Somatic Therapy in Vancouver & Port Moody

Somatic therapy in Vancouver and Port Moody is a body-centered approach that recognizes your experiences are not just alive in your mind but also in your body, and they cannot be separated from our context. Unlike traditional talk therapy that focuses primarily on thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy welcomes and centers the body as an integral source of information and healing. Through body-focused exercises, mindfulness practices, movement, and nervous system regulation techniques, we help you practice emotional oscillation, rebuild your relationship with emotions, and support your full agency and scope of emotional experience. Sessions can be virtual across BC or in-person at our Vancouver and Port Moody locations.

In a typical somatic therapy session in Vancouver and Port Moody, you can expect a combination of verbal dialogue and body-focused exercises. Your therapist may guide you through mindfulness practices to increase awareness of physical sensations, incorporate movement exercises, or ask you to pay attention to your posture and breathing. The therapist may encourage you to explore how emotions show up in your body and help you develop strategies to support your nervous system while co-regulating with you. Throughout the session, you’ll be encouraged to stay present with your bodily experiences while processing emotions and memories, viewing them as crucial sources of information that remind us of our aliveness and resistance.

Somatic therapy is particularly effective for trauma, anxiety, chronic pain and fatigue, depression, PTSD, and stress-related conditions. It’s also helpful for people who feel disconnected from their bodies, struggle with emotional regulation, or have experienced trauma that’s stored in the body. Our approach recognizes that many symptoms are valid responses to the world we live in, and nervous system regulation doesn’t mean we should not feel in the face of harm. We work with the understanding that you are not just your mind, so your therapy should address more than your mind too.

Yes, absolutely. Somatic therapy is particularly effective for working with trauma that may be stored in the body even when memories aren’t fully accessible. The body holds information about our experiences, and somatic approaches can help process and integrate these experiences without needing to recall specific details. This makes somatic therapy especially valuable for early childhood trauma, complex trauma, or experiences that feel fragmented or unclear. We work with what your body is ready to share at its own pace.

Yes, we provide virtual somatic therapy sessions across British Columbia. While some people assume body-based work requires in-person sessions, virtual somatic therapy can be very effective. Your therapist can guide you through body awareness exercises, breathing techniques, and movement practices from your own space. Many clients appreciate the comfort and safety of being in their own environment while doing this vulnerable work. You can always switch between virtual and in-person sessions based on your needs and preferences.

While traditional talk therapy focuses primarily on thoughts and verbal processing, somatic therapy integrates the body as a central source of information and healing. We work from a mind-body-context perspective, recognizing that experiences cannot be separated from the systems and environments we navigate. Somatic therapy helps you understand how emotions and trauma are held in the body, develop nervous system regulation skills, and create new ways of responding to stress and emotional triggers. This approach is particularly powerful because it addresses the whole person rather than just cognitive patterns.

You might notice changes in how you respond to stress, increased awareness of your body’s signals, improved emotional regulation, or a greater sense of groundedness and presence. Some people experience physical changes like reduced tension, better sleep, or decreased anxiety symptoms. Others notice they feel more connected to themselves and their emotions. There’s no single way that somatic therapy “should” work – we’ll regularly check in about your experience and what you’re noticing, celebrating progress along the way.

Not at all! Many people come to somatic therapy feeling disconnected from their bodies, and that’s completely normal. As with every new skill, it takes time to build body awareness. Your therapist will help walk you through the process and guide you every step of the way. There’s no right answer or right way to build a mind-body connection – we encourage you to free associate and explore. As you practice this form of emotional processing, you start to build a stronger relationship with your body to support your unique process for nervous system regulation.

There’s no right answer or right way to build a mind-body connection, let yourself free associate! As you practice this form of emotional processing, you start to build a stronger relationship with your body to support you in your unique process for nervous system regulation.

Wear something comfortable that doesn’t significantly restrict your movement – that’s really all you need! There’s no special clothing required for somatic therapy sessions. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and can move freely if needed. Whether you’re attending virtual or in-person sessions at our Vancouver or Port Moody offices, comfort is key to being able to focus on your body’s sensations and responses.

While somatic therapy is beneficial for many people, it’s essential to discuss your specific situation with a therapist so they can adapt their approach to your specific needs. Some people may need modifications based on physical limitations, trauma history, or other factors. Our experienced somatic therapists are skilled at tailoring the approach to work safely and effectively for each individual. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss whether somatic therapy feels like a good fit for you.

The number of sessions varies depending on your individual goals and needs, but many clients start to notice more global changes after a few sessions. Generally, you can also witness the difference it makes in the moment, the first time you engage in the process! Some people find significant benefit in just a few sessions, while others prefer longer-term work to deepen their body awareness and nervous system regulation skills. We’ll work together to determine what feels right for your healing journey and adjust as needed.