Somatic Therapy: How Your Body Holds the Key to Healing Trauma
As a trauma therapist in Denver, one of the most powerful tools I’ve come across for healing is somatic therapy. If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in the same emotional patterns no matter how much you talk about them, somatic therapy might just be the missing piece.
Before I share more, if you’re in the Denver area, I invite you to schedule a consultation so we can explore how I can support you on your path to healing and lasting relief.
Okay—let’s dive into what somatic therapy is, how it works, and why it can be a game-changer for trauma healing.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which centers on processing thoughts and emotions through conversation, somatic therapy takes things a step further by incorporating the body’s sensations and experiences into the healing process.
Trauma isn’t just stored in our thoughts—it lives in our bodies. (Think about that tightness in your chest when you’re stressed or the knot in your stomach when something feels off.) Somatic therapy helps you tune into these sensations and use them as a pathway to release and heal unresolved trauma.
When people search for therapists who offer somatic therapy, they’re often looking for something beyond talking about their pain—they’re seeking a deeper, more integrated way to move through it.
How Somatic Therapy Works
One of the things I love about somatic therapy is how empowering it can be. It invites you to become curious about your body’s cues and work with them in a safe, supportive way. Here’s how it works:
Connecting with the Body’s Sensations
Somatic therapy starts with developing awareness of what’s happening in your body. I might ask you to notice physical sensations as we talk about something that feels emotionally charged. (For example, is your chest tight? Do your shoulders feel tense?) These sensations are clues to where your body is holding onto stress or trauma.
This process is often eye-opening for clients. Many of us spend so much time in our heads that we forget to check in with our bodies. (It’s like learning a whole new language—but one that’s already inside you.)
Techniques Used in Somatic Therapy
There are a variety of techniques used in somatic therapy to help release tension and restore balance. Some I enjoy incorporating include:
Deep, intentional breathing to calm the nervous system.
Grounding techniques that help you feel safe and rooted in the present moment.
Gentle movement or stretching to release stored tension.
Body scans to slowly tune into different parts of the body to increase awareness.
These techniques aren’t about forcing anything to change—they’re about creating space for the body to naturally let go of what it’s been holding onto.
The Role of the Therapist
As a therapist, my role in somatic therapy is to guide you with care and compassion. Trauma healing can feel vulnerable, and I work to create a space where you feel supported every step of the way. (My role is to help you feel grounded and empowered as you move through the healing process.)
We’ll move at your pace, checking in often to make sure the process feels safe and manageable. Your body knows what it needs to heal; my job is to help you listen to it.
Benefits of Somatic Therapy for Trauma Healing
The benefits of somatic therapy can be profound, especially for those working through trauma. Here are some of the ways it can help:
Releasing stored trauma: Trauma often gets “stuck” in the body, leading to physical symptoms like chronic pain or tension. Somatic therapy provides a way to release this stored energy.
Reducing anxiety and stress: By calming the nervous system, somatic techniques can help you feel more grounded and less reactive.
Improving emotional regulation: When you understand your body’s signals, it becomes easier to manage intense emotions. (This can be life-changing for individuals who feel overwhelmed by triggers.)
Strengthening the mind-body connection: Many people feel more in tune with themselves after starting somatic therapy. It’s like rebuilding trust with your own body.
It’s worth exploring how this approach could support your healing. Trauma is complex, but healing doesn’t always have to be.
Why I Recommend Somatic Therapy
I’ve seen the transformative impact somatic therapy can have. Clients who once felt stuck in cycles of fear or shame begin to feel lighter, freer, and more at peace in their bodies. If you’ve been searching for somatic therapy in Denver and are curious about what it could look like for you, I’d love to help. Healing is a journey, and somatic therapy is one of the tools that can make the road a little smoother. Your body holds the key to your healing. Let’s unlock it together. Reach out today to get started!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gigi Woodall, LMFT
Eating Disorder & Trauma Therapist in Denver
Hi, I’m Gigi—a Denver-based trauma therapist passionate about helping people heal and reconnect with themselves. My work focuses on exploring how early experiences, relationships, and protective parts of the self shape our inner narratives. Through a compassionate and individualized approach, I help clients challenge limiting beliefs and step into a more authentic, intuitive way of living.
My background includes working with organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association, Project HEAL, and the One Love Foundation. I’ve also worked in eating disorder treatment centers and am actively involved with the Eating Disorder Foundation and IAEDP’s Denver chapter. Currently, I’m on the path to becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS).
With specialized training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and eating disorder treatment, I provide a safe, supportive space for those navigating recovery, trauma, and self-discovery.
Looking for support on your healing journey? Book a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit.