What Is Somatic Therapy? A Guide to Healing Through the Body
Ever feel like talk therapy only gets you so far? Like, you know why you feel anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed, but somehow that awareness isn’t enough to change it? That’s where somatic therapy comes in.
Somatic therapy is all about getting out of your head and into your body—literally. Instead of just talking through your struggles, we tune into physical sensations, nervous system responses, and stored tension to help you process emotions in a deeper way. If you’ve ever felt like your body holds onto stress (tight shoulders, stomach knots, random fatigue?), this might be exactly what you need.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
At its core, somatic therapy is a mind-body approach to healing. It’s based on the idea that our emotions don’t just live in our minds—they live in our nervous systems, muscles, and even our posture. While traditional therapy often focuses on thoughts and behaviors, somatic therapy helps you release tension, trauma, and emotional blocks through the body.
This can look like:
✔️ Noticing where anxiety shows up in your body (hello, chest tightness!)
✔️ Using breathwork to regulate your nervous system
✔️ Practicing grounding techniques to shift out of fight-or-flight mode
✔️ Gently moving your body to process stuck emotions
Instead of just talking about stress, somatic therapy helps you move through it.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Therapy?
Honestly? Almost everyone. But if you:
Struggle with anxiety, depression, or trauma that feels “stuck”
Feel disconnected from your body or experience dissociation
Have chronic pain, tension, or health issues that seem stress-related
Feel like traditional talk therapy hasn’t helped as much as you hoped
…somatic therapy might be a game-changer.
Somatic Therapy in Salt Lake City
If you’re searching for somatic therapy in SLC, you’re in the right place. At Rivercourse Counseling, we help clients reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and process emotions in a way that actually sticks. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or past trauma, somatic work can be the missing piece to feeling better—not just in your mind, but in your whole body.
Ready to Try Somatic Therapy?
If you’re curious about somatic therapy in Salt Lake City, I’d love to help. Let’s explore how tuning into your body can create real, lasting change. Book a session or learn more on our blog!
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need professional support, please reach out to a licensed therapist or seek emergency assistance.