Somatic Therapy for Anxiety

What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the connection between the mind and body, particularly how physical sensations and emotions are interconnected. The word "somatic" comes from the Greek word soma, meaning "body." In somatic therapy, the premise is that our bodies hold onto past experiences, emotional trauma, and stress, which can manifest physically in the form of tension, pain, or discomfort.

Rather than focusing solely on the thoughts that arise with anxiety, somatic therapy acknowledges that the body plays a crucial role in processing and regulating symptoms of anxiety. Somatic therapy uses body awareness techniques and exercises to help you release stored emotions, reduce anxiety, and cultivate long-term healing from within.

My Approach to Somatic Therapy for Anxiety

I take a holistic and relational approach to somatic therapy, meaning I work with both your emotional and physical experiences of anxiety alongside exploring patterns of how you relate to the world around you. Through this approach, we’re able to address not just the thoughts of anxiety but also the physical sensations that go hand in hand with it.

Every journey is different and not one size of therapy will fit all. We will work to curate a personalized plan that works for YOUR journey.

Here are a few ways that I approach somatic therapy for anxiety:

A Safe, Compassionate Space (this is non-negotiable):
The best foundation for healing is mutual respect and safety, so that is my ultimate goal. My intention as a therapist is to curate a space where ALL parts of you feel safe, heard, and accepted. As a relational therapist, if this is ever NOT the case, I invite you to bring this up in session. Healing also happens through authentic conversation and action, which is what I hope I can provide to you in the therapeutic space!
Learning How Anxiety Manifests in Your Body:
Anxiety often manifests physically—your heart races, your muscles tense, and maybe you feel a pit in your stomach. These physical sensations are signals from your body that it’s experiencing anxiety. In somatic therapy, we don’t just focus on your thoughts; we also pay attention to the bodily sensations that arise. I’ll guide you to become more aware of how anxiety shows up in your body and provide education on WHY our nervous system responds this way.
Trauma-Informed, Body-Centered Techniques:
I utilize a combination of trauma-informed techniques to find what works for YOU. Some of these include:
- Movement: Gentle, mindful movement is a powerful way to release anxiety from the body. We can find movement that works for YOU. I love being creative and finding ways that serve you and your lifestyle.
- Mindfulness: You’ll learn how to check in with your body, notice sensations that arise in your body, and have tools to reconnect with the present moment. Again, I LOVE coming up with creative ways that work for YOU. Not one size fits all.
- Breathwork: Our breath holds so much power for regulating our nervous system. I will often encourage deep breaths in session throughout our work and will give breathwork practices for outside of session if that feels right for you.
Addressing the Root Causes of Anxiety:
Anxiety doesn’t always have an obvious trigger—it can be a result of past experiences, trauma, or unresolved stored emotions. Through somatic therapy, we’ll explore your body’s responses to past and present experiences to identify patterns that may be leading to feelings of anxiety. We will work together to untangle these layers so that you can release the deeper causes of anxiety, not just the surface-level symptoms.
Learning to Ground Yourself in the Present Moment:
Anxiety often pulls you out of the present, filling your mind with worries about the past or future. Somatic therapy helps you develop the skill of grounding, which is the practice of connecting to the present moment. Using mindfulness and nervous system regulation techniques, you’ll learn how to stay present, calm your mind, and reduce the intensity of anxious thoughts.
Developing Coping Strategies for Everyday Life:
Together, we will create personalized coping strategies that you can use to manage anxiety in your day-to-day life. These strategies might include nervous system regulation techniques, breathing or movement practices, and even self-compassion. My goal is for you to leave therapy feeling empowered and equipped to handle whatever life throws your way—whether that’s a stressful situation at work, a social event, or the pressures of everyday life.

Why Somatic Therapy for Anxiety Works

Anxiety is not just something you think about—it’s something you feel deeply in your body. Somatic therapy for anxiety works because it addresses the entire experience of anxiety: the thoughts, the emotions, and the physical sensations. By incorporating both body and mind, this approach can bring longterm healing, helping you manage stress and anxiety with confidence.

With somatic therapy, you’ll be able to:

Reduce the intensity of anxious thoughts: As you begin to calm your nervous system and release physical tension, your mind will follow suit. You’ll notice a reduction in worry, fear, and overthinking.
Increase emotional resilience: You’ll learn how to process and release difficult emotions instead of letting them get stuck in your body or your mind.
Create lasting change: With regular practice of somatic techniques and mindfulness, you’ll be able to maintain a more balanced emotional state, even in stressful situations.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in a cycle of worry, or disconnected from your body, somatic therapy for anxiety can help you find balance and peace. Together, we’ll explore the root causes of your anxiety and develop personalized strategies to help you regain control over your mind and body.

Let’s work together to release tension, reduce worry, and create lasting change.