🌱 Somatic Therapy as an Alternative to EMDR

A gentle, body-based approach to trauma healing…

⭐ Why People Explore EMDR — and Why Some Choose Somatic Therapy Instead

Many people search for EMDR therapy because it is widely recognized.

Even though I do not offer EMDR, I support clients exploring different therapy options and wanting to understand alternatives. I offer Somatic Trauma Therapy, an evidence-informed, body-based approach that helps the nervous system release and integrate trauma without requiring you to retell or relive the distressing memories in detail.

Somatic therapy is not “better” or “worse” than EMDR — it’s simply a different approach. Some clients find that a body-focused, slower-paced method aligns more comfortably with their nervous system and healing goals.

🌿 What Is EMDR?

A simple explanation for people exploring options

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sound) to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. It is often chosen for:

  • Single-incident trauma

  • Motor vehicle accidents

  • Medical trauma

  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories

Many people benefit from EMDR. Others prefer or require a different therapeutic approach based on their nervous system, comfort level, and readiness.

🌿 What Is Somatic Trauma Therapy?

A gentle, body-centered approach focused on regulation and safety

Somatic therapy works directly with the body and nervous system. Instead of focusing on memory processing, it supports your system’s natural ability to regulate and integrate difficult experiences.

We work with:

  • Body sensations

  • Patterns of tension

  • Fight/flight/freeze/collapse responses

  • The felt sense of safety and connection

This approach can be supportive when:

  • Talking about trauma feels overwhelming

  • You experience shutdown, numbness, or panic

  • Your body reacts strongly even when your mind feels “fine”

  • Cognitive therapies haven’t shifted deeper patterns

  • Complex or developmental trauma is present

  • Your nervous system needs a slower, grounded pace

Somatic therapy provides a body-first, present-moment method of healing for clients seeking gentle, attuned support.

🌱 Why I Offer Somatic Therapy

As a Registered Psychologist my work is grounded in:

  • body-based, trauma-informed practice

  • creating emotional and physiological safety

  • pacing that respects each client’s capacity

  • supporting regulation before exploring deeper material

  • allowing the nervous system to guide the process

Many clients who inquire about EMDR discover that what they are truly seeking is support with overwhelm, shutdown, body tension, or a sense of being “stuck.”
Somatic therapy can address these concerns without requiring detailed or specific reprocessing of traumatic events.

I offer the modality that aligns with my professional training and the needs of clients who prefer a gentle, grounded, body-centered approach.

🌱 Who Somatic Therapy Supports

Somatic therapy may be appropriate for clients experiencing:

✔ overwhelm or panic
✔ chronic stress or burnout
✔ numbness or disconnection
✔ people-pleasing or fawning responses
✔ complex or developmental trauma
✔ difficulty describing what happened
✔ trauma held “in the body”
✔ dysregulated nervous system patterns

This approach can be supportive for individuals who want a slow, attuned, present-focused method of working with trauma and stress.

🌿 What Sessions Are Like

Somatic sessions are collaborative, gentle, and paced according to what feels safe in your body.

Together, we may explore:

  • grounding and resourcing

  • sensory awareness

  • body tension and protective patterns

  • impulses or movements held in the body

  • gentle orientation toward safety

  • completing survival responses

  • returning to ease and connection

There is no pressure to retell or revisit trauma stories.
We focus on what your nervous system is ready to explore in each session.

🌱 Somatic Therapy in Whitecourt and Edmonton, Alberta

My practice provides a grounded, quiet space for:

  • trauma healing

  • nervous system support

  • emotional regulation

  • somatic exploration

🌿 If You’re Curious, You’re Welcome to Reach Out

You don’t need to arrive with a decision about which therapy is “right.” Whether you were originally searching for EMDR or exploring alternatives, you’re welcome to ask more questions or come in for a session, to explore whether this approach is right for you. Contact me to book a session or free consultation.