What Is Somatically Informed Therapy?

Somatically informed therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. Unlike traditional "talk therapy," which focuses primarily on thoughts and beliefs (a top-down approach), somatic therapy recognizes that trauma and emotional distress often live in the body—through chronic tension, dysregulation, and nervous system responses.

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"Somatic" comes from the Greek word soma, meaning "the living body." In practice, somatic therapy invites clients to explore bodily sensations, emotions, and nervous system cues as part of the healing process. This approach helps people access deeper levels of insight and transformation that aren't always available through cognitive awareness alone.

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Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Therapy

Most conventional therapies use a top-down approach, starting with thoughts and cognitive processing to influence feelings and behaviors. While this can be effective, it may fall short for those with trauma histories—especially when the body is stuck in survival responses like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn.

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Bottom-up therapy, like somatically informed therapy, works through the body first. It helps clients recognize how trauma shows up in their nervous system and supports regulation through grounding, breath, movement, and felt-sense awareness. Once safety is reestablished in the body, deeper cognitive and emotional integration becomes possible.

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The Benefits of Somatically Informed Therapy

Somatic therapy is especially beneficial for those who:

• Feel stuck or disconnected in traditional talk therapy

• Struggle with anxiety, depression, or chronic dysregulation

• Have a history of trauma, neglect, or relational wounding

• Experience dissociation, panic attacks, or physical symptoms of stress

• Want to reconnect with their body in a safe, supportive way

Research has shown that somatic approaches can reduce PTSD symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and increase resilience (Van der Kolk, 2014; Ogden & Fisher, 2015). Clients often report feeling more grounded, more connected to themselves, and more empowered in their healing journey.

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How I Use Somatically Informed Therapy in Practice

At Chris Peters Psychotherapy in Chicago, somatically informed therapy is woven into every aspect of the work I do. Whether you're exploring identity, recovering from trauma, or deepening your emotional awareness, we'll pay attention to how your body is responding—and use that information as a guide for healing.

My integrative approach blends somatic therapy with other evidence-based modalities, including:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Helps reprocess traumatic memories while grounding in the body

• IFS (Internal Family Systems): Uses parts work in tandem with bodily awareness to connect with different inner experiences

• Relational and Attachment-Based Therapy: Focuses on co-regulation, safety, and emotional attunement in the therapeutic relationship

• Mindfulness and Breathwork: Supports nervous system regulation and presence

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This personalized blend allows us to meet your needs in real time—working not just with thoughts, but with sensation, emotion, and memory stored in the body.

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Why Somatic Therapy Matters for Trauma Recovery

When trauma occurs, especially early in life, the nervous system adapts to keep us safe. These adaptations—like hypervigilance, emotional numbing, or disconnection from the body—can linger long after the danger has passed. Somatic therapy helps you gently unwind those patterns.

By tuning into the body, you begin to:

• Notice and respond to early signs of stress

• Develop a stronger internal sense of safety

• Improve your ability to regulate emotions

• Build capacity for pleasure, connection, and trust

• Reclaim your relationship with your body on your own terms

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LGBTQ+ Affirming and Inclusive Somatic Therapy

As an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I recognize that many queer and trans individuals have complex relationships with their bodies due to identity-based trauma, body image pressures, and cultural messages. Somatically informed therapy creates space to process these experiences with compassion, curiosity, and care.

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Whether you’re healing from trauma, navigating anxiety, or wanting to feel more at home in yourself, you don’t have to do it alone. This work is collaborative, paced with intention, and always centered on your consent and capacity.

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References

• Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.

• Ogden, P., & Fisher, J. (2015). Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment.

• Levine, P. A. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness.