The Role of Somatic Therapy in Trauma Recovery
Have you ever tried to “talk it out” in therapy but still felt stuck in your body? That’s because trauma isn’t just stored in our thoughts — it lives in our nervous systems. For many trauma survivors, especially those in BIPOC communities where systemic and intergenerational trauma are common, healing means reconnecting with the body in a safe and supported way. This is where somatic therapy comes in.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-based therapeutic approach that helps clients tune into physical sensations, body memories, and nervous system cues. It acknowledges that trauma doesn’t just affect the mind — it disrupts our body’s ability to regulate stress. Rather than focusing solely on cognitive insight, somatic therapy invites you to feel your way back to safety.
Practices may include grounding exercises, breathwork, movement, and guided awareness. A trauma-informed somatic therapist won’t push clients into the body too quickly. Instead, they move gently and collaboratively, prioritizing safety and consent every step of the way.
Why This Matters for Trauma Survivors
For people who’ve experienced chronic stress, abuse, or marginalization, dissociating from the body can be a survival strategy. Many clients say they feel "numb," "disconnected," or "on edge" without understanding why. Somatic therapy helps reconnect those dots, often for the first time.
Working with a trauma therapist trained in somatic practices can restore your body’s natural rhythm of stress and calm. This empowers clients to develop new, embodied responses to triggers rather than staying stuck in survival mode.
BIPOC-Centered Somatic Work
A BIPOC therapist brings a culturally informed lens to somatic healing. For many BIPOC clients, the body holds not just personal trauma but the residue of colonialism, racism, and generational harm. Culturally attuned somatic work validates these layered realities without pathologizing them.
Integrating EMDR and Online Therapy
Many somatic therapists also incorporate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a structured method that helps reprocess painful memories while staying grounded. For those in online therapy, somatic work can be surprisingly accessible — simple exercises can be done from your couch, with the therapist guiding you in real time.
Conclusion
Somatic therapy is a powerful reminder that healing is not just about thinking differently — it's about feeling safe again. When paired with EMDR, guided by a skilled trauma therapist, and held in the care of a culturally responsive BIPOC therapist, somatic work can lead to lasting transformation.
If you're ready to embark on a journey of healing and personal transformation, I encourage you to reach out. I am passionate about trauma-informed care in all spaces as well as creating safety so you can process your experiences at your own pace. Please contact me to schedule a consultation and learn more about how online trauma therapy can help you achieve your goals.
I am dedicated to helping you create a life filled with greater joy, fulfillment, and resilience. Let's work together to start your healing journey.
