What Is Somatic Therapy and How Does It Differ from EMDR

Trying to heal from the effects of trauma is a unique experience for everyone. As such, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all modality to work through your trauma. It’s important to find the type of therapy that will meet your needs and give you the support required to keep moving forward on your healing journey.

EMDR has become an increasingly popular modality when it comes to trauma therapy, but it’s not the only type that focuses on the mind-body connection.

Somatic therapy recognizes that the effects of your trauma, including emotions, can be stored in the body. Through various techniques, somatic therapy helps you release stored trauma so you can heal and move forward.

Let’s take a closer look at somatic therapy and how it differs from EMDR so you can decide the best option for your personal needs.

How Does Somatic Therapy Work?

The focus of somatic therapy is to address the way your body might be holding onto stress and trauma. By using different techniques, the goal of this approach is to release physical tension and rebalance your nervous system. This gives you a sense of safety and can help you regulate your emotions while alleviating the physical symptoms of stress and trauma.

When your body holds onto those things, your symptoms can manifest in a variety of ways. Things like muscle tension, headaches, digestive issues, and fatigue can all be signs of stored trauma.

Somatic therapy involves several different techniques. Throughout your sessions, you’ll work on things like deep breathing and gentle movements. You will become more aware of your body and certain physical sensations, eventually allowing you to release any tension you’ve been holding onto.

This is a gradual approach that gives you plenty of time for self-reflection. So, while somatic therapy isn’t necessarily a “quick fix,” you’ll start to feel a positive impact early on.

What Is EMDR?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy works by utilizing bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic memories.

Therapists typically use guided eye movements or tapping sounds to stimulate your mind as you recall a specific memory or negative thought. As you reprocess those thoughts, you’ll be able to replace them with more positive ones. This process doesn’t make the thoughts or memories go away. It changes your perspective on them, giving you a greater sense of control. It reduces your emotional distress and allows you to change the way your brain stores negative memories.

What Are the Differences?

Both somatic therapy and EMDR focus on using the mind-body connection to help individuals heal from trauma or stress. However, somatic therapy tends to focus more on the body itself, while the main component of EMDR is cognitive change when it comes to how memories are processed.

The techniques used in each therapy are different, as well. EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation while somatic therapy focuses on gentle movements to release tension.

Finally, the pace differs. EMDR is often more direct and fast-paced, while somatic therapy is typically a more self-paced approach that can take longer.

Which Therapy is Right for You?

In short, somatic therapy is the better option if you’re looking for a gentler approach to healing. While it can take a bit longer, it’s one of the best ways to release tension in a safe space. If you’re specifically struggling with physical issues due to trauma or stress, it can be extremely helpful. If you’re looking for a more direct approach, EMDR might be a better option.

People differ in their preferences and needs when it comes to different types of trauma therapy. The best thing you can do is to work with a mental health professional who understands your needs. If you’re ready to take that step, contact me today to set up a consultation.

If you’re interested in learning more about how therapy can help or you’re ready to take that step, contact me today to set up a consultation.