Somatic Therapy Approaches

by Jumana Raggam

December 23, 2025

Somatic Therapy approaches tend to refer to therapy approaches that focus on processing unresolved emotions by combining talk therapy with mind–body techniques. It is based on the idea that trauma and psychological distress are stored not only in memories but also in the body, often manifesting as chronic pain, fatigue, or hypervigilance, an idea highlighted by Bessel van der Kolk in The Body Keeps the Score. Because of this, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga are often integrated into treatment to help release physical tension and promote healing.

Sessions often involve revisiting difficult memories while identifying and describing the physical sensations that accompany them. Through awareness and gentle regulation of these sensations, clients learn to process and release the stored emotional energy.

There are several main approaches under somatic therapy:

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP)

Developed by Dr. Pat Ogden, integrates talk therapy with body awareness and movement to reduce psychological distress and strengthen emotional regulation. It involves 3 levels that help in processing the feeling of being “stuck”. The first level involves grounding methods that stabilise the body adequately in preparation to explore trauma. The second level focuses on trauma exploration, how attachment was developed, and identifying the patterns that exist to the present day. Lastly, level 3 integrates understanding the body’s reactions to trauma and the mind to be able to self-soothe and regulate. SP also involves other physical, self-soothing, and grounding exercises to give a sense of calm during a crisis.

Somatic Experiencing Therapy (SE)

Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, focuses on regulating the nervous system by gradually releasing trauma-related energy using techniques like pendulation, alternating between states of safety and discomfort to prevent overwhelm, and titration, which is being able to break down big emotions into manageable pieces. While SE has similar core theories to SP, it focuses on reducing the sense of being stuck and unsafe and being attuned to the body’s sensations.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, helps clients with PTSD or trauma reprocess painful memories through bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or sounds) while recalling distressing experiences. This process is believed to mirror REM sleep, the brain’s natural way of integrating emotional experiences. The treatment plan involves eight phases, and the highlight involves the therapist and client envisioning a vivid image related to the memory, the triggered negative and positive beliefs, and any associated body sensations and emotions.

Following this, the therapist will guide the client to clear their mind and begin numerous sets of stimulation. As the client reports their immediate thoughts, the therapist redirects their focus to the taps or sounds being presented. As the sessions progress, the trigger and sensations should reduce, and the therapist will ask the client to remind themselves of the positive thoughts highlighted earlier, helping them to adjust to it. EMDR treatment concludes by maintaining a log or journal to report any future triggers and to remember the activities achieved in the earlier phases.

At Sanctuary Clinics, we understand the importance of addressing trauma and emotional distress through holistic, body-centered approaches. Whether you’re looking to explore somatic therapy techniques like Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, or EMDR, our team is here to guide you on your healing journey.

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