Somatic Psychotherapy for Lasting Change
You can move beyond just understanding your challenges to feeling calmer, more connected and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges with compassionate, body-centred support
Perth ▪️ Maylands ▪️ Mundaring ▪️ Online
When insight alone isn't creating change, somatic therapy may be the solution
Have you ever found yourself thinking, ‘I know why I do this… so why does it keep happening?‘
For many people, understanding the reasons behind their thoughts, emotions or behaviours is a powerful first step in achieving their goals. But insight on its own doesn’t create lasting change.
Stress, anxiety, trauma and life experiences can shape not only the way we think, but also the way we feel and respond to events in our bodies. Even when we understand what’s happening, our nervous system can continue to react as though we’re still under threat.
Somatic psychotherapy recognises the important connection between the mind and body. By gently combining compassionate conversation with body awareness, it can help you explore patterns that may be difficult to access through talking alone, supporting meaningful change that’s not only practical but also truly sustainable.
What is somatic psychotherapy?
Somatic psychotherapy, sometimes also called somatic therapy, is a gentle, integrated form of therapy that works with your thoughts, emotions and physical experiences. Alongside talking about what’s happening in your life, you may be invited to notice what you’re experiencing in your body, such as changes in your breathing, muscle tension, posture, energy or physical sensations.
This matters because our bodies can respond to stress and difficult experiences before we’ve had time to think about what’s happening. You might notice your chest tightening during conflict, feel restless when you try to slow down or become physically tense in situations you logically know are safe.
By becoming more aware of these responses in a supportive environment, you can begin to understand your patterns more fully and explore new ways of responding. Rather than focusing only on what you think, somatic psychotherapy helps you listen to the information your body may also be communicating.
Our somatic therapist, Anita, gently combines somatic awareness with psychotherapy and counselling, adapting each session to your needs, comfort and goals. You won’t be expected to perform particular movements, disclose anything before you’re ready or push beyond what feels manageable.
A personalised approach that supports your whole self
No two people experience stress, emotions or difficult events in exactly the same way. That’s why Anita doesn’t follow a rigid process or expect you to fit into a particular therapeutic model. Instead, she draws on her training in somatic psychotherapy, psychotherapy, counselling and trauma-informed yoga to create an approach that reflects your needs, experiences and goals.
Depending on what feels helpful for you, sessions may combine compassionate conversation with grounding, breathing, body awareness and gentle exploration of the physical responses connected with your thoughts and emotions.
Anita may also draw on ideas from Internal Family Systems, or IFS. This approach recognises that we can have different ‘parts’ of ourselves that respond to life in different ways. For example, one part of you may want to make a change while another feels safer keeping things exactly as they are.
Rather than judging or trying to silence these responses, Anita can help you approach them with greater curiosity and compassion. Together, you can explore what they may be trying to protect you from and find ways to move forward that feel safer and more sustainable.
Throughout each session, you remain in control. Anita will work collaboratively with you, explain any practices she suggests and adapt the process according to what feels comfortable and useful.
What happens during a somatic therapy session?
Your sessions with Anita will be shaped around what you’d like support with and how you’re feeling on the day. You might begin by talking about what has been happening in your life, the patterns you’ve noticed or the changes you’d like to make.
As you talk, Anita may gently invite you to notice what’s happening in your body. This could include becoming aware of your breathing, muscle tension, posture, movement, energy levels or other physical sensations. You don’t need to know what these responses mean or describe them perfectly. Anita will guide you with curiosity and without judgement.
Depending on your needs, a session may involve grounding practices, breath awareness, gentle movement or exploring how different thoughts and emotions are experienced in your body. Anita may also use psychotherapy, counselling and IFS-informed approaches to help you understand what’s happening and experiment with new ways of responding.
Somatic psychotherapy isn’t about forcing you to revisit difficult experiences or pushing you beyond what feels safe. You can slow down, pause or choose not to continue with any exercise. Anita will explain what she’s suggesting, check in with you throughout the session and work at a pace that feels manageable.
Over time, this process can help you recognise your responses earlier, understand what your nervous system may need and develop practical ways to feel more grounded and supported in everyday life.
Is somatic psychotherapy right for you?
Somatic psychotherapy can support people through a wide range of life experiences. You don’t need to be experiencing a crisis to benefit, and you don’t need to have all the answers before you begin.
You may find this approach helpful if you:
- Often feel anxious, overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted
- Notice yourself getting stuck in the same patterns or reactions
- Struggle to switch off, relax or feel present
- Find stress affects you physically through tension, fatigue or other bodily symptoms
- Have experienced trauma or difficult life events that still affect you today
- Feel disconnected from yourself, your emotions or your body
- Want to understand yourself more deeply while developing practical ways to create lasting change
Every person’s story is different, which is why Anita takes the time to understand your unique experiences, strengths and goals. Together, you’ll explore an approach that feels safe, supportive and tailored to you.
Your first step doesn’t have to be a big one
If you’re wondering whether somatic psychotherapy is the right fit for you, a free 15-minute consultation is a simple, no-pressure way to ask questions, discuss what you’re hoping to achieve and explore whether Anita’s approach feels right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is somatic psychotherapy evidence based?
Yes. Somatic psychotherapy draws on established psychotherapy approaches alongside evolving insights from neuroscience into the connection between the mind, body and nervous system. It combines compassionate conversation with body awareness to help people better understand and respond to their thoughts, emotions and physical experiences.
Do I have to talk about traumatic experiences?
No. You are never expected to discuss anything before you feel ready. Anita will work at a pace that feels safe and supportive for you, focusing on building trust and helping you feel more connected to yourself. You remain in control throughout every session.
Is somatic psychotherapy the same as counselling?
While there are similarities, somatic psychotherapy places a greater emphasis on the connection between the mind and body. Alongside compassionate conversation, Anita may invite you to notice physical sensations, breathing, posture or other bodily responses that can provide valuable insight into your experiences.
Does somatic psychotherapy involve physical touch?
Not necessarily. Somatic psychotherapy can involve a wide range of approaches, many of which don’t involve any physical touch at all. Anita will always explain the techniques she recommends and ensure you feel comfortable with the approach being used. You are free to pause, decline or ask questions at any time.
Can I access somatic psychotherapy online?
Yes. Many people find that online somatic psychotherapy is just as valuable as in-person sessions. Anita can adapt her approach to help you develop body awareness and practical strategies wherever you feel most comfortable.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people find our 3-session introductory offer provides the ideal opportunity to work through a specific challenge. Others choose ongoing somatic therapy support, either by itself or as part of a holistic wellbeing program, as they continue to build insight, resilience and lasting change. During your free consultation Anita can discuss your goals and help you decide what feels right for you.
Can I access somatic psychotherapy through the NDIS?
Yes. Sava Therapies welcomes self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants seeking personalised, trauma-informed mental health support.
If your NDIS plan includes funding for counselling or psychotherapy, Anita can tailor sessions to your individual goals, whether you’re looking to build emotional regulation, confidence, self-awareness or other skills that support your daily wellbeing and functional capacity.
If you’re unsure whether your plan is suitable, Anita can discuss your circumstances during your free 15-minute consultation.
What if I’m still not sure whether somatic psychotherapy is right for me?
That’s perfectly okay. Choosing a therapist is an important decision, and it’s natural to have questions. A free 15-minute consultation gives you the opportunity to meet Anita, discuss what you’re hoping to achieve and explore whether her approach feels like the right fit, with no pressure to book ongoing sessions.
If you decide to begin somatic psychotherapy, our three-session introductory offer provides a gentle way to experience the therapy while focusing on one specific challenge. It gives you the opportunity to build confidence, gain practical strategies and discover whether Anita’s personalised approach is the right approach for you.
At the end of the three sessions, you can decide together what comes next. You may choose to continue with somatic psychotherapy, explore other complementary services as part of a personalised wellness program, or simply finish knowing you’ve taken positive steps towards the change you want to experience. Whatever you decide, there’s never any pressure to continue beyond what helps you move towards your goals and supports your wellbeing in the way you need.
Ready to take the next step towards lasting change?
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in familiar patterns or simply curious about whether somatic psychotherapy could help, Anita is here to support you with compassion, understanding and practical guidance.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you reach out. Simply book a free 15-minute consultation at a time that suits you, and together we’ll explore your goals, discuss the kind of support you’re looking for and consider what next steps will best support your wellbeing.