What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach to healing that helps individuals reconnect with their physical sensations, emotions, and inner awareness. Unlike traditional talk therapy, this method pays close attention to how stress, trauma, and emotions show up in the body—like tight muscles, shallow breathing, or restlessness. Through guided awareness, movement, breathwork, and grounding exercises, clients can release stored tension and feel more present, safe, and in control. Somatic therapy is beneficial for those who’ve tried to “think” their way through struggles but still feel stuck. It offers a calm, gentle path forward—helping the body and mind work together to heal.
Somatic therapy is based on the understanding that the body holds onto emotional and physical experiences. When we experience trauma or chronic stress, our bodies often respond with protective patterns that can persist long after the threat has passed. Somatic therapy helps bring awareness to these patterns and offers ways to release them safely and gradually.
Somatic therapy can support a wide range of individuals, especially those who:
Here’s what you can expect when beginning somatic therapy at Transformation Health:
You’ll meet with a licensed therapist to discuss what brings you in, what you hope for, and any past therapy experiences. This helps us understand your needs and ensure that somatic therapy is the right fit for you.
Together, we’ll create a comfortable and manageable plan. We’ll focus on specific goals, like improving sleep or reducing anxiety, while considering how your body responds to stress.
During sessions, you’ll explore body awareness through gentle movement, breathing techniques, grounding practices, or guided exercises. You’re always in control of the pace; everything is adapted to your comfort level.
As therapy progresses, we’ll track your growth and adjust as needed. You’ll begin to notice shifts in how you respond to stress, relate to your body, and how you feel daily.
At Transformation Health, we believe in treating the whole person—mind and body. Our therapists bring specialized somatic therapy training and years of experience supporting individuals with compassion, patience, and respect. We take time to understand your story, adapt our approach to your needs, and create a space where you feel safe to explore healing at your own pace.
Therapists trained in somatic experiencing therapy and other evidence-based approaches
A calm, supportive environment where your comfort comes first
Collaborative care plans that grow with you
Optional check-ins or aftercare support between sessions
In a somatic therapy session, you may talk about your feelings and experiences, but much of the focus will be on how those emotions appear in your body. You might practice breathing exercises, notice muscle tension, or use grounding techniques. Your therapist will guide the process at a pace that feels right for you.
While traditional therapy often focuses on thoughts and behaviors, somatic therapy emphasizes physical awareness and how your body responds to emotions and stress. This approach can be constructive when words aren’t enough or feelings are overwhelming
Somatic trauma therapy is specifically designed to support people who have experienced trauma. It offers gentle, non-invasive ways to process what happened without reliving it. Through somatic healing therapy, clients often find a renewed sense of safety and connection in their bodies.
If you’re curious about starting somatic therapy at Transformation Health, we’re here to answer your questions and walk with you each step of the way. Reach out today to schedule your first consultation—we’d be honored to support your journey.
Virginia Beach Office:
508 South Independence Blvd Ste. 200 Virginia Beach, VA 23452
tel: 757-490-6463