Trauma doesn’t just live in the mind—it resides in the body as well. For many individuals who have experienced distressing events, the effects of trauma are not only emotional but also deeply physical. From chronic tension and fatigue to an inability to relax or feel safe, trauma manifests in ways that can impact overall well-being. This is where somatic therapy comes in — a powerful, body-focused approach to healing that helps individuals reconnect with their physical selves, release stored trauma, and regain a sense of balance and safety.

Understanding Trauma’s Impact on the Body

When someone experiences trauma, the body often reacts by shifting into survival mode. The nervous system becomes dysregulated, leading to an ongoing state of fight, flight, or freeze. Even after the traumatic event has passed, the body may continue to hold onto the stress response, causing symptoms such as:

• Muscle tension and chronic pain
• Digestive issues
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue and low energy
• Hypervigilance or feeling on edge
• Difficulty feeling connected to oneself or others

Traditional talk therapy can be highly effective in processing trauma, but it may not fully address the body’s role in healing. Somatic therapy, however, focuses on helping the nervous system reset, allowing individuals to release stored trauma and develop a renewed sense of safety and well-being.

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy is an approach to healing that integrates the body’s experiences into the therapeutic process. Rather than focusing solely on thoughts and emotions, somatic therapy acknowledges that trauma is stored physically and must be released through body-based practices.

Somatic therapy includes a variety of techniques, such as:

• Body Awareness Practices — Becoming more mindful of physical sensations and learning to interpret them as signals from the body.
• Breathwork — Using intentional breathing exercises to regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation.
• Grounding Techniques — Practicing movements or sensory-based exercises that help bring awareness to the present moment.
• Movement Therapy — Engaging in gentle physical activities, such as yoga or stretching, to release tension and restore a sense of safety in the body.

By focusing on the connection between the mind and body, somatic therapy helps individuals process trauma in a way that is holistic and deeply restorative.

How Somatic Therapy Supports Trauma Recovery

One of the most powerful aspects of somatic therapy is its ability to help individuals regain a sense of control over their bodies. Trauma often leaves people feeling disconnected or powerless, but somatic techniques work to rebuild trust in oneself.

Some of the key benefits of somatic therapy include:

• Regulating the Nervous System — Somatic techniques help bring the body out of survival mode and into a state of calm and balance.
• Releasing Stored Trauma — Rather than just talking about past experiences, somatic therapy enables individuals to physically release trauma stored in the body.
• Enhancing Emotional Awareness — By tuning into bodily sensations, individuals can better understand and process their emotions.
• Restoring a Sense of Safety — Somatic practices help individuals feel more comfortable in their own bodies, which is essential for overall healing and recovery.

Somatic Therapy and Integrative Healing with Jennifer Bearden, LCSW

As a psychotherapist with extensive training in trauma therapy, Jennifer Bearden, LCSW, integrates somatic-based approaches into her practice to help clients achieve lasting healing. She understands that trauma is not just a cognitive experience but a full-body one, and she provides clients with the tools to reconnect with their bodies in a safe and empowering way.

Jennifer incorporates somatic techniques alongside evidence-based modalities such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to create a personalized, holistic approach to trauma recovery. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, PTSD, or emotional dysregulation, Jennifer’s compassionate and body-centered approach can help you navigate your healing journey with confidence.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

If you are ready to explore the benefits of somatic therapy for trauma recovery, Jennifer Bearden, LCSW, is here to support you. Through telehealth therapy, she offers accessible and effective trauma-focused care to individuals in Vista, CA, and throughout California.

Contact Jennifer today to learn more about how somatic therapy can help you reconnect with your body, release stored trauma, and move toward a healthier, more balanced life.