Somatic Therapy (Movement-Integrated): How the Body Supports Emotional Healing

Somatic Therapy is an approach to mental health that recognises a simple but powerful idea: our experiences don’t just live in our thoughts — they live in our bodies too.

When movement is integrated into somatic therapy, walking, posture, breath, and gentle physical awareness become part of the therapeutic process. Rather than focusing only on talking about experiences, movement-integrated somatic therapy helps people notice, regulate, and work with what their body is already communicating.

What Is Somatic Therapy (Movement-Integrated)?

Somatic therapy is a body-based approach to psychological support that focuses on the connection between the nervous system, physical sensations, emotions, and behaviour.

When movement is integrated, therapy may include:

• walking side-by-side

• gentle shifts in posture or pace

• noticing sensations while moving

• grounding through physical awareness

• regulating breath during movement

The goal is not exercise or performance — it’s awareness, safety, and regulation.

Why Movement Matters in Somatic Therapy

Stress, anxiety, and trauma often show up physically before we consciously recognise them. Tightness in the chest, shallow breathing, restlessness, or fatigue are common examples.

Movement-integrated somatic therapy helps by:

• supporting nervous system regulation

• increasing awareness of bodily cues

• reducing overwhelm through rhythmic movement

• creating a sense of safety and control

• helping emotions move through the body rather than staying stuck

For many people, gentle movement makes it easier to stay present and engaged during therapy.

What a Somatic, Movement-Integrated Session Might Look Like

Sessions vary depending on the practitioner and client, but may include:

• walking at a comfortable pace while checking in with physical sensations

• pausing to notice changes in breath, tension, or energy

• adjusting speed, posture, or direction to support regulation

• using movement as a way to ground during difficult topics

• short moments of stillness integrated into movement

The focus remains on choice, consent, and comfort throughout.

Who Might Find This Approach Helpful?

Somatic therapy with movement may appeal to people who:

• feel disconnected from their body

• struggle to sit still in traditional therapy settings

• experience stress or anxiety physically

• have difficulty putting emotions into words

• feel overwhelmed by intense emotional discussions

• prefer experiential or practical approaches

It can be used alongside many established psychological frameworks.

How Somatic Therapy Fits With Other Approaches

Movement-integrated somatic therapy is often combined with:

• trauma-informed therapy

• mindfulness-based approaches

• ACT and emotional regulation strategies

• walk and talk therapy

• nature-based or outdoor therapy

Practitioners adapt the approach based on training, setting, and client needs.

Finding a Therapist Who Uses Somatic, Movement-Integrated Approaches

Not all therapists work the same way. Some integrate movement subtly, while others design sessions around walking or outdoor environments.

When searching for a practitioner, it can help to look for:

• training in somatic or body-based approaches

• experience integrating movement into sessions

• a clear explanation of how sessions are structured

• a collaborative, client-led style

👉 Explore our directory to find therapists who integrate movement and somatic approaches into their work.

A Gentle Reminder

Somatic therapy is not about forcing physical experiences or reliving distress. It is about listening to the body, moving at a safe pace, and supporting regulation through awareness and movement.

For many people, this approach feels grounding, practical, and more aligned with how they experience stress and emotion in daily life.