How Is Somatic Therapy Different from Talk Therapy?
What Is Talk Therapy?
Talk therapy, also called psychotherapy or counseling, is what most people think of when they imagine therapy. You meet with a therapist, share your thoughts and feelings, and learn coping skills. Talk therapy helps you:
Understand your patterns and behaviors
Process past and present experiences
Gain tools to handle stress, anxiety, or depression
Talk therapy focuses on words, stories, and how you think about your experiences.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is different. Instead of focusing only on talking, it helps you notice how emotions and trauma live in your body. Stress often shows up as tight shoulders, stomach knots, headaches, or restlessness. Somatic therapy uses body awareness, breathing, grounding, and gentle movement to release what is stuck.
It helps you:
Connect with your body’s signals
Release stored trauma and tension
Feel calmer and more balanced
The Key Differences
Somatic Therapy
Focuses on body sensations and mind-body connection
Uses awareness, breathing, and movement
Helps release emotions stored in the body
Builds body awareness and regulation
Talk Therapy
Focuses on thoughts and feelings
Uses conversation to explore experiences
Helps process stories and memories
Builds coping skills and insight
Why This Matters
Sometimes, words are not enough. Trauma and strong emotions often get stored in the body in ways talking cannot fully reach. Somatic therapy adds another layer of healing. Many clients find that combining talk therapy with somatic therapy gives them the best results.
Is Somatic Therapy Right for Me?
If you’ve tried talk therapy and still feel stuck, or if your stress shows up in your body as pain or tension, somatic therapy may help. It can be especially useful for trauma, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.
Final Thoughts
Both talk therapy and somatic therapy can bring healing. The difference is that talk therapy focuses on your thoughts, while somatic therapy helps your body let go of what your mind cannot release on its own.
At Sunrise Counseling Services in Clarksville, TN, we offer both in-person and telehealth somatic therapy. Contact us today to learn more or schedule your first session.