For many people in NYC seeking trauma therapy, EMDR or somatic therapy alone can be powerful. But when these modalities are combined thoughtfully, something deeper often becomes possible. EMDR and somatic therapy work together by addressing trauma on multiple levels — through both memory and body — which allows for more complete healing.
At Somatic Psychotherapy, we often integrate these two approaches with clients who have tried talk therapy but still feel stuck in nervous system patterns they can’t think their way out of. Whether you’re healing from developmental trauma, a specific traumatic event, or long-standing emotional patterns, the combination of EMDR and somatic therapy can support the healing process from the inside out.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured trauma therapy designed to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer hold the same emotional charge. Originally developed by Francine Shapiro, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — often in the form of eye movements, taps, or tones — while a person recalls a distressing event. This process helps the brain integrate the memory in a way that feels less activating.
In other words, EMDR helps the mind catch up to the present. It tells your nervous system, “This isn’t happening anymore. You’re safe now.”
We offer EMDR therapy to clients across New York City, both in-person and online. For many people, it’s a turning point in their trauma work. But EMDR doesn’t work on its own for everyone — especially if the body is still holding the trauma, even after the memory feels distant.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy works with the nervous system directly. Instead of just talking about experiences or emotions, we invite awareness of body sensations, breath, posture, and movement. Trauma lives in the body — in tension patterns, held breath, chronic freeze states. Somatic therapy helps unwind those patterns in a slow, respectful way.
We offer individual somatic psychotherapy for clients who feel their body is stuck in high alert or shut down, even when life is objectively stable. Many of these clients already have insight. They know why they’re anxious or numb. What they need is a way to feel different — not just think differently.
Why Combine EMDR and Somatic Therapy?
On their own, EMDR and somatic therapy are powerful tools. Together, they address trauma from two angles: the explicit memory (through EMDR) and the implicit body memory (through somatic work).
This is especially useful for:
- Clients who get dysregulated during EMDR and need more grounding tools
- Those whose trauma is pre-verbal or stored without clear narrative
- People whose symptoms are more physical (gut issues, chronic tension, dissociation)
- Anyone who needs to move slowly and build safety in the body first
Somatic therapy prepares the body for EMDR by building capacity. When the nervous system is supported, EMDR becomes less overwhelming and more effective. On the flip side, EMDR can help move stuck traumatic material that’s difficult to access through sensation alone.
This integration is especially relevant in trauma therapy in NYC, where many clients are dealing with complex or developmental trauma that lives in both memory and body.
What a Combined Session Might Look Like
Your therapist might begin with body-based tracking, noticing breath, grounding, or sensation. From there, you might use EMDR to target a specific memory, while also keeping awareness on what’s happening in your body. If your system becomes flooded, your therapist may pause the memory work and guide you back to sensation or resource states.
Some sessions may focus more on somatic resourcing, while others may lean into EMDR processing. What matters is that your body and nervous system are part of the conversation, not bypassed.
Many of our clients in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or via online therapy in NYC benefit from this combined approach. It allows them to go deeper, while also feeling more regulated and resourced throughout the process.
A More Complete Path to Healing
Trauma recovery is not just about revisiting what happened. It’s about changing how your system holds it. EMDR and somatic therapy work together to do just that — to untangle the mind-body connection in a way that feels less like reliving and more like releasing.
If you’ve tried EMDR but found it too activating, or somatic work but wanted more memory processing, this combination might offer what you’ve been missing. Many clients find that their healing accelerates when these approaches are used together, because both the mind and body are being met.
FAQs
Can I do EMDR and somatic therapy at the same time?
Yes. Many of our sessions include both approaches, tailored to your needs. Your therapist will adjust the pacing and tools to match what feels supportive to your system.
What if EMDR alone hasn’t worked for me?
That can be common. EMDR can be powerful, but some people need additional somatic support to stay regulated during the process. Somatic work builds the body’s capacity to engage EMDR more safely.
Is this approach helpful for PTSD?
Yes. We specialize in trauma and PTSD therapy that addresses both memory and body symptoms. This combination is often effective for complex trauma and chronic symptoms.
Can I do this work online?
Absolutely. We offer online trauma therapy for New Yorkers who prefer remote sessions. EMDR and somatic tools both translate well to virtual therapy.
How do I get started?
You can contact us to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you explore whether EMDR and somatic therapy are a good fit.
If you’re ready to work with both your memory and your body, not just one or the other — we’d love to support you. Together, we can help you feel more grounded, whole, and at home in your body again.
