3 Highly Recommended San Diego Somatic Experiencing Therapists
Many people find that traditional talk therapy, while helpful, doesn't fully address the physical sensations and nervous system responses that keep them feeling overwhelmed. Somatic therapy offers a pathway to healing that honors the wisdom of your body and helps you find lasting peace. Contact Healing Balance Therapy today to get started.
Meet your San Diego somatic therapists
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Offers somatic therapy ✓
Good fit for: Trauma, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, codependency
Credentials: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Clientele: Adults
Location: La Mesa, CA (San Diego area)
Virtual therapy: Available
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Offers somatic therapy ✓
Good fit for: Eating disorders, trauma, neurodivergence
Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clientele: Teens, adults
Location: La Mesa, CA (San Diego area)
Virtual therapy: Available
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Offers somatic therapy ✓
Good fit for: Trauma, eating disorders, attachment trauma, dissociation
Credentials: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Clientele: Adults
Location: La Mesa, CA (San Diego area)
Virtual therapy: Available
Common reasons why people seek somatic therapy
Feeling disconnected from your body
Chronic tension that never seems to go away
Struggling with anxiety that feels "stuck" in your nervous system
Trauma symptoms that haven't fully healed through talk therapy alone
Difficulty regulating emotions or feeling overwhelmed by triggers
Chronic pain or physical symptoms without clear medical causes
Sleep issues, panic attacks, or hypervigilance that won't resolve
Feeling like your body is "betraying" you or working against you
Wanting to develop a healthier, more trusting relationship with your body
How somatic therapy can help
Nervous system regulation
Somatic therapy teaches your nervous system new patterns of safety and calm. Through gentle body-based techniques, you'll learn to recognize early warning signs of overwhelm and develop practical skills to return to a regulated state, reducing anxiety and improving your overall sense of well-being.
Trauma release and integration
Unlike traditional talk therapy, somatic approaches help process trauma that's stored in your body. By working with physical sensations, movement, and breath, you can release stuck energy and complete interrupted survival responses, allowing for deeper healing and integration of difficult experiences.
Enhanced body awareness
Many people have learned to disconnect from their bodies as a survival mechanism. Somatic therapy gently guides you back into relationship with your physical self, helping you recognize hunger and fullness cues, emotional signals, and boundaries that support healthier relationships and decision-making.
Improved emotional resilience
By strengthening the connection between your mind and body, somatic therapy builds your capacity to navigate life's challenges with greater ease. You'll develop tools to stay present during difficult emotions and learn to trust your body's innate wisdom for healing and growth.
FAQs about somatic experiencing therapy
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A somatic therapist helps you heal by working with the connection between your mind and body. Rather than focusing solely on thoughts and emotions, they guide you to notice physical sensations, breathing patterns, and nervous system responses.
Somatic therapy from a mental health therapist doesn’t involve any physical touch from the clinician. We may offer suggestions—like placing your own hand over your heart when emotion swells in your chest—but unlike other providers, like massage therapists or acupuncturists, there is no physical contact between client and practitioner.
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Each session is customized based on your needs and goals, as well as the particular somatic methods that your clinician uses. An IFS session may involve tuning into where you feel a particular part activated in your body, while an EMDR session may involve you tapping either side of your body while processing a traumatic memory.
Though each appointment takes a different form, the goal is always the same: helping you tune in with your body’s cues, embrace what they’re telling you, and find healing in that awareness.
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The therapy process starts with an intake session where we’ll gather information about your background and begin outlining a path forward. Early sessions will focus on building our therapeutic relationship, which is a key component of successful therapy. From here, each session will involve exploring bodily sensations, processing memories and emotions, learning skills to use in your daily life, and integrating what you learn.
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As with any form of treatment, there are some potential risks or drawbacks that come along with somatic therapy. Some people may initially feel overwhelmed by the increase in body awareness, which often comes with uncomfortable feelings and emotions. Tuning into the body is often new for many people, especially those who are familiar with traditional talk therapy, and the process can take some adjustment. However, know that we’ll proceed at your pace, and that a temporary flare-up of symptoms is normal and often subsides with ongoing work.
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Yes, insurance often covers somatic psychotherapy. Our practice is out-of-network, meaning that we don’t bill insurance directly, but we can provide you with superbills to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.
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We understand the importance of finding the right fit. Here are a few reasons why our clients choose us:
Extensive clinical experience, particularly with trauma and eating disorder care
Multiple evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, IFS, and Somatic Experiencing
All therapists have completed their own intensive healing work
Flexible scheduling with both in-person and virtual options available
Comprehensive approach addressing mind, body, and spirit
If you’re still unsure whether our practice is a good match, we invite you to contact us for a free consultation so we can speak directly about how we can help.
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Simply fill out this brief online form, call us, or email us to get started. We offer free consultations to help you get a better sense of our approach and to answer any questions you may have. If you choose to move forward, we’ll schedule your first appointment. We look forward to connecting with you.