Healing Trauma Through the Body: A Somatic Approach

When it comes to trauma, many of us think of painful memories, intrusive thoughts, or overwhelming emotions. But as pioneering trauma experts Dr. Peter Levine and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk have shown us, trauma isn’t just stored in the mind — it’s held in the body.

Whether from a single distressing event or prolonged periods of stress or neglect, trauma shapes how our nervous system responds to the world. It can leave us stuck in patterns of hyper-vigilance, shutdown, or emotional overwhelm, often long after the original event has passed. This is why traditional talk therapy, while incredibly valuable, may not always be enough on its own.

What Is Somatic Therapy?

“Somatic” simply means of the body. Somatic therapy focuses on noticing and working with physical sensations, movements, and patterns held within the nervous system. It helps us develop a felt sense of safety and presence, and it supports the body’s natural ability to process and release trauma.

Dr. Peter Levine, the founder of Somatic Experiencing, observed that animals in the wild experience life-threatening events regularly — yet they rarely suffer from trauma the way humans do. Why? Because animals instinctively discharge the survival energy through shaking, breath changes, and movement. Humans, by contrast, often suppress these responses, especially in cultures that prioritise stoicism and mental control.

As Levine says:

“You don’t have to remember the trauma to heal from it. You only have to feel the survival energies trapped in your body.”

Through gentle awareness and pacing, somatic work invites these trapped responses to complete — restoring balance to the nervous system.

The Body Keeps the Score

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of the internationally acclaimed The Body Keeps the Score, echoes this understanding. His research shows that trauma can disrupt our ability to feel safe in our own skin, connect with others, or regulate emotion. Over time, this can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, from anxiety and dissociation to chronic pain or digestive issues.

Van der Kolk writes:

“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health.”

And to feel safe with others, we must first begin to feel safe within ourselves.

Somatic therapy helps build this internal safety by fostering awareness of physical sensations and restoring a sense of agency. Rather than reliving trauma, the focus is on renegotiating it — slowly and safely, at the pace your nervous system can handle.

What Might Somatic Work Look Like?

In a session, we might:

• Notice subtle body sensations like tightness, warmth, or tingling

• Track breath and encourage gentle regulation

• Use grounding techniques like touch, imagery, or movement

• Explore what safety feels like in the body and gently grow that capacity

• Tune into "micro-movements" or impulses the body wants to complete

This kind of therapy doesn’t require you to retell your traumatic story in detail. In fact, the body often speaks volumes without words. With compassionate attention, we can listen.

Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?

If you've found talk therapy helpful but feel there's more to uncover, or if you're feeling stuck in stress, anxiety, or disconnection, somatic work might offer a new doorway. Especially for those who feel “numb,” “on edge,” or “out of touch” with their bodies, this approach can help rebuild trust in your inner experience.

In my practice here in West Sussex, I integrate somatic principles to support clients in reconnecting with their bodies — gently, safely, and at their own pace. Trauma healing is never one-size-fits-all, but somatic work can be a powerful part of the journey back to wholeness.

Interested in exploring somatic therapy? Get in touch for a free initial conversation. Whether you're new to counselling or seeking a fresh approach, you’re warmly welcome here.