Somatic Therapy: What It Is and Why It Matters
When people think of therapy, they often picture talking through feelings or analyzing thoughts. While these are important, many approaches focus almost exclusively on the mind. Somatic therapy takes a different path—it recognizes that the body and mind are deeply connected, and that true healing often involves working with both.
At Open Road Therapy here in Casper, WY, we offer somatic therapy as part of our whole-person approach to mental health.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
The word somatic comes from the Greek word soma, meaning “body.” Somatic therapy is a form of mind-body therapy that helps people notice, understand, and release how stress, trauma, and emotions are stored physically.
Instead of relying only on talking, somatic therapy helps clients tune into body sensations—like a tight chest, a knot in the stomach, or restless energy. These physical signals often point to unresolved experiences that traditional talk therapy alone may not fully address.
Why Does the Body Hold Stress and Trauma?
When overwhelming events happen, the nervous system doesn’t always get to “complete” its natural stress response. Instead, that energy can stay stuck in the body. Over time, this can show up as:
Anxiety or panic attacks
Chronic muscle tension or pain
Feeling stuck, numb, or disconnected
Emotional reactivity
Trouble relaxing or feeling safe
Somatic therapy helps process and release this stored energy, so your mind and body can return to balance.
How Somatic Therapy Works
During a somatic therapy session in our Casper office (or through online therapy), we may use techniques such as:
Body awareness – gently noticing sensations where emotions live in the body.
Breathwork – using the breath to regulate stress and calm the nervous system.
Grounding exercises – reconnecting with safety and stability in the present moment.
Movement or posture shifts – allowing the body to release built-up tension.
Resourcing – building strengths and coping tools before processing deeper material.
The pace is always guided by you, focusing on safety, choice, and empowerment.
Why Somatic Therapy Matters
Traditional talk therapy is powerful, but sometimes insight isn’t enough—your body may still react with stress or anxiety even when your mind “understands.” That’s where somatic therapy makes a difference.
Somatic therapy can help you:
Reduce anxiety and panic
Relieve physical tension linked to stress
Heal trauma at a nervous-system level
Improve emotional regulation
Build resilience and confidence
This approach bridges the gap between mind and body, offering a more complete path to healing.
Combining Somatic Therapy With Other Approaches
At Open Road Therapy, we often integrate somatic therapy with EMDR and mindfulness practices. Together, these therapies provide a comprehensive, body-based approach that helps clients not only understand their struggles but truly feel relief and lasting change.
Somatic Therapy in Casper, WY
If you’ve searched for “somatic therapy near me” and landed here, know that you’re not alone. Many people in Casper and across Wyoming are discovering the benefits of body-based therapy for trauma, anxiety, depression, and everyday stress.
Working with a therapist trained in somatic approaches can help you reconnect with your body’s natural ability to heal—restoring balance, calm, and resilience.
At Open Road Therapy in Casper, WY, we’re here to support you on that journey.