Somatic Therapy Therapists

Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach to mental health that explores the connection between physical sensations and emotional experiences. Rather than focusing solely on thoughts and feelings through conversation, somatic therapists also pay attention to bodily cues—like tension, posture, and breath—to help clients process and release held emotions.

Somatic therapy may be helpful for people experiencing trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, or a sense of disconnection from their body. It can also support those with chronic pain or tension that may have emotional roots. People who feel that talk therapy alone hasn't fully addressed their concerns sometimes find somatic approaches offer a different pathway.

Sessions might include guided awareness of physical sensations, breathing exercises, gentle movement, or techniques to release muscular tension. Your therapist will help you notice how emotions show up in your body and guide you in working with those sensations. The pace and specific techniques vary based on your comfort and goals.

The length of therapy depends on your individual needs and what you're working on. Some people find benefit in a focused series of sessions, while others prefer ongoing work to deepen their body awareness and continue processing. Your therapist can help you determine what timeline feels appropriate.

Look for a therapist who has training in somatic approaches and whose style feels comfortable to you. On First Session, you can watch intro videos to get a sense of how each therapist works. Since somatic therapy involves body awareness, it's important to find someone you feel safe with and who respects your boundaries.

Browse therapists on First Session who offer somatic therapy. Watch their intro videos to understand their approach, then book directly through the platform. Many offer online sessions, though some somatic work may be more effective in person—your therapist can discuss what format might work best for you.