Burch Counselling and Consultation

Your Body Has Been Part of Your Story All Along

You may understand what happened to you. You may know logically that you're safe now.

You may even be able to talk about your experiences.

But your body may still be reacting as though you're in danger.

Your shoulders stay tense. Your heart races.

Your stomach turns. You can't relax.

You feel constantly on edge. Or maybe you feel nothing at all.

Numb. Disconnected. Exhausted.

You may find yourself thinking: "I know I'm okay. So why doesn't my body feel okay?"

This is where somatic therapy can help.

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TRAUMA DOESN'T ONLY LIVE IN YOUR THOUGHTS

Our experiences can affect the way we think, feel, behave, and respond in our bodies.

Stress and trauma can show up as:

Muscle tension
Racing heart
Shallow breathing
Digestive changes
Restlessness
Feeling constantly "on"
Sleep difficulties
Panic
Startle responses
Feeling disconnected from your body
Numbness
Shutdown
Difficulty relaxing

Sometimes your body responds before your mind has even had time to understand what is happening.

Your body may be communicating something your mind hasn't yet put into words.

Somatic therapy helps bring attention to these body-based experiences in a safe and manageable way.

When You Know You Are Safe But Don't Feel Safe

You may have left the relationship.

The situation ended. The danger is gone. The crisis passed.

But your body still feels like it is waiting for something to happen.

You may constantly scan your environment. You may startle easily. You may have difficulty trusting people.

You may feel uncomfortable when things are calm. You may find yourself preparing for the next problem.

This isn't weakness.

Your nervous system may have learned to stay ready.

Somatic therapy can help you begin recognizing these responses and develop greater capacity for safety, regulation, and connection.

WHEN YOU FREEZE OR SHUTDOWN

Not every trauma response looks like panic. Sometimes the nervous system responds by becoming very still. You may:

Go blank during conflict
Struggle to find words
Feel unable to make decisions
Disconnect from your emotions
Become numb
Feel exhausted
Want to withdraw from everyone
Feel like you're watching yourself from the outside

You may later wonder:

"Why didn't I say something?"

"Why couldn't I defend myself?"

"Why did I just shut down?"

These responses can be understood through the nervous system rather than judged as personal failures. Therapy can help you recognize what happens in your body and develop greater awareness and choice.

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When Talking About It Isn't Enough

Talking can be an incredibly important part of therapy.

But sometimes you can talk about something repeatedly and still feel like your body hasn't processed it.

You understand the story. You know what happened. But your body still reacts.

Somatic therapy can complement traditional talk therapy by bringing attention to what you are experiencing in your body right now.

Rather than forcing you to relive an experience, we can work gently and gradually with sensations, emotions, movement, breathing, grounding, and awareness.

You don't have to tell your entire story all at once.

Learning To Listen To Your Body

Somatic therapy can help you become more aware of the signals your body is sending. You may begin noticing:

"My chest gets tight when I feel unsafe."

"My stomach drops when I'm anticipating conflict."

"I hold my breath when I'm anxious."

"My shoulders tense when I'm trying to please someone."

"I feel myself shutting down when I feel overwhelmed."

"I get a lump in my throat when I think about what I want to say"

This awareness can become an important part of change. When you can recognize what is happening, you can begin responding to yourself differently.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page.

What is somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy is a body-aware approach to therapy that recognizes the connection between our thoughts, emotions, nervous system, and physical experiences. It can help you become more aware of how stress and trauma show up in your body and develop tools for regulation and healing.

Do I have to talk about my trauma?

Not necessarily. Your comfort and readiness matter. Somatic work can focus on present-moment body sensations and nervous system responses rather than requiring you to tell every detail of what happened.

Is somatic therapy only for trauma?

No. Somatic approaches can also support people experiencing anxiety, stress, emotional overwhelm, burnout, relationship difficulties, boundaries, and disconnection from themselves.

What does a somatic therapy session look like?

It may involve talking, noticing physical sensations, grounding, breathing, mindfulness, gentle movement, or other body-awareness practices. The approach is individualized to you and your goals.

Will I have to do yoga?

No. Somatic therapy is not yoga therapy.

Can somatic therapy help with anxiety?

Yes. Somatic approaches can help you recognize the physical signs of anxiety and develop strategies for working with activation and overwhelm.

Can somatic therapy help after an abusive relationship?

Yes. Somatic therapy can be incorporated into trauma-informed work following intimate partner violence, coercive control, and other traumatic experiences.

Is somatic therapy available virtually?

Yes. Many body-awareness and nervous-system exercises can be adapted for virtual therapy when appropriate.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can contact Burch Counselling & Consultation directly.

YOUR BODY CAN BE A PART OF YOUR HEALING

Maybe you've spent years trying to think your way through everything.

Maybe you've learned to ignore what your body is telling you.

Maybe you've become disconnected from yourself because feeling was simply too much.

You don't have to force yourself to heal.

We can move at a pace that respects your nervous system, your experiences, and your capacity.

Healing can involve both the mind and the body.

And sometimes, the first step is simply learning to listen.

Somatic, trauma-informed therapy for anxiety, trauma, nervous system regulation, emotional overwhelm, shutdown, boundaries, relationships, and reconnecting with yourself.

In-person therapy in Northumberland County, located in Port Hope. Virtual counselling available throughout Ontario, Canada, and worldwide.

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SOMATIC THERAPY

Your Body Has Been Part of Your Story All Along

TRAUMA DOESN'T ONLY LIVE IN YOUR THOUGHTS

When You Know You Are Safe But Don't Feel Safe

WHEN YOU FREEZE OR SHUTDOWN

When Talking About It Isn't Enough

Learning To Listen To Your Body

Somatic Therapy And The Nervous System

Regulation

Regulation

Regulation

Activation

Regulation

Regulation

Shutdown

Regulation

Shutdown

Frequently Asked Questions

YOUR BODY CAN BE A PART OF YOUR HEALING

SOMATIC THERAPY

Your Body Has Been Part of Your Story All Along

TRAUMA DOESN'T ONLY LIVE IN YOUR THOUGHTS

When You Know You Are Safe But Don't Feel Safe

WHEN YOU FREEZE OR SHUTDOWN

When Talking About It Isn't Enough

Learning To Listen To Your Body

Somatic Therapy And The Nervous System

Regulation

Regulation

Regulation

Activation

Regulation

Regulation

Shutdown

Regulation

Shutdown

Frequently Asked Questions

YOUR BODY CAN BE A PART OF YOUR HEALING

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