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What is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-focused approach to mental health treatment that pays attention to how emotions and stress show up physically. Instead of focusing only on thoughts and conversation, a somatic therapist may help you notice sensations such as muscle tension, changes in breathing, restlessness, numbness, or other physical responses as part of therapy.
Somatic approaches vary, but sessions may involve guided attention to bodily sensations, breathing, movement, grounding, or other techniques designed to increase awareness and help you feel more regulated. Common modalities within the "somatic therapy" umbrella include Somatic Experiencing (SE), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and the Hakomi Method. Some therapists combine these with other approaches, such as trauma-informed CBT, EMDR, IFS, psychodynamic therapy, or attachment-based therapy.
People may seek somatic therapy for trauma and PTSD, anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, emotional overwhelm, grief, dissociation, or difficulty feeling connected to their bodies. It may also be a good fit if you've tried primarily talk-based therapy and would like an approach that pays more attention to physical experiences and nervous-system responses.
What to know about somatic therapists in Saskatoon
Credentials in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan does not currently have a dedicated regulated profession for counselling therapists or psychotherapists. However, some professionals who provide therapy are members of regulated professions, including Registered Social Workers (RSWs), regulated under the Social Workers Act, and Registered Psychologists, regulated by the Saskatchewan College of Psychologists.
Somatic training is separate from a therapist's professional credential. For example, a therapist may have training in Somatic Experiencing (SE), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Hakomi, or other body-oriented approaches in addition to being an RSW or Registered Psychologist.
When choosing a somatic therapist, look at both their professional credential and their specific somatic training. If you plan to use extended health benefits, check whether your plan covers the therapist's underlying credential.
Online vs. in-person somatic therapy
First Session currently has no therapists offering in-person sessions in Saskatoon. However, you can still work with a therapist online if they are licensed or otherwise authorized to provide services to clients in Saskatchewan.
Many aspects of somatic therapy can be adapted effectively to video sessions, including noticing physical sensations, working with breathing and grounding, and developing greater awareness of bodily responses. That said, some people prefer in-person therapy, particularly if they'd want more hands-on techniques. Neither format is inherently better. The best choice is generally the one that feels comfortable for you and that you can attend consistently. During a free consultation, you can ask a therapist how they adapt their somatic approach for online sessions and whether it fits what you're looking for.
Cost and insurance
Somatic therapy sessions in Saskatchewan commonly cost around $100 to $200 or more, depending on the therapist's professional credential, experience, and practice.
Insurance coverage generally depends on the therapist's underlying credential rather than whether they use somatic therapy. For example, if your extended health plan covers services from Registered Social Workers or Registered Psychologists, a somatic therapy session may be eligible when provided by a therapist with that credential. Coverage varies by plan, so check your benefits before booking.
First Session profiles show each therapist's session fee and professional credentials upfront. Therapists also provide receipts that you can submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
How to choose a somatic therapist in Saskatoon
Look for clear somatic training
"Somatic" can mean different things from one therapist to another. Some therapists have extensive training in a specific approach, such as Somatic Experiencing (SE) or Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, while others incorporate fewer body-based techniques into their broader practice. Look at what training the therapist has completed and how they describe using it in sessions.
Consider their experience with your specific concerns
Somatic techniques can address many concerns, but therapists don't necessarily have the same experience with each one. If you're looking for help with PTSD, anxiety, chronic stress, grief, burnout, dissociation, or another specific concern, look for someone who regularly works with it.
You can also ask what other approaches they use alongside somatic therapy. For some people, a therapist who combines body-based work with approaches such as trauma therapy, CBT, IFS, or attachment-based therapy may be a better fit.
Watch their intro video
Every First Session therapist profile includes a short introductory video so you can get a feel for how the therapist communicates before you book. Therapists may talk about the concerns they work with, how they approach therapy, or experiences and perspectives that inform their work. Pay attention to whether you can see yourself working with someone like them.
Book a free consultation
All First Session therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation. Use this time to ask questions about their approach, what somatic therapy looks like in their sessions, and whether they have experience with the concerns you want to address. It's also an opportunity to see how you feel talking with them. Do you feel listened to and respected? Do they explain things clearly? Do you feel comfortable asking questions or saying that something doesn't feel right?
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