When you think about healing from trauma, you might imagine sitting in a therapist’s office, talking through your experiences. While traditional talk therapy helps many people, there’s a crucial piece of the healing puzzle that often gets overlooked: your body. Traumatic experiences don’t just live in your memories—they become stored in your physical body, influencing how you feel, move, and experience the world around you.

This is where somatic therapy comes in. As a body-centered approach to healing, somatic therapy recognizes that trauma affects the whole person, not just the mind. At Sol Women’s Treatment, we understand that effective trauma treatment must address both psychological and physical symptoms, which is why we integrate somatic approaches into our comprehensive treatment programs for women.

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the connection between mind and body in processing emotions, trauma, and stress. The word “somatic” comes from the Greek word “soma,” meaning body. Rather than focusing solely on thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy helps you tune into physical sensations, recognize how your body responds to stress, and release tension that may have been stored for years.

Unlike conventional talk therapy that primarily engages the thinking brain, somatic therapy works with your nervous system directly. This body-based approach acknowledges that traumatic experiences can become trapped in the body as patterns of tension, restricted breathing, chronic pain, or other physical symptoms—even when your conscious mind has processed or moved past the event.

The Science Behind Trauma and the Body

Research in neuroscience and psychology has revealed fascinating insights about how trauma affects us physically. When you experience something traumatic, your nervous system responds automatically to protect you. The autonomic nervous system has two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which activates your fight-or-flight response, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which handles rest and restoration.

Trauma can cause your nervous system to become stuck in a state of high alert. Your body may remain in fight-or-flight mode long after the danger has passed, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, hypervigilance, and even physical health problems. In some cases, when fight or flight isn’t possible, your nervous system may shift into a freeze response—a state of shutdown or immobilization that can manifest as numbness, dissociation, or feeling disconnected from your body.

This understanding is supported by polyvagal theory, developed by neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges. This theory explains how our nervous system responds to stress and danger through different states: social engagement (when we feel safe), mobilization (fight or flight), and immobilization (freeze or shutdown). Somatic therapy helps you identify which state your nervous system is in and provides tools to return to a state of safety and connection.

How Women Experience Trauma in Their Bodies

For women, the relationship between trauma and physical symptoms can be particularly profound. Research from the National Center for PTSD shows that women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD after experiencing trauma, and traumatic experiences often manifest in distinct physical ways. Women who have experienced trauma may struggle with chronic pain, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, muscle tension, headaches, or fatigue—conditions that often have no clear medical cause but are deeply connected to unresolved trauma.

The physical effects of trauma in women can include psychosomatic symptoms such as unexplained chronic pain or tension in the shoulders, neck, and jaw. Many women report feeling disconnected from their bodies or experiencing difficulty with physical intimacy. Some develop autoimmune conditions, as chronic stress from trauma impacts immune system function. Others struggle with hypervigilance—a constant state of alertness that keeps muscles tense and the nervous system activated.

These symptoms aren’t signs of weakness or something you’re imagining. They’re real, measurable responses to traumatic experiences that require specialized treatment approaches.

Common Signs That Your Body Is Holding Trauma

Recognizing the physical signs of stored trauma is the first step toward healing. You might be carrying trauma in your body if you experience:

  • Chronic muscle tension, particularly in your shoulders, neck, jaw, or back
  • Digestive problems or frequent stomach discomfort
  • Sleep difficulties, including trouble falling asleep or frequent nightmares
  • Feeling constantly on edge or easily startled
  • Difficulty taking deep breaths or a sense of tightness in your chest
  • Numbness or disconnection from your physical sensations
  • Unexplained aches and pains that move around your body
  • Difficulty sitting still or feeling restless
  • Avoiding physical touch or feeling uncomfortable in your own body

If these experiences sound familiar, somatic therapy may offer the relief you’ve been seeking.

How Somatic Therapy Works

Somatic therapy uses various techniques to help you reconnect with your body, process stored trauma, and restore balance to your nervous system. The approach is gentle and respects your body’s natural healing wisdom. Rather than forcing you to relive traumatic memories, somatic therapy helps you notice and work with physical sensations in the present moment.

During somatic therapy sessions, you might practice body awareness—learning to notice tension, warmth, tingling, or other sensations without judgment. Your therapist may guide you through breathwork exercises to help calm your nervous system and release tension. Movement practices like gentle stretching, walking, or mindful movement help release stored energy and reconnect you with your body. Some therapists use techniques like pendulation, guiding you between feelings of safety and discomfort to help your system learn it can move through difficult sensations.

Other approaches include grounding techniques that help you feel present and safe in your body, and titration, which involves working with traumatic material in small, manageable doses while staying connected to your physical experience.

The goal isn’t to eliminate all uncomfortable sensations but to help your nervous system learn that you’re safe now, even when difficult feelings arise. This process allows your body to complete the stress response that may have been interrupted during the traumatic event.

Somatic Therapy for Women’s Trauma at Sol Women’s Treatment

At Sol Women’s Treatment in Riverside, California, we recognize that women’s experiences of trauma require specialized, compassionate care. Our treatment programs incorporate somatic approaches alongside evidence-based therapies to address the full spectrum of trauma symptoms.

We offer holistic therapy that integrates body-centered practices including yoga and mindfulness movement, which help you reconnect with your body in a safe, supportive environment. Our sound bath sessions provide gentle nervous system regulation through healing vibrations. Breathwork practices teach you to use your breath as a tool for calming anxiety and releasing tension.

These somatic practices work beautifully alongside our trauma therapy and EMDR therapy programs, creating a comprehensive approach to healing. Many women find that combining talk therapy with body-based techniques allows them to make breakthroughs they couldn’t achieve through traditional therapy alone.

The Benefits of Somatic Therapy for Trauma Recovery

Research on somatic therapy continues to grow, with studies showing promising results for trauma treatment. A randomized controlled study on somatic experiencing found significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and depression, with benefits lasting beyond the treatment period. Women who engage in somatic therapy often report feeling more connected to their bodies, experiencing reduced physical pain and tension, and developing better emotional regulation skills.

The benefits extend beyond symptom reduction. Somatic therapy can help you develop a greater sense of safety in your body, improve your ability to set boundaries, enhance your relationships as you feel more grounded and present, reduce hypervigilance and chronic stress, and reconnect with pleasure and joy in your physical experience.

Many women describe somatic therapy as finally feeling like they can “come home” to their bodies after years of feeling disconnected or unsafe.

Integrating Somatic Therapy with Other Treatment Approaches

Somatic therapy isn’t meant to replace other effective treatments—it enhances them. At Sol Women’s Treatment, we integrate somatic approaches with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address both thought patterns and physical symptoms, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to build skills for managing intense emotions, EMDR therapy to process traumatic memories, and group therapy to provide community support and connection.

This integrated approach recognizes that healing from trauma requires addressing all aspects of your experience: your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physical body. When these elements work together, recovery becomes more complete and lasting.

What to Expect in PHP and IOP Programs

Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) incorporate somatic practices throughout your treatment day. In a typical week, you’ll participate in yoga and mindfulness movement sessions to help regulate your nervous system, sound bath experiences for deep relaxation, breathwork groups to learn practical techniques for managing anxiety, and traditional therapy sessions that may include somatic awareness work.

This combination of approaches means you’re not just talking about trauma—you’re actively working to release it from your body and build new, healthier patterns of response.

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

Understanding that trauma lives in your body is powerful knowledge. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), trauma is a common experience that affects individuals across all demographics, and addressing it through body-centered approaches is increasingly recognized as essential for effective behavioral health care. It helps explain symptoms you may have struggled with for years and opens new pathways for healing.

Somatic therapy offers hope for women who have tried talk therapy alone and still feel stuck, who experience physical symptoms connected to past trauma, who struggle with feeling disconnected from their bodies, or who want a holistic approach to trauma recovery.

At Sol Women’s Treatment, we’re committed to providing trauma-informed care that honors your unique experience and supports your body’s natural capacity to heal. Our all-female environment creates a safe space to explore body-based healing, especially for women who have experienced male-involved trauma.

You don’t have to carry the weight of trauma in your body any longer. Healing is possible, and it begins with reconnecting with yourself in a gentle, supported way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Somatic Therapy

Is somatic therapy safe if I’m uncomfortable focusing on my body?

Yes. Somatic therapy is designed to be gentle and respects your pace. Your therapist will help you gradually build comfort with body awareness, starting with safe, neutral areas. You’re always in control of what you explore.

How long does somatic therapy take to work?

Everyone’s healing journey is different. Some women notice improvements in a few weeks, while deeper healing may take several months. The important thing is consistent practice and patience with yourself.

Can somatic therapy help with chronic pain?

Research suggests that somatic approaches can be effective for chronic pain, especially when the pain is connected to trauma or stress. By helping your nervous system regulate, somatic therapy may reduce pain intensity and improve your relationship with physical sensations. Many women with childhood trauma find relief through body-based approaches.

Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

Not necessarily. Somatic therapy focuses more on how trauma is held in your body right now rather than the narrative details of what happened. You may choose to discuss your experiences, but it’s not required for healing to occur.

Is somatic therapy covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by insurance plan. Many plans cover somatic therapy when it’s provided by a licensed mental health professional as part of comprehensive treatment. We can help you verify your insurance benefits to understand your coverage options.

Resources and Next Steps

If you’re ready to explore how somatic therapy can support your healing journey, Sol Women’s Treatment is here to help. Our comprehensive women’s mental health treatment programs in Riverside provide the specialized care you deserve.

To learn more about our somatic therapy services or to verify your insurance coverage, contact us today. Taking the first step toward healing your body and mind is a powerful act of self-care—and you don’t have to do it alone.

Sol Women’s Treatment specializes in women’s mental health treatment with programs including PHP, IOP, and holistic therapy approaches. Our trauma-informed care addresses the complete person—mind, body, and spirit—in a supportive, all-female environment in Riverside, California.

Additional Resources:

For more information about trauma and treatment options:

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.