The Body Is a Messenger In  Somatic Therapy

In a culture that often prioritizes logic, productivity, and “thinking our way through” discomfort, the body is frequently overlooked as a source of wisdom. Yet our bodies are constantly communicating with us—through sensation, tension, fatigue, breath, and movement. When we learn how to listen, the body becomes not a problem to fix, but a messenger guiding us toward healing. Somatic therapy helps us do just that.

What Is Somatic Therapy?

The word somatic comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “the living body.” Somatic therapy focuses on the internal experience of the body—sensations, movement, breath, and nervous system responses—rather than relying solely on verbal processing.

Rather than trying to eliminate symptoms, somatic approaches view physical and emotional symptoms as meaningful feedback. This feedback offers insight into what the body has experienced and what it may need in order to feel safe again.

Rooted in trauma-informed care and influenced by Jungian psychology, Eastern medicine, yoga, and movement-based therapies, somatic work supports clients in gently reconnecting with their bodies, restoring balance, and cultivating resilience from the inside out.

my somatic journey

I was drawn to somatic therapy through my own process of healing. While talk therapy was insightful and supportive, I noticed that something still felt missing. I could understand my experiences intellectually, yet my body often remained tense, disconnected, or overwhelmed.

It wasn’t until I began reconnecting with my body through practices such as yoga and breathwork that I experienced a deeper sense of integration. These practices helped me feel more present, regulated, and connected in ways words alone could not. This personal experience deeply informs my work, and is why I believe somatic therapy can be such a powerful complement to traditional talk therapy.

emotions live in the body

Emotions are not just psychological experiences—they are physiological events. When feelings such as fear, grief, anger, or sadness are ignored, minimized, or suppressed, they don’t disappear. Instead, they often become stored in the body, showing up as chronic tension, fatigue, pain, digestive issues, or a general sense of disconnection.

For individuals experiencing anxiety, the nervous system may remain stuck in a state of hyperarousal—commonly known as fight or flight. This can show up as shallow breathing, muscle tension, racing thoughts, and difficulty resting.

Depression, on the other hand, is often associated with a freeze response. The body may feel heavy, numb, or slowed down, reflecting emotional shutdown or unprocessed grief. In both cases, the body is responding intelligently to overwhelm—it simply hasn’t yet been given the support it needs to move toward regulation.

somatic practices in therapy

Somatic practices can be incorporated into individual or group therapy, as well as into daily life. In sessions, these practices may include grounding, breathwork, and gentle movement—each supporting nervous system regulation and deeper emotional awareness.

Breathwork, in particular, offers a direct pathway to the nervous system. By bringing awareness to the breath, clients can access a greater sense of calm, release stored tension, and create space for emotions to move through rather than remain stuck.

Somatic movement and intuitive, body-led motion allow the body to express what may be difficult to put into words. Movement becomes a language, supporting emotional release, integration, and reconnection.

healing through embodiment

Holistic healing invites a shift from asking, “What’s wrong with me?” to “What is my body trying to tell me?” When we listen with curiosity and compassion, we begin to rebuild trust with ourselves and reclaim a sense of agency and connection.

At Lifeologie Counseling, we believe healing happens when clients are supported in becoming active participants in their own care; learning to regulate their nervous systems, trust their bodies, and reconnect with themselves in meaningful ways. Somatic therapy is not about forcing change, but about creating enough safety for change to unfold naturally.

Your body is speaking. When you’re ready to listen and begin reconnecting with yourself, I invite you to book a session with me at Lifeologie Counseling St. Johns. Together, we can create a space where your body feels heard, supported, and gently guided home. Outside of Florida, you can visit our therapist directory to find the right fit, or read about our approach to health and wellness.