A New Way to Understand Trauma: Beyond Talk Therapy

Trauma does not live only in the mind—it settles in the body. Many people who have experienced trauma struggle with symptoms that feel difficult to explain or talk about: chronic tension, dissociation, emotional numbness, or a sense of being stuck. These responses are not irrational; they are the body's way of protecting us from overwhelm.

Somatic therapy for trauma offers a different path to healing—one that honours the intelligence of the body and makes space for felt experience, not just spoken words. Rather than focusing solely on cognitive insight, this approach helps regulate the nervous system, restore a sense of safety, and build trust between body and mind.

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy is a body-oriented approach to counselling that integrates physical awareness, movement, and mindfulness into the therapeutic process. It recognises that trauma can live in the nervous system long after an event has passed and that true healing often requires working through these physiological imprints.

In somatic therapy for trauma, clients learn to tune into their sensations, notice patterns of activation or shutdown, and safely explore the ways their body holds emotion, memory, and resilience. This is done gently and collaboratively—at your pace, with deep respect for your boundaries.

How It Supports Trauma Recovery

Unlike traditional talk therapy alone, somatic trauma work focuses on reconnecting you with your body in a way that feels empowering. Trauma often disconnects us from our internal cues. Somatic counselling helps re-establish that connection so you can feel more grounded, present, and in control of your emotional responses.

Some of the ways somatic therapy supports trauma recovery include:

• Regulating the fight-flight-freeze response

• Increasing awareness of bodily signals and emotional triggers

• Releasing stored tension, stress, and trauma-related activation

• Building tolerance for uncomfortable sensations in a safe environment

• Developing new pathways for calm, connection, and self-trust

This work is especially supportive for those living with complex trauma, developmental trauma, or who have felt dysregulated despite previous therapy experiences.

Techniques Used in Somatic Counselling

Every somatic therapist tailors their approach, but common techniques include:

• Grounding practices to stabilise the nervous system

• Breathwork to regulate internal states

• Movement or postural awareness to identify patterns of contraction or collapse

• Tracking sensations to gently notice what arises in the body

• Titration and pendulation, which involve moving between discomfort and safety in manageable steps

These methods are designed to help you process trauma without retraumatising. You are not asked to relive painful memories but to gently renegotiate them through the wisdom of your body.

Who Is Somatic Therapy For?

Somatic therapy for trauma in British Columbia is appropriate for a wide range of people—including those who have experienced:

• Physical, emotional, or sexual trauma

• Childhood neglect or complex developmental trauma

• Anxiety, panic, or chronic stress

• Dissociation or emotional shutdown

• Feeling disconnected from the body or overwhelmed by emotion

It is also particularly beneficial for individuals who have tried talk therapy and felt like something was missing—especially those seeking body-based trauma recovery that honours both emotional and physiological experiences.

Finding a Somatic Therapist in British Columbia

If you're searching for somatic therapy for trauma in Vancouver, Victoria, or other areas of BC, it’s important to choose a therapist trained in trauma-informed and body-based modalities. Many Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) in BC incorporate somatic approaches, often alongside EMDR, Internal Family Systems, or mindfulness-based work.

Look for someone who offers a collaborative, respectful, and non-pathologising approach. Initial consultations can help you determine whether their style aligns with your needs.

Healing Is Possible—And It Begins in the Body

Trauma healing is not about pushing through or suppressing your experience. It’s about learning to listen to your body’s messages, reclaiming your sense of agency, and building capacity for presence and connection. Somatic therapy for trauma offers a deeply respectful and empowering path forward.

If you’re seeking a therapeutic approach that integrates both mind and body, somatic work may be the missing link you’ve been looking for.