Trauma affects both the mind and body, often leaving behind deep-seated stress that talk therapy alone may not resolve. Somatic Experiencing® therapy offers a body-focused approach to healing, helping individuals process and release stored trauma through natural physiological responses. By addressing the body’s innate ability to regulate stress, this method supports emotional resilience and restores balance. Through techniques like breathwork, movement, and somatic exercises, individuals can gently work through trauma, fostering long-term healing and well-being.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is an approach to healing trauma, which includes techniques such as breath, touch, movement, sound, and mirroring. Somatic Experiencing® takes a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma. Dr. Peter A. Levine, founder of the method, used a physiological, psychological, and neurological standpoint and created a successful healing clinical application.
Next Steps
If you’re struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. At Casa Capri, we offer expert, women-centered care in a supportive and nurturing space—designed by women, for women. Our team is here to help you heal with purpose and connection.
Call our admissions team for a free, confidential chat—we’ll even check your insurance and estimate any costs upfront.
How Somatic Responses Influence Trauma Healing
The SE™ approach can work powerfully to release traumatic shock, which develops as a result of PTSD and early attachment or developmental trauma. This approach can provide effective clinical tools for healing both mental health and substance use disorders related to trauma. Trauma is the result of a wide variety of situations. The common result, regardless of type, is the impairment of the person’s ability to function with resilience and ease. Over a period of sessions, the aim is to slowly release the stored energy.
Understanding Somatic Tremors and Trauma Release
Trauma can be the result of a wide variety of situations. Regardless of the source, trauma often impairs an individual’s ability to function with resilience and ease. Over multiple sessions, the goal is to slowly release stored energy through body-based techniques. A common response during therapy is the occurrence of somatic tremors—involuntary shaking or trembling that indicates the body is discharging pent-up trauma. These tremors are a natural part of the healing process and help restore nervous system balance.
Somatic Exercises for Trauma Recovery
Like other somatic psychology approaches, Somatic Experiencing® focuses specifically on addressing the body’s often problematic, and at times physical, symptoms of trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy, the goal is not to reclaim memories or change negative beliefs that may have developed as a result of trauma. The purpose is to look at the sensations underneath the feelings and begin to uncover and discard the unhealthy behavior patterns.
Some somatic exercises for trauma that may be used in therapy include:
- Grounding techniques to enhance body awareness and present-moment safety
- Gentle movement practices to release tension and stored energy
- Breathwork to regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation
- Tactile stimulation such as touch or self-soothing exercises to foster connection with the body
By engaging in these somatic trauma healing practices, individuals can gradually restore a sense of safety, resilience, and well-being.
At Casa Capri, we understand that healing from trauma is a deeply personal journey. Our Somatic Experiencing® therapy approach provides a safe, supportive space to help you release stored trauma, regulate your nervous system, and restore balance. Through compassionate, body-focused techniques, we guide you toward lasting emotional and physical well-being.
Next Steps
If you’re struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. At Casa Capri, we offer expert, women-centered care in a supportive and nurturing space—designed by women, for women. Our team is here to help you heal with purpose and connection.
Call our admissions team for a free, confidential chat—we’ll even check your insurance and estimate any costs upfront.
FAQs About Somatic Experiencing® Therapy
What are somatic sensations of trauma?
Somatic sensations of trauma are physical symptoms stored in the body, such as muscle tension, shaking, numbness, dizziness, or tightness in the chest. These somatic responses arise as the nervous system attempts to process unresolved trauma in the body.
What is the somatic theory of trauma?
The somatic theory of trauma suggests that traumatic experiences become trapped in the body when the nervous system is unable to complete its natural stress response. This unprocessed energy can lead to physical and emotional distress until it is gradually released through body-based therapies.
How do you release somatic trauma?
Somatic trauma can be released through body-focused techniques like breathwork, movement, grounding exercises, and Somatic Experiencing® therapy. These methods help regulate the nervous system and allow stored trauma to be processed safely.
What are somatic tremors, and why do they happen?
Somatic tremors are involuntary shaking or trembling that occur as the body releases stored trauma. They are a natural way for the nervous system to discharge excess energy and restore balance.
Can Somatic Experiencing® therapy help with PTSD?
Yes, Somatic Experiencing® therapy is effective for PTSD by addressing the physiological effects of trauma and helping individuals regulate their nervous system responses. It allows for gradual healing without requiring individuals to relive traumatic memories.
How long does somatic therapy take to work?
The timeline for results varies, but many people begin to notice changes within a few sessions. Long-term healing typically depends on the severity of trauma and an individual’s ability to integrate somatic practices into daily life.
Is Somatic Experiencing® therapy the same as talk therapy?
No, Somatic Experiencing® therapy focuses on bodily sensations rather than discussing past experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it helps individuals process trauma through physical awareness and nervous system regulation.
Can I practice somatic exercises at home?
Yes, simple somatic exercises for trauma, such as deep breathing, body scanning, grounding, and gentle movement, can be done at home. However, working with a trained practitioner can provide deeper healing and personalized guidance.
