Somatic Therapists in Winnipeg

What is somatic therapy, and who is it for?

Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. Rather than relying solely on talking through experiences, it helps people notice and process physical sensations, posture, breathing, movement, and nervous system responses alongside thoughts and emotions. It includes a range of body-oriented approaches, such as Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Many therapists also integrate somatic techniques with other evidence-based modalities, such as EMDR or Internal Family Systems (IFS), depending on a client's needs.

Somatic therapy is commonly used to support people experiencing trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, and emotional dysregulation. It may be particularly helpful for those who notice that stress or trauma shows up physically, for example, through chronic tension, hypervigilance, difficulty relaxing, or feeling disconnected from their body, or who feel that talk therapy alone hasn't fully addressed the ways their experiences are held in the body.

What to know about somatic therapy in Winnipeg

In-person and online availability

Although somatic therapy is often associated with in-person sessions because of its body-based approach, many therapists have adapted their work effectively for virtual sessions, where they can guide clients in body awareness, grounding, breathing, movement, and nervous system regulation exercises. There are currently no therapists on First Session offering in-person somatic therapy in Winnipeg, but Winnipeg residents can access somatic therapy online through practitioners across Canada.

Manitoba credentials you'll see

The primary regulated mental health credential in Manitoba is Registered Social Worker (RSW), regulated by the Manitoba College of Social Workers (MCSW). You may also see therapists with out-of-province designations, such as Registered Psychotherapist (RP) or Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), who are legally able to provide virtual therapy to clients in Manitoba. Many therapists offering somatic therapy have completed additional training in a specific somatic modality. You may see therapists' training in the Certificates section on their First Session profile, or ask them about it in a free consultation. 

Cost and insurance

Individual therapy in Winnipeg typically ranges from $100–$250. Insurance coverage depends on the therapist's professional designation, not the therapeutic approach they use, so it's worth confirming that your benefits plan covers the therapist's credential before booking

How to choose a somatic therapist in Winnipeg

• Ask about their somatic training. Somatic therapy is an umbrella term covering a range of approaches. Ask which modality the therapist has trained in (such as Somatic Experiencing or Sensorimotor Psychotherapy) and how they incorporate it into their practice.
• Look for experience with your concerns. Somatic therapy is commonly used for trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, and nervous system regulation. Ask whether the therapist has experience supporting people with challenges similar to yours.
• Ask how somatic therapy works online. Every therapist adapts virtual sessions differently. It's worth understanding how they'll guide body awareness, grounding, movement, or other somatic practices over video.
• Consider their overall approach. Some therapists use somatic therapy as their primary modality, while others integrate it with approaches like EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), or traditional talk therapy. Think about whether you're looking for a predominantly body-based approach or a blend of methods.
• Book a free consultation. All First Session therapists offer a brief introductory call where you can ask about their training, approach, and what a typical somatic therapy session looks like before deciding if they're the right fit.