What is Somatic Processing Therapy?

Somatic Processing Therapy at Alchemy Collective is a holistic therapeutic approach that recognizes and honors the profound connection between your body and mind. This powerful modality addresses trauma, emotional challenges, and chronic stress that become stored in the body, often manifesting as physical tension, pain, or disconnection.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily engages the cognitive mind, somatic processing works directly with bodily sensations, movement, breath, and nervous system regulation to release deeply held patterns and facilitate healing at the cellular level.

Our experienced somatic practitioners create a safe, supportive environment where you can gradually reconnect with your body's wisdom and natural capacity for healing and integration.

Transformative Benefits of Somatic Processing

Release Trauma Stored in the Body Gently release physical holding patterns that keep trauma and stress locked in your nervous system and tissues.

Regulate Your Nervous System Develop practical skills to move between states of activation and calm, expanding your window of tolerance.

Reconnect with Your Body Rebuild trust and awareness with your physical self after experiences of trauma or dissociation.

Develop Embodied Resilience Create new neural pathways and physiological responses to stressors and triggers.

Process Without Overwhelm Work with traumatic experiences without re-traumatization through careful, titrated exposure.

Integrate Mind and Body Bridge the gap between cognitive understanding and embodied experience for comprehensive healing.

Is Somatic Processing Right for You?

Somatic Processing Therapy can be transformative for individuals experiencing:

• Trauma and PTSD - Including developmental trauma, attachment wounds, and complex PTSD

• Chronic Stress and Anxiety - Including panic attacks, persistent worry, and nervous system dysregulation

• Dissociation - Including disconnection from body sensations, emotions, or sense of self

• Emotional Dysregulation - Including intense emotional reactions and difficulty with self-regulation

• Chronic Pain and Physical Symptoms - Especially when connected to emotional or traumatic origins

• Relationship Challenges - Including difficulty with boundaries, attunement, and secure attachment

• Identity and Self-Worth Issues - Including shame, perfectionism, and disconnection from authentic self

Somatic processing can be effective as a standalone therapy or integrated with other approaches like EMDR, Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), or traditional talk therapy based on your unique needs.

The Somatic Processing Journey

1. Assessment and Resourcing We begin by understanding your unique history, needs, and goals while building internal resources and safety. This foundation ensures you have the tools needed for deeper processing work.

2. Body Awareness and Regulation Learn to track physical sensations, recognize activation patterns, and develop skills for nervous system regulation. This phase helps expand your capacity to be present with bodily experiences.

3. Processing and Release Guided by your therapist, you'll work with specific physical sensations, movements, and awareness practices to process and release stored trauma or emotional patterns.

4. Integration and Embodiment As processing occurs, we focus on integrating new insights, experiences, and patterns into your daily life, relationships, and sense of self.

5. Ongoing Growth and Resilience Continue developing embodied resilience, self-regulation skills, and authentic connection with yourself and others.

The Alchemy Collective Difference

At Alchemy Collective, our approach to Somatic Processing Therapy is:

Trauma-Informed and Neurobiologically Sound Our practitioners understand the neurobiology of trauma and how it impacts the nervous system, brain, and body. We use this knowledge to guide the therapeutic process safely and effectively.

Individualized and Responsive We recognize that every person's nervous system and history are unique. Your therapy is tailored to your specific needs, pace, and goals rather than following a rigid protocol.

Integrated with Complementary Modalities When beneficial, we seamlessly incorporate complementary approaches such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM), and mindfulness practices.

Supported by Mind-Body Practices Your somatic therapy can be enhanced with our additional offerings like trauma-informed yoga, acupuncture, and craniosacral therapy for comprehensive healing.

Your Somatic Processing Experience

Initial Sessions Your first 1-2 sessions focus on building rapport, understanding your history and goals, and introducing somatic awareness practices. We move at your pace, ensuring safety and comfort.

Session Structure Typical sessions last 50-90 minutes and may include:

• Check-in and nervous system assessment

• Guided somatic awareness and regulation practices

• Processing of specific sensations, emotions, or experiences

• Integration and grounding

• Homework or practices for between sessions

Recommended Frequency Most clients begin with weekly sessions, adjusting as needed based on their response and goals. Some may benefit from longer intensive sessions or retreats for deeper processing.

Duration of Treatment The duration varies based on your unique needs and goals. Some clients experience significant relief within 8-12 sessions, while complex trauma may benefit from longer-term work.

Begin Your Somatic Healing Journey

Ready to experience the transformative benefits of Somatic Processing Therapy? Our compassionate, experienced practitioners are here to support your healing journey.