An Introduction to Body Psychotherapy

What is body psychotherapy?

Short answer: Body psychotherapy (also called somatic psychotherapy) is a form of therapy that works with both the mind and the body. It recognises that emotions, stress, and past experiences are held in the nervous system as well as in thoughts. By gently noticing bodily sensations alongside talking, body psychotherapy helps clients improve emotional regulation, reduce stress, and feel more grounded and connected.

The lower half of two people, facing each other whilst sat in chairs.

When people think about therapy, they often imagine sitting and talking about thoughts, memories, and feelings. While this can be deeply helpful, it’s only part of the picture. Body psychotherapy (also known as somatic psychotherapy) is based on a simple but powerful idea: our bodies hold experiences, emotions, and patterns just as much as our minds do.

This approach gently brings awareness to the body as part of the therapeutic process, helping clients understand themselves in a more integrated and compassionate way.

What Is Body Psychotherapy?

Body psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that recognises the close relationship between mind, body, and emotions. It draws on the understanding that our life experiences—especially stress, trauma, and relational experiences—are not only remembered cognitively, but are also expressed through posture, muscle tension, breathing patterns, and physical sensations.

Rather than focusing solely on talking about problems, body psychotherapy invites curiosity about what is happening in the body in the present moment. This might include noticing sensations, movements, impulses, or areas of tension or ease, and exploring how these connect with emotions, thoughts, and life experiences.

Why Include the Body in Therapy?

Many people notice that even when they intellectually understand an issue, they may still feel stuck emotionally or physically. This is because some experiences—particularly overwhelming or early ones—are stored in the nervous system rather than in words.

Body psychotherapy can be especially helpful when:

• You feel disconnected from your emotions or body

• Anxiety, stress, or overwhelm show up physically

• You experience chronic tension, fatigue, or a sense of being “on edge”

• Talking alone doesn’t seem to create lasting change

• You want to develop a deeper sense of grounding, safety, or self-awareness

By gently working with the body, therapy can support regulation of the nervous system, increase emotional resilience, and help restore a sense of choice and agency.

A person standing straight backed with hands in prayer position.

What Happens in a Body Psychotherapy Session?

Sessions are typically talk-based, but with mindful attention to bodily experience woven in. Nothing is forced, and you are always in control of what you choose to explore.

Depending on your needs and comfort level, a session may involve:

• Noticing physical sensations (such as warmth, tightness, or movement)

• Exploring breathing patterns or grounding exercises

• Becoming aware of posture or habitual ways of holding the body

• Tracking emotional shifts as they arise in the body

• Reflecting on how present-moment sensations relate to thoughts, feelings, or memories

There is no expectation to perform movements or exercises unless they feel appropriate and supportive. Often, the work is subtle, slow, and led by your own awareness.

Is Body Psychotherapy About Touch?

This is a common question. While some forms of body psychotherapy may include therapeutic touch, many practitioners work entirely without touch. If touch is ever part of the work, it is discussed clearly in advance, consent is explicit, and boundaries are carefully maintained.

If touch is not something you are comfortable with, body psychotherapy can still be very effective through awareness, dialogue, and gentle somatic exploration alone.

Benefits of Body Psychotherapy

Clients often report that body psychotherapy helps them:

• Feel more present and grounded

• Understand emotional responses more clearly

• Develop greater self-compassion

• Reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety

• Reconnect with bodily signals such as needs, boundaries, and intuition

• Experience change that feels embodied and lasting, not just intellectual

Because the work honours both mind and body, it can feel more holistic and deeply personal.

A Gentle and Collaborative Approach

Body psychotherapy is not about analysing the body or “fixing” what feels wrong. Instead, it is a collaborative and respectful process that values your lived experience. The pace is guided by what feels safe and manageable for you, and curiosity replaces judgment.

You do not need prior experience with mindfulness, movement, or body-based practices to benefit. Simply bringing attention to what is already present can be a meaningful first step.

Final Thoughts

Body psychotherapy offers an invitation to listen more closely to yourself—mind and body together. For many people, this integrated approach opens up new pathways for healing, insight, and connection.

If you’d like to learn more or have questions about how body psychotherapy might support you, feel free to get in touch.