What Is Somatic Therapy for Trauma? How It Works and Who It’s For

Somatic therapy for trauma focuses on how emotional experiences are held in the body—not just in thoughts or memories. Rather than relying only on talking through past events, somatic therapy helps people notice physical sensations, nervous system responses, and patterns of tension that are often connected to trauma, including relational ruptures. By working with the body alongside the mind, somatic therapy can support deeper healing and emotional regulation.

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy is a body-based approach to mental health treatment. It is grounded in the understanding that trauma and stress can become stored in the nervous system, affecting how a person reacts emotionally, physically, and relationally long after an event has passed.

In somatic therapy, sessions may include:

• Noticing physical sensations (such as tightness, numbness, or restlessness)

• Tracking emotional responses as they show up in the body

• Learning to regulate the nervous system through awareness and grounding

• Gently reconnecting with bodily cues in a safe, supported way

Somatic therapy is often used alongside talk therapy, rather than replacing it entirely.

How Does Somatic Therapy Help With Trauma?

In somatic psychotherapy, trauma is understood less as the event itself and more as what happens inside the body—when overwhelming experience isn’t able to be processed in the moment, leaving the nervous system stuck in survival responses (fight/flight/freeze) that continue to shape sensations, emotions, and behavior long after the danger has passed.

Somatic therapy helps by:

• Increasing awareness of how trauma shows up physically

• Supporting nervous system regulation and resilience

• Reducing reactivity, shutdown, or chronic hypervigilance

• Helping clients feel more grounded and connected to themselves

Over time, this approach can make it easier to tolerate emotions, respond rather than react, and feel more at ease in daily life.

Who Is Somatic Therapy Most Helpful For?

Somatic therapy may be especially beneficial for people who:

• Have experienced trauma, relational conflict or chronic stress

• Feel disconnected from their body or emotions

• Struggle with anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional flooding

• Notice physical symptoms linked to emotional distress

• Have tried talk therapy and feel “stuck” despite insight

It can also be helpful during major life transitions, relationship challenges, or periods of identity change.

When Somatic Therapy May Not Be Enough on Its Own

Somatic therapy is not a quick fix, and it may not be the only approach needed. Some individuals benefit from combining somatic work with other modalities, such as EMDR or relational therapy, depending on their history and goals.

A skilled therapist can help determine whether somatic therapy alone—or in combination with other approaches—is the right fit.

How Marcelle Little Approaches Somatic Therapy

Marcelle Little’s psychotherapy practice is trauma-informed and grounded in an integrative approach. Her work recognizes that emotional experiences are often held both cognitively and within the body.

When incorporating somatic therapy, Marcelle supports clients in:

• Building safety and emotional tolerance

• Exploring how past experiences influence present reactions

• Developing awareness of nervous system patterns

• Moving at a pace that feels respectful and sustainable

Sessions are tailored to each individual, with a focus on helping clients feel more regulated, connected, and empowered over time.

Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?

If you’re curious about somatic therapy for trauma, anxiety, or emotional regulation, working with a trained therapist can help you explore whether this approach aligns with your needs. Somatic therapy is not about reliving the past—it’s about creating greater safety and capacity in the present.

If you’re struggling to adjust or simply want to feel more grounded, I’d be honored to support you.
Book a consultation by clicking here.

I’m Marcelle Little, a California and Florida-licensed psychotherapist (LMFT #129593, TPMF1241) and UK-registered practitioner offering online therapy for adults in California, Florida, and select European countries. My work integrates EMDR, somatic therapy, parts work, and depth psychology to help individuals heal trauma, anxiety, and intergenerational wounds.

Specialties:

• Adjustment Disorder & Life Transitions Therapy

• Expat and Relocation Support (UK, Spain, and other parts of Europe)

• Somatic and Trauma-Informed Therapy

• Mindfulness and Holistic Integration

• US & UK Licensed Psychotherapist (Online Therapy for CA, FL, UK, EU Residents)