Why Somatic Therapy Helps When Talking Isn’t Enough
Have you ever thought, “I understand my patterns, but I still can’t seem to change them”? You’re not alone. Many people come to therapy feeling self-aware, yet stuck. They know the story of their anxiety, stress, or trauma—but their body still reacts as if the past is happening right now.
That’s where somatic therapy comes in.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-based approach that brings your nervous system into the healing process. Instead of focusing only on thoughts or memories, it helps you notice physical sensations—like tension, breath, posture, or impulses—that carry important information about your emotions and history.
Many of our deepest patterns, especially those shaped by trauma and early relationships, are held in the body. Somatic therapy creates space to gently explore and shift those patterns in a way that talking alone often can’t.
Why the Body Matters in Healing
When something stressful or painful happens, your body remembers. Even long after the event, your nervous system might still respond with:
Tightness in your chest when you set a boundary
A sense of freezing or shutting down in conflict
Feeling small, like a younger version of yourself, when triggered
These aren’t “bad habits.” They’re survival strategies your body once used to keep you safe. Somatic therapy helps you notice these responses and find new, more grounded ways of being.
My Approach: Somatic & Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
I’m trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Levels 1 & 2), a leading somatic therapy method that integrates body awareness with talk therapy. In our sessions, we might:
Slow down and notice sensations that arise when you share a story
Explore nervous system responses like bracing, withdrawing, or going numb
Gently connect with “parts” of you—including younger or inner child parts—that carry old roles or unmet needs
Use breath, grounding, or simple movements to build a sense of safety and regulation
This work is collaborative, at your pace, and always guided by what feels safe and supportive.
How Somatic Therapy Can Help
Clients often notice they:
Feel more grounded and present in daily life
Have more tools to calm anxiety and overwhelm
Understand their triggers and patterns more deeply
Feel greater connection to themselves and their relationships
Experience healing not just as a thought, but as a felt sense in the body
Available In-Person and Online Across BC
I offer in-person counselling in Squamish as well as virtual therapy across British Columbia. Whether you live in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, a rural community, or travel often as a digital nomad, somatic therapy is accessible to you.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re curious about how somatic therapy could help you feel more connected, regulated, and supported, I’d love to connect.
Click here to book a free 15-minute consultation.
