Stress, anxiety, and difficult experiences don’t just affect the way we think. They can also influence how we feel in our bodies. Somatic therapy is a body-based approach to psychotherapy that explores the connection between physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Rather than focusing exclusively on what you’re thinking or feeling, somatic therapy also helps you notice how your body responds to stress and develop greater awareness of those patterns. Somatic therapy may incorporate mindfulness, body awareness, breathing exercises, and body-based skills to help you find a deeper level of healing.
Somatic Therapy in Chicago
What is somatic therapy?
You May Benefit From Somatic Therapy If...
You notice tension in your body (tight shoulders, clenched jaw, or stomach issues that won't go away)
You feel disconnected from your body or emotions
You struggle to relax, even when things are "fine"
You've tried talk therapy, but still feel stuck
You get easily overwhelmed or shut down in stressful situations
What Happens During a Somatic Therapy Session?
Sessions are tailored to your unique needs and may include a combination of:
- Your therapist prompting you to tune into your body.
- Experimenting with different body postures or movements to access and express underlying emotions.
- Practicing breathwork, meditation, or guided imagery in session.
- Integrating EMDR techniques into therapy sessions.
- Utilizing grounding exercises to regulate the nervous system and address feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Practicing gentle yoga poses to address specific concerns.
- Exploring the sensations associated with specific emotions or memories.
- Exploring the connection between physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomachaches) and underlying emotional states.
Online Somatic Therapy in Illinois
You don’t have to visit an office to experience somatic therapy. At Embodied Wellness Center, we offer virtual somatic therapy that allows you to explore the mind-body connection from the comfort of your own space.
Depending on your needs, sessions may include traditional talk therapy alongside guided body awareness, grounding exercises, breathwork, mindfulness, or gentle movement. Your therapist will tailor each session to your comfort level and goals.
You don’t need special equipment or previous experience with meditation or yoga. If movement-based practices are appropriate, your therapist may suggest having a yoga mat, blanket, or pillow nearby.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Somatic Therapy
Yes! Somatic therapy can be particularly helpful for anxiety because many anxiety symptoms are physical, such as a tight stomach, clenched jaw, racing heart, or persistent muscle tension. By incorporating body awareness, grounding techniques, and nervous system regulation into therapy, somatic approaches can help you better recognize and respond to anxiety. Combining these techniques with traditional talk therapy allows us to address both the physical and emotional aspects of anxiety.
Somatic therapy can absolutely be done virtually, allowing you to engage in mind-body techniques from the comfort of your own home. Some people even prefer practicing somatic therapy in a familiar environment where they feel relaxed and at ease.
You don’t need any special equipment to practice somatic therapy. However, having a few optional props nearby such as a pillow, blanket, or yoga mat may help you feel more comfortable. Yoga blocks or straps can also be useful for certain exercises, but they’re never required.
Traditional talk therapy focuses on thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and life experiences to help you better understand yourself and develop new ways of coping.
Somatic therapy builds on this approach by incorporating awareness of physical sensations, movement, breathwork, and other body-based techniques. These practices can support nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and your ability to stay grounded during difficult moments.
By addressing both the mind and body, somatic therapy offers a more holistic approach to healing.
You do not need any previous experience with yoga, meditation, or other mind-body practices to benefit from somatic therapy.
At Embodied Wellness Center, our somatic approaches are gentle, accessible, and tailored to your individual comfort level and needs. When yoga or movement is incorporated, it tends to be more restorative than strenuous. Your therapist will guide you through each technique, making this a welcoming place to start even if you’ve never tried yoga or meditation before.
The cost of somatic therapy depends on the type of service you receive and your insurance coverage. At Embodied Wellness Center, self-pay rates are $180 for a 55-minute somatic therapy session. Full payment is due at the time of service. We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). A credit card on file is required to book an appointment.
Insurance may cover somatic therapy when body-based techniques are incorporated into a medically necessary psychotherapy session with a licensed mental health professional. In these cases, somatic techniques are part of the overall psychotherapy treatment rather than a separately billed service. Embodied Wellness Center is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Aetna PPO, and UnitedHealthcare PPO plans. However, coverage depends on your individual plan, the therapist you see, and the services provided. Standalone yoga therapy and certain other wellness-oriented services are generally not covered by insurance. If you’re unsure whether your sessions will be covered, our team can help you review your benefits and explain your payment options before getting started.
Ready to Reconnect With Yourself?
Our therapists can help you explore whether somatic therapy is a good fit for your needs and goals.
