Therapy Services
Somatic Therapy:
Healing the Mind Through the Body
In a world that often asks us to live “from the neck up,” it’s easy to forget that the body holds as much of our story as the mind does. Somatic therapy helps reconnect the two, guiding you to notice, understand, and release what your body has been holding onto—sometimes for years.
If the idea feels unfamiliar, you’re not alone. Many people are surprised to learn that stress, trauma, and unresolved emotions don’t just affect our thoughts; they can also live in our posture, breath patterns, muscle tension, and even digestion. Lauren Daul, LMSW, offers somatic therapy as a gentle, science-informed way to reconnect with your body and restore a sense of balance.
Watch Lauren’s video to learn more about the process and benefits of somatic therapy:
What Is Somatic Therapy?
The word somatic comes from the Greek soma, meaning “body.” At its core, somatic therapy recognizes that the mind and body are deeply connected—and that healing often requires working with both at the same time.
Where traditional talk therapy focuses on thoughts and behaviors, somatic therapy begins with body awareness. By helping you notice sensations like tightness, heaviness, or changes in breathing, your therapist can guide you to process and release unresolved stress or trauma in a safe, supported way.
Footnote: The popularity of Bessel van der Kolk’s book The Body Keeps the Score has brought greater
public awareness to the idea that trauma can be “stored” in the body and may need to be addressed
through body-based approaches.¹
How It Works
Somatic therapy supports your nervous system in moving out of survival mode—whether that’s fight, flight, or freeze—and back into a state of regulation and resilience.
During sessions, Lauren may incorporate:
- Body Awareness: Learning to notice sensations connected to stress or emotion
- Breathwork & Grounding: Techniques that calm the nervous system
- Titration: Revisiting difficult experiences in small, manageable doses
- Pendulation: Moving between comfort and discomfort to build tolerance and safety
- Resourcing:
Tapping into positive memories, safe places, or calming images
Who Can Benefit?
Somatic therapy is often helpful for people who:
- Have experienced trauma or PTSD
- Live with chronic stress or anxiety
- Struggle with grief or depression
- Feel emotionally “stuck” or disconnected
- Experience physical symptoms linked to emotional stress (e.g., headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal issues)
Somatic therapy is effective on its own and can be integrated with other evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or traditional talk therapy.
What to Expect in a Session
While every session is tailored to you, a typical experience may include:
- Safety & Connection – Settling in and discussing your goals.
- Body Awareness – Guided noticing of sensations like tightness, warmth, or heaviness.
- Gentle Exploration – Using breath, movement, or imagery to process what arises.
- Release & Integration – Allowing the body to let go of tension or emotion.
- Grounding & Closure
– Returning to a calm, present state before leaving the session.
What Clients Say
“I never realized how much my body was holding onto until I tried somatic therapy.
After just a few sessions, I felt more grounded, more present, and more able to handle
everyday stress.” – Former Client
Take the Next Step
Lauren offers compassionate, nonjudgmental space with several options:
- Individual in-person sessions in Atlanta/Dunwoody
- Individual virtual sessions via a secure portal
- Virtual small group coaching, such as Echoes and Upgrades
Schedule your FREE consultation with Lauren today to explore if this mind-body approach is the right fit for your needs.
Schedule Your Consultation here
Know more about Echoes and Upgrades here
¹ van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.