Somatic Therapy Explained: Mind-Body Healing for Trauma, Anxiety, & Stress
Interview with Ryan Varian, PsyD
In recent years, more people have begun seeking therapy that supports the mind-body connection—especially those navigating anxiety, trauma, or chronic stress. One of the most powerful and holistic approaches emerging in the field is Somatic Therapy. But what exactly is somatic therapy, and how might it support your healing? Learn more below and hear from Ryan Varian, PsyD, a psychologist at Aspire Psychology who incorporates Somatic Therapy into his sessions.
Understanding Somatic Therapy
The word somatic comes from the Greek word soma, meaning "body." While traditional talk therapy focuses primarily on thoughts and behaviors, somatic therapy brings the body into the conversation. It recognizes that trauma and emotional pain are often held in both the brain and the body, and that lasting healing may require working with both.
Somatic therapy blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness-based therapy, along with body-based practices like yoga and breathwork. Helping clients notice and respond to their physical sensations fosters deeper self-awareness and regulation.
Question: What role does the nervous system play in connection and healing?
Dr. Varian:The nervous system is naturally wired for connection—with other people and the world around us. But when we experience events that break this sense of trust, our bodies adapt to protect us. These protective responses, while helpful at the time, can later interfere with our ability to feel safe and connected, even when there’s no actual threat present.
What is a Session Like?
In a somatic therapy session, you might talk with your therapist while also being guided to notice subtle physical sensations—like tension, breath, or posture. Sessions may include:
Grounding and centering techniques
Breathwork
Mindful movement or gesture awareness
Safe, consensual touch (if appropriate)
Guided imagery
Body scanning or mindfulness exercises
These tools help clients become more present in their bodies and gently release long-held stress or trauma. Over time, clients often report feeling more regulated, connected, and empowered.
Question: How do you help clients begin their healing journey?
Dr. Varian: By developing awareness of how your nervous system responds to past experiences and traumas, you begin to illuminate a path toward greater safety, connection, and healing. Understanding these patterns is often the first step in creating meaningful, lasting change.
Benefits of Somatic Therapy
While the application of Somatic Therapy is wide-ranging, it can be especially beneficial for those seeking trauma therapy. Some of the most common benefits include:
1. Trauma Recovery
Somatic therapy supports trauma resolution by helping regulate the nervous system and allowing the body to process painful experiences without becoming overwhelmed. This makes it an excellent option for clients who feel stuck in traditional talk therapy.
2. Anxiety & Depression Relief
Because it works through both the mind and body, somatic therapy can help you identify and manage early signs of anxiety or depression. Many clients find it complements other evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
3. Healing Chronic Stress
Chronic stress often lives in the body. Somatic techniques help down-regulate the stress response, improving resilience and a sense of calm.
4. Improved Emotional Regulation
As you become more aware of your body’s cues, you can learn to pause, reflect, and respond—rather than react—in emotional situations.
5. Rebuilding the Mind-Body Connection
If you feel disconnected from your body due to trauma or stress, somatic therapy can help you rebuild a sense of safety, presence, and agency within yourself.
Question: How do somatic therapies support healing?
Dr. Varian: Somatic therapies help us gently reconnect with safety in the body. They encourage awareness of the body’s wisdom and guide clients to shift out of survival mode into a state of regulation and connection. Through this work, we begin to build new pathways for trust, resilience, and well-being.
Integrating Somatic Interventions Into Other Therapy Approaches
One of the strengths of somatic therapy is its flexibility. At Aspire Psychology Portland, many of our clinicians integrate somatic techniques into their work with clients—whether using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or Internal Family Systems (IFS). Here's how somatic awareness enhances other therapy models:
CBT: Uses breathing and grounding to manage physical symptoms of anxiety
DBT: Enhances mindfulness and distress tolerance with somatic cues
EMDR: Helps clients stay within their “window of tolerance” during reprocessing
Attachment-Based Therapy: Explores body cues tied to early relational patterns
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Deepens present-moment awareness and body trust
IFS: Encourages embodied awareness of internal “parts”
Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?
If you’ve felt like traditional therapy didn’t quite get to the root of your experience, somatic therapy may offer the deeper healing you’re seeking. It’s particularly powerful for individuals who’ve experienced developmental trauma, chronic pain, or emotional disconnection from their bodies.
Ultimately, the goal of somatic therapy is to empower you to reclaim your body and your story. By integrating body awareness into your healing process, you can cultivate resilience, improve emotional regulation, and enhance your overall well-being. If you’re ready to explore this transformative approach, we invite you to reach out and learn more about how somatic therapy can support you on your path to healing.
