When you've been in stress for a long time (or you've been through trauma), your body can start to feel like it's always bracing. Somatic therapy is a gentle, choice-based way to work with your nervous system so you can feel steadier, more present, and more like yourself again.
Somatic trauma therapy: trauma isn't only a memory; it can show up as tension, numbness, a racing heart, or shutdown. We use grounding, tracking body sensations, and pendulation (gently moving between what feels activating and what feels steady) in small, manageable doses. My training includes an advanced course in somatic therapy and complex PTSD (JIBC) and a Complex PTSD certification. This is not the trademarked Somatic Experiencing® method; if you're looking specifically for a certified SE practitioner, we can talk that through in a free consult.
We'll go slowly and stay collaborative. Somatic work can include tracking sensations, grounding, orienting, breath, micro-movements, and pendulation (moving between comfort and discomfort in small doses). Nothing is forced, and you never have to “push through.” The aim is to build your capacity to stay present and regulated.
Sessions are a mix of talking and noticing. We might pause when you mention something hard and gently check what's happening in your body: a tight chest, a clenched jaw, a wish to look away. From there we experiment with small, choice-based shifts, like orienting to the room, slowing the breath, pressing your feet into the floor, or letting a protective movement complete.
You stay in control the whole time, and you never have to relive a memory in detail to benefit.
Somatic work is especially helpful when insight alone hasn't been enough: you understand why you react the way you do, but your body still braces, freezes, or shuts down. It pairs well with trauma therapy, EMDR, anxiety counselling, and burnout recovery.
Some people use a few sessions to learn regulation tools they can practise on their own; others weave somatic work into longer-term trauma therapy. We'll decide together what makes sense.
Cost: Individual sessions are $160 for 50 minutes or $260 for 80 minutes. Many extended health plans cover Registered Clinical Counsellors, and you'll receive a receipt after every session. Fees & insurance.
Somatic therapy is available to clients throughout Greater Victoria (Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, Langford, Colwood, and View Royal). Choose between in-person sessions at my downtown Victoria office or secure online sessions throughout British Columbia.
Registered Clinical Counsellor #25746 with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. EMDR certified, Gottman Method certified (Levels 1 & 2), Complex PTSD certification, and over two decades in healthcare, including senior leadership. More about Keva
Receipts are provided for extended health plans that cover Registered Clinical Counsellors. Rates, payment & hours
