What Somatic Therapy Looks Like in Practice (Not Just in Theory)
Somatic therapy is talked about a lot — but often in vague ways.
People hear phrases like “working with the body” or “nervous system regulation” and still wonder what that actually looks like in a session. Especially if they’ve had experiences where therapy felt overwhelming, destabilizing, or like it opened more than it helped.
In practice, good somatic therapy isn’t about diving headfirst into the past.
It’s about stabilizing while allowing the stuff to come up — so your system doesn’t get flooded along the way.
Why Stabilization Matters as Much as Resolution
Many people come to therapy wanting to “work through” past experiences — and understandably so. But if the nervous system doesn’t feel resourced enough, diving too quickly into unresolved material can lead to:
emotional overwhelm
shutdown or dissociation
increased anxiety between sessions
feeling worse instead of better
a sense of “opening too much” without integration
Somatic therapy works differently.
Rather than pushing toward resolution, we first help the body build enough capacity and safety to stay present with what arises.
Stabilization isn’t avoidance — it’s what makes resolution possible.
What Somatic Therapy Actually Looks Like in a Session
In practice, somatic therapy is often quieter and more subtle than people expect.
A session may include:
noticing sensations in the body
tracking breath, posture, or muscle tension
gently orienting to the present moment
slowing the pace when activation increases
building awareness of what feels grounding or supportive
We’re not analyzing your body, we’re listening to it.
This helps your nervous system learn that it can experience sensation and emotion without needing to brace, collapse, or escape.
Working With the Past — Without Being Overwhelmed by It
Somatic therapy doesn’t ignore the past — it approaches it carefully.
When old experiences begin to surface, we pay close attention to:
how your body responds
whether your system stays regulated
when to pause, slow down, or shift focus
This is how we prevent overwhelm.
Instead of reliving what happened, your system learns:
“I can stay here now. I can feel this and remain safe.”
That shift is often more important than the content of the memory itself.
How Somatic Therapy Pairs With Other Modalities
Somatic therapy often works beautifully alongside other approaches.
In my practice, it’s commonly integrated with:
EMDR, to support nervous system pacing during processing
nervous system–focused listening therapies like the Rest and Restore Protocol
short-term, focused therapy intensives
Somatic work creates the foundation — helping your body feel safe enough for deeper resolution to happen without force.
What Clients Often Notice Over Time
As stabilization increases, many clients notice:
less reactivity in daily life
more emotional range without overwhelm
increased trust in their body’s signals
a greater sense of grounding and presence
resolution unfolding naturally, not pushed
Change doesn’t feel dramatic — it feels settled.
In-Person Somatic Therapy in Carmel-by-the-Sea
I offer in-person somatic therapy in Carmel-by-the-Sea, serving women in Monterey, Big Sur, and Santa Cruz, as well as virtual sessions throughout California.
If you’re drawn to healing that respects your nervous system’s pace — and values stabilization as much as insight — somatic therapy may be the right place to begin.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results from therapy may vary. Ashley K. Whelan is a holistic psychotherapist in California offering EMDR, somatic therapy, and psychedelic integration for women seeking mind-body-spirit healing, with in-person sessions available in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, and Big Sur.