Somatic Therapy in Nashville, Tennessee
Healing Trauma Through the Wisdom of the Body
When you’ve been through overwhelming experiences, it doesn’t just live in your mind, it shows up in your body too. You might notice tension you can’t shake, a racing heart, difficulty relaxing, or feeling on edge even when life is calm. Somatic therapy is a gentle, body-based approach that helps release the effects of stress and trauma so you can finally feel safe and present in your own skin.
What Is
Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy, sometimes called body-based therapy, works from the understanding that trauma is stored in the nervous system, not just in memories or thoughts. Instead of only talking about what happened, we pay attention to what your body is experiencing in the moment.
I primarily use Somatic Experiencing (SE), a research-informed approach that focuses on the connection between the body and mind in processing trauma. SE helps you become more aware of bodily sensations and experiences to release and resolve the residual effects of trauma. By tuning into physical responses and promoting bodily awareness, Somatic Experiencing restores a sense of safety and balance- facilitating healing, resilience, and a deeper connection to yourself. You can read more about SE here.
How Is It Different from Traditional Talk Therapy?
Talk therapy often focuses on thinking, analyzing, and making meaning of the past. Somatic therapy focuses on what your body is experiencing right now when you think about stress, trauma, or everyday challenges.
By including the body in therapy, healing can go deeper. Instead of just understanding your story, you begin to feel a shift in your nervous system: more calm, more grounded, and more at home in yourself.
What to Expect in a Session:
Somatic therapy isn’t about re-living trauma or being pushed into intense body work. It’s gentle, collaborative, and always paced with care. In a session, you might:
Learn grounding skills to bring your nervous system back to balance.
Notice small sensations (like warmth, tingling, or breath changes).
Explore how your body responds when you think about difficult situations.
Release tension gradually, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
Clients often describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected to themselves after sessions.
Begin Somatic Therapy in Nashville or Online
If you’ve tried talk therapy but still feel like your body is holding onto the past, somatic therapy may be the missing piece. Together, we’ll create a safe space for your nervous system to reset so you can feel grounded, resilient, and more fully yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Somatic therapy is a gentle and client-led process. You won’t be pushed to re-live trauma or go beyond what feels manageable. Instead, we move at a pace that supports your nervous system, helping you gradually release stored stress in a safe way.
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No. Somatic Experiencing® is a talk-and-awareness-based approach. We focus on noticing body sensations and shifts, not physical touch. Some somatic therapies include movement or bodywork, but in my practice sessions are entirely talk-based and done virtually.
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Absolutely. Somatic therapy can be very effective over telehealth. Even through video, I guide you in noticing body sensations, grounding techniques, and nervous system regulation. Many clients find the comfort of being in their own home makes the process even more supportive.
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Trauma often leaves the nervous system stuck in “fight, flight, or freeze” mode. Even if your mind knows the danger is over, your body can still feel on edge, shut down, or overwhelmed. Somatic therapy helps complete the body’s natural healing responses so your system can reset. Over time, this reduces anxiety, hypervigilance, and tension, while increasing feelings of calm, safety, and resilience.
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Somatic therapy is especially helpful if you:
Have tried talk therapy but still feel “stuck”
Experience anxiety or trauma symptoms in your body (racing heart, tight chest, difficulty relaxing)
Are a new mom navigating postpartum stress, anxiety, or overwhelm
Struggle with chronic stress or feeling disconnected from your body
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Both are trauma-focused therapies, but they use different methods. EMDR uses eye movements or bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic memories. Somatic therapy focuses more on physical sensations and helping the body release stored trauma energy. Many people find both approaches complement each other. Wise Roots Therapy often combines SE with EMDR.