Photo of Molly Johnston, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 15235, PA
Molly Johnston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15235  (Online Only)
I think that therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. As a client you can expect to highlight your strengths, speak to your individual experience in a non-judgmental environment, receive unconditional support from someone you trust, and learn new ways to lessen your pain. Therapy is a wonderfully transformative venture, where two people collaborate on how to navigate the human experience. My approach is strengths-based, person-first, and multifaceted to meet your specific needs.
I think that therapy doesn’t have to be complicated. As a client you can expect to highlight your strengths, speak to your individual experience in a non-judgmental environment, receive unconditional support from someone you trust, and learn new ways to lessen your pain. Therapy is a wonderfully transformative venture, where two people collaborate on how to navigate the human experience. My approach is strengths-based, person-first, and multifaceted to meet your specific needs.
(412) 946-0951 View (412) 946-0951

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.