What is Somatic Integration Therapy?
- Jolene Keefer
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
Let’s be honest—life can feel like carrying around 57 open browser tabs in your head… and none of them are loading. That’s where Somatic Integration Therapy comes in. Think of it as the “refresh button” for your nervous system—minus the spinning wheel of doom.
What is Somatic Integration Therapy?
Somatic Integration Therapy, also called somatic psychotherapy, is a mind-body approach to healing trauma and stress. Unlike traditional talk therapy (aka “let’s talk circles around the problem”), somatic therapy works directly with the body’s wisdom.
Through breathwork, mindfulness, grounding, and gentle movement, it helps the body process trauma that’s been stuck in the nervous system for years. The result? Greater emotional regulation, nervous system balance, and deeper healing that lasts.
Key Principles
Mind-Body Connection – Trauma doesn’t just live in your head—it imprints on your body. Somatic therapy helps release it safely.
Body as a Resource – Your body isn’t the enemy; it’s a wise ally waiting to guide you toward healing.
Nervous System Regulation – Goodbye fight/flight/freeze mode, hello calm, safety, and resilience.
Techniques You May Encounter
Breathwork – Oxygen in, tension out. Simple but powerful.
Mindfulness & Body Scans – Think “Where’s Waldo?” but for stress hiding in your shoulders.
Movement & Grounding – Shake it out, reconnect, and feel human again.
Somatic Experiencing / EMDR-informed Practices – Completing stuck survival responses so your body finally lets go.
Benefits (a.k.a. Why Your Body Will Thank You)
Process & release trauma
Regulate emotions without spiraling
Reduce chronic stress & tension
Feel grounded, confident, and present (instead of floating in anxiety-land)
How It Differs from Talk Therapy
Talk Therapy: Focuses on thoughts, beliefs, and words.
Somatic Therapy: Works with sensations, body responses, and nervous system patterns.
💡 Best part? They’re not enemies. They actually complement each other beautifully.
5-Point Self-Assessment
Ask yourself:
Do I want a holistic approach?
Do I feel stress in my body (headaches, tension, gut issues, lower back pain, shoulder tension)?
Am I open to body-based practices like breathwork or grounding?
Do I feel stuck in my healing?
Do I feel disconnected from my body?
✨ If you answered “yes” to most of these, Somatic Integration Therapy may just be your next big step.
What to Expect in a Session
No, you won’t be asked to do cartwheels. Sessions are gentle, client-centered, and paced at your comfort level. You may notice:
A release of tension (sometimes shaking or sighing).
Emotional shifts like tears, laughter, or a surprising sense of peace.
A deepened sense of grounding and safety.
Aftercare (a.k.a. Be Gentle With Yourself)
After a session, your body is still integrating. Drink water, rest, move gently, and maybe take a nature walk. Healing doesn’t stop when the session ends—it continues to ripple through your body and mind.
Final Thoughts
Somatic Integration Therapy is not about rehashing old stories or forcing change—it’s about letting your body finally breathe out the pain it’s been holding in.
✨ Trauma or Stress may be part of your past, but it doesn’t get to write your future. With somatic therapy, healing becomes embodied, empowering, and—dare I say—life-changing.
Curious about how Somatic Integration Therapy could support your healing? Book a free 20-minute consultation and let’s explore the best path for you: https://www.divinewithinwellness.com/book-online
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