Somatic Therapy
in Sarasota, FL
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Many people who have been in therapy for years still struggle to find relief. While traditional talk therapy approaches can certainly offer new insights and coping strategies, they may be limited, at times, in moving through stuck points or accessing the deeper core of who we are, why we hurt, and where our values truly lie.
Sometimes, an alternative approach to talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral interventions is needed to soothe the soul and ease the body’s tension before we can move forward, and that’s where somatic therapy is most vital. Through movement, breathwork, sound, nature, the creative arts and other holistic approaches, somatic therapy gently connects us with our true selves and allows for relief and deep healing.
At Harmony Harbor, we use integrative practices—often practiced with few words—to nurture a mind-body-soul connection that allows healing to unfold naturally, on its own timing and in its own way. The beauty of this connection is that it can ultimately enhance self-awareness, decrease inflammation, ease tension, and promote peace and restoration.
What Does Somatic Therapy Treat and Who Can It Help?
Somatic therapy approaches can be effective as a stand-alone treatment or an adjunct to other interventions. Many of the somatic strategies we teach augment the value of therapy because they can be practiced outside of sessions, creating sustainable and life-changing experiences. Teaching the body to reprogram its chemistry can also shift perspective and bring clarity, which in turn enhances talk therapy approaches that rely on insight and awareness.
At Harmony Harbor, our somatic interventions can help people:
- Heal from trauma and complex PTSD
- Manage bipolar, depression, and other mood disorders
- Work through complicated grief
- Reestablish safety in the body
- Increase creativity and focus
- Live with a greater sense of mindful awareness
Because of the way it integrates the mind, body, and spirit into the healing process, somatic therapy is something most anyone can benefit from and it is often included in wellness programs. Those with high-stress jobs, such as first responders, ER doctors, ICU nurses, divorce attorneys, military persons/veterans, and even therapists and bodywork practitioners, often respond exceptionally well to somatic practices. It helps them prevent burnout and manage the vicarious trauma that comes with their work.
What’s more, the beauty of somatic psychotherapy is that, because it embodies so many components, it offers a little bit of everything, making it adaptable to an individual’s needs and preferences. For those who don’t like sitting in a room, there’s nature sessions and walk-and-talk therapy options. And for those who may find movement difficult, the creative arts can provide a window of exploration and expression, offering much needed catharsis and new ideas.
Have any questions? Send us a message!
For Those In Need Of A Respite: How Does Somatic Therapy Work?
At Harmony Harbor, we’re proud to offer a sanctuary for the nervous system—a place where mental, emotional, and physical resets are made possible with the help of our trauma-conscious providers. For those with nervous systems running on high alert, our classes, workshops, and one-on-one sessions are crafted with you in mind. We understand that feeling safe and regulated is necessary for the healing process, and we are intentional about creating a retreat-like setting that is soothing for those with sensory sensitivity.
If your mind is stuck on repeat and you’re tired of going in circles, or if you need a calm, nurturing setting because you are easily overstimulated and overwhelmed, Harmony Harbor is the place for you. We provide both group therapy and one-on-one options and aim to meet you wherever you’re at, defining goals that prioritize your comfort level.
You are encouraged to wear whatever you want to your sessions. The workshops or classes we offer are restorative in nature, not strenuous. Our focus is promoting whole-person healing, not providing a workout. No experience is necessary to participate in somatic therapy, as our interventions can be modified as needed, for all people. You also do not have to be an expert meditator or artist or have experience with expressive arts.
Our primary goal is to provide a place of respite where you can gain perspective and discover integrative healing experiences in a setting that feels safe and supportive.
What Somatic Therapy Approaches Do We Offer?
Below is a list of the somatic therapy approaches we utilize at Harmony Harbor and the ways they can help:
Nature Therapy (or Ecotherapy)
Since our practice is right near so many beautiful wetlands, coastlands, and forests, you are welcome to take advantage of your surroundings through nature-based walk-and-talk sessions. Being in nature can help you de-stress, improve your mood, and feel more connected to the world around you.
Expressive Arts
Our expressive arts therapists may use hands-on activities, sand tray, drama therapy, visual art, music and sound, and other artistic mediums to help you process difficult emotions and reconnect with your playfulness and creativity.
Mindfulness Meditation
Through the power of gentle movement, tapping, yoga nidra, meditation, and somatic practices for increasing vagal tone, our therapists can empower you to access the wisdom of the body and experience relief from everyday stress.
Brainspotting
A groundbreaking approach to healing trauma, Brainspotting uses eye location to help you process trauma quickly and rewire your response to painful memories.
Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
When used in a professional context, KAP can help you experience a heightened sense of connection to the universe and to yourself, while safely alleviating treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation.
Our practice also utilizes polyvagal theory, herbal support, play therapy, and many other avenues of somatic healing. We’re all about finding what’s best for you, helping you discover the activities and approaches that bring you closer to a more authentic and empowering life.
You May Have Some Questions About Somatic Therapy…
Not to worry! You are not expected to participate in any modality or practice you don’t want to. Somatic therapy is all about finding your own path, which is why our practice always prioritizes your goals and individualizes treatment for your needs—meeting you where you are at and working within your comfort zone.
You are not obligated in any way to participate in a group setting as we offer both one-on-one sessions and group options. Group therapy is a wonderful way to get extra accountability, encouragement, and support, but we know it isn’t for everyone, so we’re happy to accommodate you no matter what you choose.
Yes! Upon request, we can provide in-office programs and therapy services where a trained specialist comes to your work setting or a community program to help promote holistic wellness, burnout prevention, and stress management skills. We would love to bring a class or workshop to you, and we welcome speaking engagements in the wider community, including schools and office settings in need of employee and team support.
Trauma-Informed Wellness Services That Make A Difference
Healing does not occur in a straight line and there is no easy checklist. Your path toward healing is your own and how you get there is as unique as you are. At Harmony Harbor, we offer somatic therapy interventions for processing trauma, reducing stress, and living with mindful awareness.
To learn more about how our somatic approach to counseling can help you, schedule an appointment and get started on your healing journey today!
Offering virtual and in-person counseling services in Sarasota, Florida.
2201 Cantu Ct, Suite 104
Sarasota, FL 34232
We are located in the Live Oak Office Building