Meet the Somatic Healer—Your Guide to Mind-Body Wellness

Why a Somatic Healer Might Be Your Missing Piece

A somatic healer is a body-oriented mental-health professional who guides you in releasing trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress that remain "stuck" in your nervous system. Instead of relying only on talk therapy, somatic work starts with physical sensations—helping your body finish stress responses it couldn’t complete at the time of an overwhelming event.

What a somatic healer does:

• Uses methods such as Somatic Experiencing and EMDR to process trauma
• Teaches you to notice tension, temperature shifts, or impulses for movement
• Supports recovery from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and developmental trauma
• Integrates gentle touch, movement, or breath only with clear consent

Think of how you might shake after a near-miss car accident and then sigh with relief—that natural discharge is exactly what somatic therapy nurtures in a safe, paced way.

Research is compelling: Somatic Experiencing has produced large effect sizes in PTSD studies, and adding body awareness to EMDR often accelerates change. I’m Linda Kocieniewski, LCSW and Certified EMDR Therapist, and I’ve watched clients reclaim calm, confidence, and a sense of wholeness by partnering with their bodies as well as their minds.

What Is a Somatic Healer?

"Somatic" comes from the Greek soma, meaning body. A somatic healer focuses on bottom-up change—starting with breath, muscle tone, posture, and subtle internal cues—rather than top-down analysis alone.

When trauma or long-term stress hits, the autonomic nervous system may freeze in protective modes such as fight, flight, or collapse. These states live in our physiology: tight chests, scrunched shoulders, hollow bellies. Left unresolved, they fuel anxiety, numbness, or irritability even when life is objectively safe.

To understand this better, imagine your nervous system as a sophisticated alarm system designed to keep you safe. When faced with danger, it automatically activates protective responses. However, when these responses don't complete naturally—perhaps because you had to "keep it together" during a crisis or couldn't physically escape a threatening situation—the activation remains stored in your body. This incomplete cycle can leave you feeling perpetually on edge, disconnected, or emotionally numb, even years after the original event.

Key foundations include:

• Interoception: sensing internal signals like heartbeat, gut tension, or the quality of your breath
• Proprioception: knowing where your body is in space and how it moves
• Neuroception: your nervous system's unconscious detection of safety or threat

Trauma can dull all three, leaving you feeling disconnected from your own experience. You might find yourself going through the motions of daily life while feeling somehow absent from your own body. Somatic healing gradually rebuilds that inner "radar" so you can respond flexibly to everyday stress rather than reacting from old protective patterns.

The difference between somatic healing and traditional approaches becomes clearer when we consider how memories are stored. Traumatic experiences are often encoded not just as mental memories, but as physical sensations, emotional states, and nervous system activation patterns. While talking about these experiences can be helpful, it may not address the physiological imprints that continue to influence how you feel and react in daily life.

Somatic Healing	Traditional Talk Therapy
Starts with sensation	Starts with thought
Movement, breath, optional touch	Verbal exploration
Real-time nervous-system tracking	Reflects on events
Present-moment focus	Narrative focus
Addresses physiological patterns	Addresses cognitive patterns
Works with pre-verbal trauma	Works with verbal memories

The Somatic Healer's Role

Your healer creates a safe container—slowing things down, explaining how the nervous system works, and pacing sessions so you stay inside your personal window of tolerance. This window represents the zone where you can experience emotions and sensations without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down completely.

One session may revolve around simply noticing your feet on the floor and the support beneath you. Another might explore a slight urge to push away or reach toward something. The body, not an external agenda, sets the timeline. This respect for your system's natural pace is crucial because rushing the process can actually re-traumatize rather than heal.

A skilled somatic healer also serves as a co-regulator, helping your nervous system remember what safety feels like. Through their calm presence and attuned responses, they provide a template for regulation that your system can gradually internalize. This is particularly important for those who experienced early trauma or didn't have consistent co-regulation in childhood.

Core Techniques Every Somatic Healer May Use

Somatic practitioners draw from an evidence-based toolkit and adapt it to each person's unique needs and nervous system responses.

Somatic Experiencing (SE) Developed by Dr. Peter Levine after observing how wild animals naturally discharge trauma, SE helps complete the body's interrupted survival responses. Through titration (working with tiny increments of activation) and pendulation (moving between activation and calm), your system releases stored energy without overwhelm.

In practice, this might look like noticing a small sensation of tension in your shoulders, staying with it just long enough to sense any natural movement or shift, then returning attention to a place in your body that feels neutral or pleasant. This gentle oscillation teaches your nervous system that it can move through activation states without getting stuck.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Bilateral stimulation—eye movements, taps, or tones—engages the brain's natural information-processing networks. When combined with somatic awareness, EMDR ensures memories are reprocessed cognitively and discharged physiologically. A somatic healer trained in EMDR will track not just what you're thinking and feeling, but also what's happening in your body as the processing unfolds. Learn more at EMDRIA.

Polyvagal-Informed Practices Based on Dr. Stephen Porges' research, these techniques work with the vagus nerve to promote states of safety and social engagement. This might include specific breathing patterns, vocal toning, or gentle movements that activate the ventral vagal complex—the part of your nervous system associated with calm connection.

Nervous System Mapping Your somatic healer may help you create a personal map of your nervous system states. Together, you'll identify what activation feels like in your body, what shutdown or collapse feels like, and most importantly, what your unique signs of safety and regulation are. This awareness becomes a powerful tool for self-regulation in daily life.

Other common tools include:

• Grounding & resourcing exercises that help you connect with present-moment safety
• Breath pacing techniques designed to improve vagal tone and nervous system flexibility
• Safe, consensual touch to improve co-regulation (always with explicit permission)
• Gentle movement that honors protective impulses rather than overriding them
• Boundary exercises that help you practice saying no and yes from your body's wisdom
• Orienting practices that help you connect with your environment and sense of space

A randomized trial in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found SE reduced PTSD symptoms with a large effect size (d = 1.26), highlighting the power of body-based care. Additional research has shown that somatic approaches can be particularly effective for complex trauma, where traditional talk therapy alone may not address the deep physiological patterns that developed as survival adaptations.

Conditions a Somatic Healer Can Address & The Science Behind It

Why does a somatic approach help across so many concerns? Because nearly every emotional state has a physiological counterpart, and many psychological symptoms are actually adaptive responses that have outlived their usefulness.

PTSD & Complex Trauma Somatic methods resolve fight-flight-freeze patterns that linger long after danger ends. For single-incident trauma, the focus might be on completing interrupted defensive responses. For complex trauma—repeated experiences of overwhelm, often in childhood—the work involves gradually building capacity for regulation and safety that may never have been established.

Complex trauma often manifests as:

• Difficulty trusting your own perceptions
• Chronic hypervigilance or emotional numbness
• Challenges with boundaries and relationships
• Disconnection from body sensations and needs
• Patterns of self-criticism or shame

Anxiety & Depression Anxiety often involves a nervous system stuck in activation, while depression may reflect a system that has collapsed into shutdown. Chest tightness, shallow breathing, or collapsed posture can shift as body awareness grows and the nervous system learns new patterns of response.

For anxiety, somatic work might focus on:

• Learning to recognize early signs of activation
• Developing tools to discharge excess energy
• Building tolerance for sensation without immediately needing to fix or change it
• Strengthening the capacity to return to calm after activation

For depression, the approach might emphasize:

• Gentle activation and movement to counter collapse patterns
• Reconnecting with pleasure and aliveness in the body
• Building energy and motivation from the ground up
• Addressing underlying trauma that may be driving the shutdown

Developmental Trauma Early wounds formed before we had words to describe them, which means they're encoded primarily in the body and nervous system. Body work can access these pre-verbal memory networks that talk therapy alone often can't reach. This work requires particular sensitivity and pacing, as it involves reworking fundamental patterns of attachment and safety.

Chronic Pain and Somatic Symptoms Many physical symptoms have psychological components, and trauma can literally live in the body as tension, pain, or dysfunction. While somatic healing doesn't replace medical care, it can address the nervous system patterns that contribute to chronic symptoms.

Relationship and Attachment Issues Our capacity for healthy relationships is largely regulated by our nervous system. When we feel safe in our bodies, we can be more present and authentic with others. Somatic work helps develop the internal regulation that makes secure attachment possible.

Polyvagal Theory (Dr. Stephen Porges) explains how the vagus nerve toggles between safety and threat states, influencing everything from digestion to social engagement. Somatic practices strengthen vagal flexibility, promoting calm, connection, and resilience. When your nervous system recognizes safety, you naturally become more curious, creative, and capable of meaningful relationships.

Neuroscience research on interoception (see this NIH paper) links improved body awareness with reduced anxiety, better mood regulation, and improved decision-making. Studies have shown that people with better interoceptive awareness are more emotionally resilient and have greater capacity for empathy and self-compassion.

Your First Visit With a Somatic Healer: What to Expect

Walking into your first session with a somatic healer can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. You might wonder what exactly will happen, whether you'll need to talk about difficult memories right away, or if you'll be asked to do things that feel uncomfortable. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and able to get the most from your experience.

The journey actually begins before you even step into the therapy room. At my practice, we start with a complimentary Zoom consultation to see how I can best help you. This initial conversation gives us both a chance to get a sense of whether we feel like a good fit. There's no pressure - it's simply an opportunity to ask questions, share what you're hoping to gain from therapy, and learn about how somatic approaches might support your healing journey.

During this consultation, we'll talk about what you'd like to gain from therapy and how you'd like to feel and live better. This isn't just gathering information - it's the beginning of creating a collaborative relationship where your needs and comfort level guide everything we do together.

If you decide we're a good fit and you'd like to work together, your first official session will involve a comprehensive intake interview that goes beyond the standard mental health assessment. Yes, we'll discuss your current concerns and goals, but we'll also pay attention to your relationship with your body and how stress and emotions show up physically for you.

Safety and consent are foundational to all somatic work. We'll have detailed conversations about boundaries, especially around any techniques that might involve appropriate therapeutic touch. You'll always have complete control over what happens in your session. Many somatic techniques don't involve touch at all, focusing instead on movement, breathwork, and awareness practices.

A significant portion of your first session will likely involve learning to track sensations. This might seem simple, but for many people who have been disconnected from their bodies due to trauma, it's a profound skill. We might start by simply noticing where you feel relaxed or tense, warm or cool, tight or spacious.

Gentle movement often plays a natural role in somatic sessions. This isn't exercise or choreographed movement - it's about following your body's organic impulses. You might notice an urge to stretch, to curl up, to push something away, or to reach toward something. A skilled somatic healer helps you explore these impulses safely.

Between sessions, you'll likely receive simple practices to help you continue building body awareness and regulation skills. These might include specific breathing exercises, grounding techniques, or gentle movement practices.

For those in Midtown Manhattan, in-person sessions offer the full range of somatic interventions in a comfortable, safe environment. However, virtual sessions throughout New York State can also be remarkably effective, particularly for learning awareness and regulation skills.

Once care has been established, we'll meet on a regular weekly basis. During these sessions, I provide proven and effective therapies in a safe and comfortable manner to support your progress in life and healing. Together, we work as a team to ensure you receive what you need to move forward in your journey, fostering improved well-being and a happier life.

Finding a Qualified Somatic Healer Near You

Not all body-oriented practitioners are the same, and finding someone with proper training and trauma-informed care principles is crucial for your safety and healing. Look for practitioners who have completed comprehensive training programs in recognized somatic modalities.

EMDR training should come from EMDRIA-approved programs, and practitioners should be certified or working toward certification. The EMDRIA website maintains directories of properly trained practitioners and can help you understand what credentials to look for.

Trauma-informed care principles should be evident from your first contact. This means understanding how trauma affects the nervous system, creating safety in the therapeutic relationship, offering choices and collaboration, and being aware of cultural and social factors that impact healing.

Questions to ask potential practitioners include their specific training in somatic approaches, how they ensure safety when working with trauma, their approach to touch and consent, how they adapt their work for different nervous system states, and what experience they have with your specific concerns.

For those in Manhattan, finding a somatic healer who understands the unique stressors of city life can be particularly valuable. The constant stimulation, noise, and pace of urban living can keep nervous systems in chronic activation, and a practitioner familiar with these challenges can offer more targeted support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Somatic Healers

How is a somatic healer different from a massage therapist or coach?

A somatic healer is a licensed mental-health clinician—such as an LCSW—who has completed extensive training in trauma-informed, body-oriented psychotherapy (e.g., three-year Somatic Experiencing training plus EMDR certification). Massage and coaching can be valuable but are not designed to treat psychological trauma or provide psychotherapy.

Is somatic healing safe for severe trauma?

Yes—when pacing is slow and consent-driven. Techniques like titration keep you inside your window of tolerance. If you have medical concerns (e.g., heart conditions), discuss them so your therapist can adapt practices or seek medical clearance.

How long before I feel relief?

Timelines vary. Some clients notice better sleep or less reactivity within a few sessions; complex or developmental trauma generally requires longer work. Research on SE suggests meaningful change often begins around 6–12 sessions for single-incident trauma, with steadier, deeper gains over time for more layered histories.

The Integration Process: How Somatic Healing Creates Lasting Change

One of the most remarkable aspects of somatic healing is how it creates integration—bringing together mind, body, and spirit in a way that promotes lasting change rather than temporary relief.

Building New Neural Pathways Every time you practice tracking sensations, moving through activation mindfully, or returning to regulation after stress, you're literally building new neural pathways. The brain's neuroplasticity means that with repetition and attention, these new patterns can become your default responses rather than the old survival strategies.

This process takes time and patience. Your nervous system has been protecting you in the best way it knew how, sometimes for decades. Learning new responses requires compassion for the old patterns while gently introducing new possibilities.

Developing Embodied Boundaries Many people struggle with boundaries because they've learned to override their body's signals about what feels safe or unsafe. Somatic work helps you reconnect with these internal cues, developing what we might call "embodied boundaries"—the ability to sense and respond to your needs in real-time.

This might show up as:

• Noticing when someone's energy feels overwhelming and taking space
• Recognizing your body's "yes" and "no" signals in decision-making
• Setting limits based on your actual capacity rather than what you think you "should" do
• Trusting your instincts about people and situations

Reclaiming Pleasure and Aliveness Trauma often disconnects us not just from pain, but from pleasure and joy as well. As your nervous system heals, you may find yourself more able to experience simple pleasures—the warmth of sunlight, the satisfaction of a good meal, the comfort of a friend's presence.

This return to aliveness is often gradual and can feel unfamiliar at first. A skilled somatic healer will help you steer this process, supporting you in expanding your capacity for positive experiences while respecting your system's pace.

Conclusion

Your body already holds the blueprint for healing—it may simply need skilled guidance to open up pathways that trauma or chronic stress have closed off. A somatic healer combines proven modalities like EMDR and Somatic Experiencing with personalized pacing, helping adults move from survival mode into genuine vitality and authentic connection.

The journey of somatic healing is not about fixing what's broken, but about remembering what was never actually damaged—your innate capacity for regulation, connection, and aliveness. It's about learning to trust your body's wisdom again and developing the skills to steer life's challenges from a place of groundedness rather than reactivity.

Whether you're dealing with specific trauma, chronic anxiety, relationship challenges, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, somatic approaches offer a pathway back to wholeness that honors both your struggles and your resilience.

If you're ready to explore this mind-body pathway, I invite you to take one practical step: schedule your complimentary Zoom consultation today. We'll discuss your goals, answer questions about how somatic approaches might support your unique situation, and decide together whether somatic therapy in Midtown Manhattan or online across New York State is the right next move for you.

Seeking support is not a sign of weakness—it's an act of courage and self-compassion. Your nervous system has been working hard to keep you safe, and now it may be ready to learn new ways of being in the world.

Begin listening to your body—and let it lead you home to yourself.