What is Somatic Therapy and How Does it Work?

In many Western models of mental health, healing tends to focus on the mind—talking things through, understanding past experiences, gaining insight.

But what if your body already knows what your mind hasn’t fully caught up with?

For highly sensitive people, trauma survivors, and those who are used to holding space for others, healing often needs to happen at a deeper, more embodied level.

This is where somatic therapy comes in.

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy is a body-based approach to healing that focuses on the connection between the mind, body, and nervous system.

The word somatic comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “the living body.” In practice, somatic therapy helps you tune into the physical sensations, impulses, and patterns that are often shaped by past trauma, chronic stress, or developmental wounding.

Rather than just talking about your experiences, somatic therapy invites you to feel and process them through the body—where they often live, even long after the event has passed.

Why Choose Somatic Therapy?

Many people come to me after traditional talk therapy has helped a little—but something still feels stuck.

If you:

• Struggle with chronic overwhelm or burnout

• Tend to “shut down” or go numb in stressful situations

• Feel disconnected from your body

• Keep repeating patterns even though you “know better”

• Identify as a highly sensitive person (HSP) or empath

…then somatic therapy might offer a more complete path to healing.

This approach is especially helpful for nervous system regulation, trauma healing, and developing greater embodiment in your daily life.

What Happens in a Somatic Therapy Session?

In somatic therapy, we gently bring awareness to your inner experience. This might include:

• Grounding and resourcing techniques

• Noticing and tracking physical sensations

• Exploring movement or stillness

• Supporting emotional release through the body

• Practicing boundaries and safety at the nervous system level

There is no “right” way to do this work. Sessions are collaborative, trauma-informed, and always paced in a way that respects your unique history and needs.

Many of my clients describe the work as subtle but powerful. Over time, you begin to feel more choice, more capacity, and more connection—with yourself and with the world around you.

Who Is Somatic Therapy For?

While somatic therapy can support a wide range of people, it is especially well-suited for:

• Highly sensitive people (HSPs)

• Caregivers, therapists, healers, and activists

• People recovering from burnout or emotional exhaustion

• Those who feel like they’re “too much” or “not enough”

• People who are ready to relate to their body with more compassion

Somatic Therapy in California and Beyond

I offer online somatic therapy for California residents, and work with clients throughout the state—including Oakland, Berkeley, and the greater Bay Area.

I also support people nationally and internationally through somatic coaching and group programs.

If you’re looking for a somatic therapist in Oakland or want to work with someone who truly understands the intersection of sensitivity, trauma, and embodiment, I’d love to connect.

Ready to Reconnect with Your Body?

If you’re curious about how somatic therapy can support your healing, growth, and nervous system resilience, I invite you to take the next step.

👉 Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to explore whether working together feels like the right fit.

You don’t have to do this alone. Healing is possible—and your body already holds the wisdom.