Understanding Body-oriented Psychotherapy

Body-oriented psychotherapy, also known as somatic psychology or body psychotherapy, refers to therapeutic approaches that integrate physical experience into psychological healing. Rather than focusing solely on thoughts and verbal processing, these approaches recognize that psychological experiences can be stored and expressed through the body—in muscle tension, breathing patterns, posture, and movement. A body-oriented therapist might guide you to notice physical sensations, work with breath, explore movement, or bring awareness to how emotions show up in your body, all while maintaining the reflective conversation of traditional therapy.

People who engage in body-oriented psychotherapy often report developing a stronger connection between their physical and emotional experiences. This approach may support those seeking to release chronic tension, develop greater body awareness, or explore patterns that feel stuck despite insight-focused work. Many find it particularly helpful for processing experiences that are difficult to put into words, managing stress responses, and cultivating a more grounded sense of self. The integration of body and mind can offer pathways to self-understanding that complement verbal exploration.

Body-oriented psychotherapy may resonate with people who feel disconnected from their bodies, notice they hold stress physically, or want to explore the relationship between their physical and emotional experiences. It can appeal to those who find traditional talk therapy helpful but incomplete, as well as individuals interested in somatic practices like yoga or mindfulness who want to deepen that work in a therapeutic context. People processing difficult experiences, navigating chronic tension, or seeking a more holistic approach to wellbeing often find value in this embodied form of therapy.

Finding the right body-oriented psychotherapist involves looking for practitioners trained in specific somatic approaches such as Bioenergetics, Hakomi, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, or other body-centered modalities. When exploring your options, consider watching therapist introduction videos to get a sense of their style and approach. Many therapists offer free consultations, which can help you determine whether their particular approach to body-oriented work feels like a good fit for your needs and goals.

Body-oriented psychotherapy shares foundations with several related approaches you might explore. Somatic Experiencing focuses specifically on resolving stress responses held in the body. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy integrates body awareness with attachment and trauma processing. Mindfulness-based therapies also emphasize present-moment body awareness, though with different theoretical roots. If you're drawn to the mind-body connection in therapy, you might also consider trauma-informed approaches, EMDR, or therapists who incorporate movement or breathwork into their practice. Exploring these related modalities can help you find the specific approach that resonates most.

First Session connects you with therapists across Canada who offer body-oriented and somatic approaches to therapy. Our growing network includes practitioners with training in various embodied modalities. You can browse therapist profiles, watch introduction videos to get a sense of each practitioner's style, and book directly online. If you're uncertain whether body-oriented psychotherapy is right for you, many therapists offer initial consultations to discuss your goals. You can also learn more about therapy costs and what to look for when choosing a therapist who's right for you.