cured, but ways our mind and body have adapted to survive. For many, these patterns involve anxiety, depression, anger, and addiction. Our task in therapy involves identifying these ineffective patterns and collaborating to rewrite them, one small action at a time. This leads to growth, healing, and ultimately, self-acceptance.
Because no one therapy model works for all people, I like to integrate my training in bottom-up models (EMDR, Somatic Therapy) with models that provide concrete skills to promote an internal sense of safety and security (DBT, ACT).
Many of us go through life carrying limiting beliefs and behaviors that seem to sabotage our efforts to grow and connect with others. I believe these patterns are not disorders to be cured, but ways our mind and body have adapted to survive. For many, these patterns involve anxiety, depression, anger, and addiction. Our task in therapy involves identifying these ineffective patterns and collaborating to rewrite them, one small action at a time. This leads to growth, healing, and ultimately, self-acceptance.
(717) 788-5964 View (717) 788-5964
Photo of Elizabeth Higginbotham, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Higginbotham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Using my specialty of somatic therapy with CBT, we can take a holistic approach to your mental health and well-being.
I believe that every individual has the power within themselves to achieve any treatment goal they come to Harmony Bay to work towards. My ideal client would be willing to put in the hard work needed to heal, who is willing to learn how to see the power and strength within themselves, and who believes that change is possible. If you are here at Harmony Bay seeking support from our services, you are already there!
Using my specialty of somatic therapy with CBT, we can take a holistic approach to your mental health and well-being.
I believe that every individual has the power within themselves to achieve any treatment goal they come to Harmony Bay to work towards. My ideal client would be willing to put in the hard work needed to heal, who is willing to learn how to see the power and strength within themselves, and who believes that change is possible. If you are here at Harmony Bay seeking support from our services, you are already there!
(412) 453-3290 View (412) 453-3290
Photo of Meagan Roppo, LPC, RYT200, Licensed Professional Counselor
Meagan Roppo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RYT200
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15222  (Online Only)
I am also a trained yoga teacher and love to approach treatment from a somatic framework when desired.
What if you had someone to process this with, without judgement? Life transitions are often filled with grief and loss, adjustment challenges, and relational changes. If you find yourself going round and round in your head, reach out - I'd love to help. I work primarily with pregnancy/postpartum, pregnancy & infant loss, surrogacy, and infertility, but love all stages of life transition work.
I am also a trained yoga teacher and love to approach treatment from a somatic framework when desired.
What if you had someone to process this with, without judgement? Life transitions are often filled with grief and loss, adjustment challenges, and relational changes. If you find yourself going round and round in your head, reach out - I'd love to help. I work primarily with pregnancy/postpartum, pregnancy & infant loss, surrogacy, and infertility, but love all stages of life transition work.
(484) 469-6196 View (484) 469-6196
Photo of Kristin Riding, MA, ATR-BC, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor
Kristin Riding
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15203  (Online Only)
I am also trained in EMDR and somatic attachment therapy.
My clients are individuals who perhaps have done some work around their trauma but are ready for the next big step towards healing. They are ready to do the work that can come with EMDR or art therapy from a trauma-focused lens. They are ready for the next steps and see huge growth in their healing journey. They're committed and are able to access resources to help cope and process with the heaviness trauma work can bring.
I am also trained in EMDR and somatic attachment therapy.
My clients are individuals who perhaps have done some work around their trauma but are ready for the next big step towards healing. They are ready to do the work that can come with EMDR or art therapy from a trauma-focused lens. They are ready for the next steps and see huge growth in their healing journey. They're committed and are able to access resources to help cope and process with the heaviness trauma work can bring.
(412) 618-2455 View (412) 618-2455
Photo of Maria Martin - Maria Martin, LPC, MEd, MA, LPC, EMDRIA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Maria Martin, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, MA, LPC, EMDRIA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15241  (Online Only)
Swearing is allowed! I utilize talk therapy, EMDR, somatic work, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
I work with women who struggle with blended high/low self esteem. To the outside world, we are successful and have our shit together. Except we are masters at hiding pain. Inside, we have a black hole filled with guilt, shame, and feeling unworthy. We feel stress managing family, life, career, relationships, and don't feel good enough. We carry trauma in our bodies and it shows up in our daily life. From a young age, we learned self betrayal was pivotal to be worthy of love and to feel good enough. We didn't have a voice. My focus is repairing the damage due to past experiences and how it’s created a critical view to our own self.
Swearing is allowed! I utilize talk therapy, EMDR, somatic work, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
I work with women who struggle with blended high/low self esteem. To the outside world, we are successful and have our shit together. Except we are masters at hiding pain. Inside, we have a black hole filled with guilt, shame, and feeling unworthy. We feel stress managing family, life, career, relationships, and don't feel good enough. We carry trauma in our bodies and it shows up in our daily life. From a young age, we learned self betrayal was pivotal to be worthy of love and to feel good enough. We didn't have a voice. My focus is repairing the damage due to past experiences and how it’s created a critical view to our own self.
(412) 716-3149 View (412) 716-3149

See more therapy options for Bridgeville

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.