Somatic Therapists in Fox Chapel, PA

Photo of Susan E. Schumacher, DA, LPC, LCPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Susan E. Schumacher
Licensed Professional Counselor, DA, LPC, LCPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fox Chapel, PA 15238
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LCPC) and psychodynamic, narrative and somatic therapist, my goal is to explore the stories you tell about your life and how they influence how you feel and what you see as possible.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious or discouraged? Feeling unfulfilled or overwhelmed? Are there issues from the past that seem to intrude into your present life? Do you isolate and avoid? Are you experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, relationships, work or sleep issues? You can find relief and move forward in your life. Looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation? Are you considering a move in a new direction?
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LCPC) and psychodynamic, narrative and somatic therapist, my goal is to explore the stories you tell about your life and how they influence how you feel and what you see as possible.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious or discouraged? Feeling unfulfilled or overwhelmed? Are there issues from the past that seem to intrude into your present life? Do you isolate and avoid? Are you experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, relationships, work or sleep issues? You can find relief and move forward in your life. Looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation? Are you considering a move in a new direction?
(610) 810-1572 View (610) 810-1572
Photo of Wayne Hoover, PhD, Psychologist
Wayne Hoover
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Fox Chapel, PA 15238
Do you struggle with recovery from the diseases of drug addiction and alcoholism ? Have you relapsed numerous time and NEED to remain drug and alcohol free. If so than this is an area where I have a great deal of experience and expertise and can help you finally achieve your goals. Let us tackle your disease one step at a time !
Do you struggle with recovery from the diseases of drug addiction and alcoholism ? Have you relapsed numerous time and NEED to remain drug and alcohol free. If so than this is an area where I have a great deal of experience and expertise and can help you finally achieve your goals. Let us tackle your disease one step at a time !
(412) 782-3510 View (412) 782-3510
Photo of Taibke Hyman, LPC, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Taibke Hyman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
Fox Chapel, PA 15238
It’s the end of the day and you sigh to yourself. Another day of feeling “not good enough.” You’re worn down by that cunning voice in your head that always lets you know what you could have done better. Everyone’s a critic. Family, friends and colleagues all seem to have their own ideas about how you should be handling things. Not accustomed to acknowledging your feelings, you feel an agonizing sense of frustration with life. Though you have tried convincing yourself your life is not so bad, there’s no excitement as you stare into the future that’s waiting for you. There must be a better way – but you’re not sure where to turn.
It’s the end of the day and you sigh to yourself. Another day of feeling “not good enough.” You’re worn down by that cunning voice in your head that always lets you know what you could have done better. Everyone’s a critic. Family, friends and colleagues all seem to have their own ideas about how you should be handling things. Not accustomed to acknowledging your feelings, you feel an agonizing sense of frustration with life. Though you have tried convincing yourself your life is not so bad, there’s no excitement as you stare into the future that’s waiting for you. There must be a better way – but you’re not sure where to turn.
(412) 397-7705 View (412) 397-7705
Photo of Jacquelyn M. Matotek, MA, NCC, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jacquelyn M. Matotek
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fox Chapel, PA 15238  (Online Only)
As a trauma, sex/intimacy, and relationship therapist, I bring a unique approach to the therapy process. Sex and intimacy can be challenging because of the history we bring with us into our relationships. Traumas from childhood, past relationships, trust issues, sexuality/gender struggles, anxiety, shame, stress can inhibit the development of deep intimate relationship with others. I have a passion for supporting my clients through healing and reconnection to their bodies, their own pleasure in order connect intimately in a healthy way with the people in their lives.
As a trauma, sex/intimacy, and relationship therapist, I bring a unique approach to the therapy process. Sex and intimacy can be challenging because of the history we bring with us into our relationships. Traumas from childhood, past relationships, trust issues, sexuality/gender struggles, anxiety, shame, stress can inhibit the development of deep intimate relationship with others. I have a passion for supporting my clients through healing and reconnection to their bodies, their own pleasure in order connect intimately in a healthy way with the people in their lives.
(724) 359-4020 View (724) 359-4020

More Therapists Nearby

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 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
Pittsburgh, PA 15203  (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 Clove Roses, MSCP, Counselor
Clove Roses
Counselor, MSCP
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
My approach is informed by a background in somatic experiencing, harm reduction, community herbalism, and systemic thinking.
I believe each person has the power to expand their agency and live in more authenticity and alignment with their values. I work with individuals, couples, and families to build upon strengths and lean into growing edges, to deepen our connection to meaning, body, and relationships and see new paths forward. Many of my clients are care workers, poly/ENM couples, and trans folks navigating gender identity and family relationships.
My approach is informed by a background in somatic experiencing, harm reduction, community herbalism, and systemic thinking.
I believe each person has the power to expand their agency and live in more authenticity and alignment with their values. I work with individuals, couples, and families to build upon strengths and lean into growing edges, to deepen our connection to meaning, body, and relationships and see new paths forward. Many of my clients are care workers, poly/ENM couples, and trans folks navigating gender identity and family relationships.
(412) 435-4569 View (412) 435-4569
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
Greentree, PA 15242
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 Mandy Kushner, LPC-S, CCTP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mandy Kushner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, CCTP, NCC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Certifications: Somatic Trauma Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I strive to create a relaxed, supportive and positive environment for my clients during each counseling session, because I understand how difficult and scary it can be for clients to disclose personal information. I show my clients respect, honesty, compassion and I listen without judgement. I make sure my clients feel heard, validated, supported and gain insight. I have 22 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings which include: Outpatient, Home/Community, School-Based, Psychiatric Hospitals and Primary Care Physician Offices.
Certifications: Somatic Trauma Counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
I strive to create a relaxed, supportive and positive environment for my clients during each counseling session, because I understand how difficult and scary it can be for clients to disclose personal information. I show my clients respect, honesty, compassion and I listen without judgement. I make sure my clients feel heard, validated, supported and gain insight. I have 22 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings which include: Outpatient, Home/Community, School-Based, Psychiatric Hospitals and Primary Care Physician Offices.
(412) 999-2244 View (412) 999-2244
Photo of Jesse A. Virago, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jesse A. Virago
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
I specialize in relational, somatic psychotherapy for midlife adults.
The second half of life can be much better than the first. In fact, midlife is an ideal time for healing, growth, and change. So if your ship launched on choppy waters or rocky shoals and you're still navigating rough seas, a midlife course correction could help. What's required? Openness to new experiences, willingness to engage, capacity to commit, and a therapist who knows what's possible and how to achieve it. Select a seasoned, seaworthy mariner to help navigate your midlife passage with the art of healing, the science of change, and the "hard work miracle" of growth.
I specialize in relational, somatic psychotherapy for midlife adults.
The second half of life can be much better than the first. In fact, midlife is an ideal time for healing, growth, and change. So if your ship launched on choppy waters or rocky shoals and you're still navigating rough seas, a midlife course correction could help. What's required? Openness to new experiences, willingness to engage, capacity to commit, and a therapist who knows what's possible and how to achieve it. Select a seasoned, seaworthy mariner to help navigate your midlife passage with the art of healing, the science of change, and the "hard work miracle" of growth.
(412) 385-3597 View (412) 385-3597
Photo of Michael Craig Clemmens, PhD, Psychologist
Michael Craig Clemmens
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
My specialties are working with somatic process in clients , restoring " somatic intelligence" for clients who are dealing with historical trauma, substance use and styles of coping that although useful at some point have limited application.
I have been a psychologist for 35 years and work with clients who are interested in exploring their options in how they live in the world. I see the therapeutic process as a dialogue between two partners in exploration and developing resources. For me choice supports health and that clients sometime come with a lack of awareness of these choices or needing to develop more internal and interpersonal supports. I work in the present moment as well as connecting present patterns to client's history as well as the larger contextual field. My approach is relational and somatic from a Gestalt Therapy base.
My specialties are working with somatic process in clients , restoring " somatic intelligence" for clients who are dealing with historical trauma, substance use and styles of coping that although useful at some point have limited application.
I have been a psychologist for 35 years and work with clients who are interested in exploring their options in how they live in the world. I see the therapeutic process as a dialogue between two partners in exploration and developing resources. For me choice supports health and that clients sometime come with a lack of awareness of these choices or needing to develop more internal and interpersonal supports. I work in the present moment as well as connecting present patterns to client's history as well as the larger contextual field. My approach is relational and somatic from a Gestalt Therapy base.
(412) 275-4534 View (412) 275-4534
Photo of Terri Fessler - Terri Fessler LCSW , LCSW, Reiki, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Terri Fessler LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, Reiki
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Waitlist for new clients
I offer Mindfulness, Somatic Informed Practices, EMDR, and Reiki to calm and gain access to healing.
I believe each of us has a gift of Self to unwrap and embrace along life's journey, especially when we've lived through a life threatening event or a series of chronic traumas. I know first hand how impossible connecting to ourselves can seem afterward. We grieve the loss of a sense of safety and often believe that our identity has changed to what has happened to us. We fear life will always be tarnished and feel set apart by our shame. Through my own life journey and my experiences as a Trauma therapist I have witnessed the reclaiming of Self that arises from the ashes of violence when healing begins to happen!
I offer Mindfulness, Somatic Informed Practices, EMDR, and Reiki to calm and gain access to healing.
I believe each of us has a gift of Self to unwrap and embrace along life's journey, especially when we've lived through a life threatening event or a series of chronic traumas. I know first hand how impossible connecting to ourselves can seem afterward. We grieve the loss of a sense of safety and often believe that our identity has changed to what has happened to us. We fear life will always be tarnished and feel set apart by our shame. Through my own life journey and my experiences as a Trauma therapist I have witnessed the reclaiming of Self that arises from the ashes of violence when healing begins to happen!
(412) 567-9375 View (412) 567-9375
Photo of Meagan Roppo, LPC, RYT200, Licensed Professional Counselor
Meagan Roppo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RYT200
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15237  (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 Megan Berringer - Movement in Mind, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Movement in Mind, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Allison Park, PA 15101
Waitlist for new clients
If you are hoping to improve your relationship with your mind and body, but find that traditional therapy environments haven't helped, it's giving trauma! I am an EMDR-trained clinical social worker and I consider trauma to be a universal lived experience. I understand the role of somatic experiencing as integral to adaptation and change. I love working with clients who identify as queer, chronically ill and/or neurodivergent. As a lover of strength sports, I offer EMDR therapy for sports performance to help you clear mental blocks and adapt after injury.
If you are hoping to improve your relationship with your mind and body, but find that traditional therapy environments haven't helped, it's giving trauma! I am an EMDR-trained clinical social worker and I consider trauma to be a universal lived experience. I understand the role of somatic experiencing as integral to adaptation and change. I love working with clients who identify as queer, chronically ill and/or neurodivergent. As a lover of strength sports, I offer EMDR therapy for sports performance to help you clear mental blocks and adapt after injury.
(814) 904-4296 View (814) 904-4296
Photo of Cynthia Crabb - Sensory and Sensibility, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sensory and Sensibility
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
We are a trauma-focused group, working in somatic, narrative, family systems, and cognitive approaches. Whether you need practical skills and empathetic listening, exploring your past and how it affects your present, or processing specific or developmental traumas, we are here to walk with you on your journey. We are LGBTQIA+ affirming.
We are a trauma-focused group, working in somatic, narrative, family systems, and cognitive approaches. Whether you need practical skills and empathetic listening, exploring your past and how it affects your present, or processing specific or developmental traumas, we are here to walk with you on your journey. We are LGBTQIA+ affirming.
(412) 347-5080 View (412) 347-5080
Photo of Brittany Hautz, MSEd, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Brittany Hautz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
24 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
You are ready to step out of the pattern of disconnect and dissociation in your life. You are done feeling triggered, distracted, or just lost. You are ready to do the deeper work and address the impact of chronic and systemic trauma on your nervous system, beyond where traditional talk therapy has taken you. For a Queer, "AuDHD" person, this means finding a therapist who gets it, and can hold an expansive space for fully reprocessing your story. You are looking for a somatic therapist who offers a gentle, but powerful approach to healing. You are ready to work with a specialist.
You are ready to step out of the pattern of disconnect and dissociation in your life. You are done feeling triggered, distracted, or just lost. You are ready to do the deeper work and address the impact of chronic and systemic trauma on your nervous system, beyond where traditional talk therapy has taken you. For a Queer, "AuDHD" person, this means finding a therapist who gets it, and can hold an expansive space for fully reprocessing your story. You are looking for a somatic therapist who offers a gentle, but powerful approach to healing. You are ready to work with a specialist.
(878) 205-0553 View (878) 205-0553
Photo of Olivia Shine, BA, BS, LPC Intern
Olivia Shine
LPC Intern, BA, BS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
My passion for mutual aid, holistic wellbeing, and collective liberation supports my own integrative and decolonial approach, which is compassion-focused, trauma-informed and a mixture of Liberation Psychology, feminist, mindfulness, relational-cultural, somatic therapies, expressive arts, DBT, ACT, and parts-work (IFS).
Hi! My name is Olivia, I also like being called Liv. I’m a born and raised in Pennsylvania queer, neurodivergent, cis-white woman. As a forever-aspiring healer, my hope is that my gift of authentic warmth, compassion, empathy, and down-to-earth way of nurturing helps you flourish your life with meaningful abundance. I also see my healing role inseparable from the call to recognize and tend to generational and current wounds caused by oppressive systems. I’m here to honor you and your experiences, to hold space for all joy and sorrow that comes with remembering, healing, and reclaiming.
My passion for mutual aid, holistic wellbeing, and collective liberation supports my own integrative and decolonial approach, which is compassion-focused, trauma-informed and a mixture of Liberation Psychology, feminist, mindfulness, relational-cultural, somatic therapies, expressive arts, DBT, ACT, and parts-work (IFS).
Hi! My name is Olivia, I also like being called Liv. I’m a born and raised in Pennsylvania queer, neurodivergent, cis-white woman. As a forever-aspiring healer, my hope is that my gift of authentic warmth, compassion, empathy, and down-to-earth way of nurturing helps you flourish your life with meaningful abundance. I also see my healing role inseparable from the call to recognize and tend to generational and current wounds caused by oppressive systems. I’m here to honor you and your experiences, to hold space for all joy and sorrow that comes with remembering, healing, and reclaiming.
(412) 444-7361 View (412) 444-7361
Photo of Linda Dukess, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Linda Dukess
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who provides clients with a supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment in which they can explore the issues and problems that they have been unable to resolve on their own.
Do you feel that no matter how much you understand yourself you still struggle to change and to heal? Do you feel like you're not able to be your best self in your relationships or with your work? Do you always put yourself last and find it challenging to meet your own needs for self care? Do you need a safe place to heal from trauma? Please know that you are not alone
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who provides clients with a supportive, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment in which they can explore the issues and problems that they have been unable to resolve on their own.
Do you feel that no matter how much you understand yourself you still struggle to change and to heal? Do you feel like you're not able to be your best self in your relationships or with your work? Do you always put yourself last and find it challenging to meet your own needs for self care? Do you need a safe place to heal from trauma? Please know that you are not alone
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Photo of Jess Markowitz, M Ed, LPC, Counselor
Jess Markowitz
Counselor, M Ed, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
My primary modality is Somatic Experiencing, which is a therapeutic approach used to address trauma-related stress responses.
As a Counselor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), I support and hold space for the healing of all kinds of trauma. I enjoy working with clients who seek support with chronic illness, sexuality, self growth, relationships & attachment, life transitions, family, systemic trauma and multigenerational or cultural matters. I believe we are deeply impacted by the cultural, social and historical contexts to which we originate, exist, and navigate; therefore I strive to attune to and support these facets of your experience in our work.
My primary modality is Somatic Experiencing, which is a therapeutic approach used to address trauma-related stress responses.
As a Counselor and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), I support and hold space for the healing of all kinds of trauma. I enjoy working with clients who seek support with chronic illness, sexuality, self growth, relationships & attachment, life transitions, family, systemic trauma and multigenerational or cultural matters. I believe we are deeply impacted by the cultural, social and historical contexts to which we originate, exist, and navigate; therefore I strive to attune to and support these facets of your experience in our work.
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Photo of James Bowen, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
James Bowen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
I see therapy as a way of deepening relationship to purpose, land, bodies, and each other. I help people build capacity so they can show up in more meaningful ways in their relationships and the world.  I draw upon body-based ( somatic) and insight-based (psychodynamic) therapies to help open up places where people are stuck, uncover what is held in the body and psyche, explore troubled aspects of the self, and create new possibilities.
I see therapy as a way of deepening relationship to purpose, land, bodies, and each other. I help people build capacity so they can show up in more meaningful ways in their relationships and the world.  I draw upon body-based ( somatic) and insight-based (psychodynamic) therapies to help open up places where people are stuck, uncover what is held in the body and psyche, explore troubled aspects of the self, and create new possibilities.
(412) 501-2467 View (412) 501-2467

See more therapy options for Fox Chapel

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.