Intro to Somatic Work – What It Is and Why It Matters

"Your body remembers what your mind forgets."

That’s the simplest way to explain somatic work. It’s a therapeutic approach that helps you understand, process, and release what’s been stored in your body—whether it’s unresolved trauma, stress, or life experiences you thought you’d “moved on” from.

When something overwhelming happens and you can’t fully process it in the moment, your body adapts to protect you. That adaptation—tight muscles, shallow breathing, constant alertness—might have kept you safe at the time. But when it lingers for years, it can manifest as physical pain, tension, fatigue, or even chronic health issues.

Why it’s important

• Traditional talk therapy works with the mind, but somatic work includes the body.

• You can’t “logic” your way out of what your body still feels unsafe about.

• By bringing awareness to your physical sensations, you access a deeper layer of healing.

A simple somatic exercise to try right now:

1. Pause and scan. Sit quietly and notice your body from head to toe.

2. Find one spot of tension. Don’t try to fix it—just notice.

3. Breathe into it. Imagine sending your breath directly to that area.

4. Ask: “If this part of my body could speak, what would it say?”You might be surprised by what you hear.

Somatic work isn’t about “making pain go away”—it’s about understanding what your body has been holding for you, and slowly, safely, letting it go.

What’s next?

If this spoke to you, join our Intro to Somatics Webinar dropping August 20 or sign up for interest in our upcoming Monthly Online Somatic Support Group launching in November. This is where you can begin the practice, learn in real time, and start listening to your body’s story.