Healing from trauma is not just something that happens in the mind. It is something that unfolds in the body, often slowly and quietly. Somatic therapy offers a different path for those who feel stuck in old patterns, even after years of talk therapy. By working directly with the nervous system and the felt sense of the body, somatic psychotherapy supports real, embodied change.
For many people in New York City who come to our practice, trauma lives in their body long after the moment has passed. They might have insight into their past, yet still feel anxious, numb, or on edge. This is where somatic therapy becomes a powerful alternative. Instead of trying to explain the trauma, we help the body speak its own language.
But how do you know if your body is actually releasing trauma? The answer is not always dramatic. In fact, it often shows up in subtle, physical, and emotional shifts that indicate your nervous system is starting to come out of survival mode and into something more regulated.
What Somatic Therapy Does That Talk Therapy Often Can’t
When trauma is unresolved, the nervous system can get stuck in a pattern of fight, flight, freeze, or collapse. You may feel hyper-alert, emotionally detached, or both. Even if you are no longer in danger, your body does not quite believe it.
Somatic therapy works directly with these responses. Using present-moment awareness, we track sensations like tightness, pressure, breath patterns, or subtle movements. Through small, safe invitations to notice what is happening inside, the body begins to remember how to shift.
This process is not about catharsis or re-living past events. It is about gently building trust with the nervous system. Over time, the body begins to release what it has been holding. That release may look different for everyone, but there are some common signs we look for.
Signs Your Body Is Releasing Trauma
1. Spontaneous Breathing or Sighing
One of the earliest signs your body is releasing trauma is a spontaneous change in breath. You may suddenly exhale deeply without trying. This is not a breath you take on purpose, but one your body gives you. It is a signal that something inside has softened.
2. Tingling, Warmth, or Shaking
When survival energy begins to move, clients often notice tingling in the hands, warmth in the chest, or even a subtle tremble in the legs. This is the nervous system discharging what it no longer needs. It is not always comfortable, but it is a good sign.
3. A Sense of Grounding
After being stuck in anxiety or overwhelm, feeling your feet on the ground can be a powerful shift. You might feel more connected to your body, more present in the room, or more aware of your environment. This groundedness tells us that the nervous system is regulating.
4. Emotional Waves
Sometimes release comes through tears, laughter, or even brief moments of sadness that pass on their own. These waves are not breakdowns. They are breakthroughs. When the body feels safe enough to feel, emotions that were frozen begin to thaw.
5. Increased Awareness and Curiosity
As trauma begins to release, people often describe a growing sense of curiosity toward themselves. They might say, “I noticed that my shoulders dropped just now,” or “Something feels softer.” This kind of self-awareness is a major sign of progress.
What Makes Somatic Work Safe and Effective
Trauma therapy must be done slowly and with great care. At Somatic Psychotherapy, we use modalities like Somatic Experiencing, IFS, and EMDR to support your body in ways that feel respectful and safe.
You will never be pushed to relive trauma. Instead, we follow the body’s natural impulses using tools like pendulation, titration, and resourcing to support slow and steady healing.
Sessions may involve noticing breath, tracking sensations, or staying with a specific image or memory for a few moments at a time. These practices are subtle but powerful. They teach your system that it does not have to stay in defense mode forever.
Healing is Subtle Not Loud
Many people expect trauma healing to come with big emotional moments, but more often it is about the small things. A deeper breath. A sudden yawn. A moment where you realize your jaw is no longer clenched.
These are not signs that something is wrong. They are signs your body is releasing trauma and beginning to trust again. Your body is letting go, little by little. And in that letting go, space is created for something new like rest, safety, or connection.
You can learn more about our approach to healing by visiting our pages on individual somatic therapy or trauma and PTSD therapy. We also offer online therapy for those who prefer to work virtually from within New York.
FAQs
How do I know if somatic therapy is right for me?
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected despite talk therapy, somatic therapy may help. It is especially supportive for trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Is somatic trauma release always physical?
Not always. Some people experience physical symptoms like trembling or warmth. Others feel more emotional or notice subtle changes in breath, posture, or awareness.
Can I do somatic therapy online?
Yes. We offer virtual sessions for clients throughout New York. Learn more about online somatic therapy.
What if I don’t feel anything in my body?
That is okay. Many clients start with a sense of numbness or disconnection. Somatic therapy helps rebuild body awareness gently over time.
How do I start?
You can contact us here to set up a free consultation and see if somatic therapy is a good fit for your needs.
If you are beginning to notice small shifts or simply wondering what healing through the body could feel like, we are here. Whether in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or online, Somatic Psychotherapy offers a space where your body’s story is welcomed and where real change begins in the quiet moments that matter most.
