{"id":73235,"date":"2025-06-03T12:31:25","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T12:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=73235"},"modified":"2025-06-06T16:10:21","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T16:10:21","slug":"is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based? What to Know Before Getting Started"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#Is_Somatic_Therapy_Evidence-Based\" >Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#What_Type_of_Therapy_Has_the_Most_Evidence\" >What Type of Therapy Has the Most Evidence?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#What_Theory_Is_Somatic_Therapy_Based_On\" >What Theory Is Somatic Therapy Based On?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#Which_Therapy_Has_the_Highest_Success_Rate\" >Which Therapy Has the Highest Success Rate?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#What_Are_the_Criticisms_of_Somatic_Therapy\" >What Are the Criticisms of Somatic Therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#How_to_Make_Somatic_Therapy_Work_Effectively_for_You\" >How to Make Somatic Therapy Work Effectively for You?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#Who_invented_somatic_therapy\" >Who invented somatic therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#What_is_the_deepest_form_of_somatic_therapy\" >What is the deepest form of somatic therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#Is_somatic_therapy_legit\" >Is somatic therapy legit?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#Is_somatic_experiencing_scientifically_proven\" >Is somatic experiencing scientifically proven?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#The_Bottom_Line\" >The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When exploring alternative approaches to restoration and mental well-being, you may have come across somatic therapy. As you consider whether these methods are right for you, it\u2019s natural to wonder: is somatic therapy evidence-based?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Is_Somatic_Therapy_Evidence-Based\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1-5.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection to help individuals process and recover from unresolved emotions through physical awareness and mindful movement (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Various somatic therapy techniques have been backed by scientific research, although it\u2019s important to remember that the effects of somatic therapy can vary widely from person to person.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re looking to alleviate emotional difficulties or simply want to improve your mind-body connection, somatic therapy may offer a path to restoration. This article will explore whether somatic therapy is evidence-based, including the most evidence-based somatic practices to help inform your decision.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>While somatic therapy can offer great benefits, make sure to consult your doctor to see if it\u2019s a good fit for your body and needs \u2014 especially if you\u2019re dealing with any medical issues.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Somatic_Therapy_Evidence-Based\"><\/span><b>Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, many forms of somatic therapy are backed by scientific research, although some have been studied more extensively than others (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalcommons.liberty.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?params=\/context\/doctoral\/article\/5814\/&amp;path_info=68_Schlief_2C_20Ashley_20_28L28751814_29.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">22<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). While there has been more research on some than others, the overall body of evidence is growing and it\u2019s quite promising.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the mental wellness field, an evidence-based practice means that it has been tested, researched, and shown to be effective through rigorous clinical studies (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/psychiatryonline.org\/doi\/full\/10.1176\/appi.psychotherapy.20220015\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Evidence-based practices take into account the latest research, client values and preferences, and the therapist\u2019s clinical experience and background to improve patient outcomes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Is_Somatic_Therapy_Evidence-Based\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-72621\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1-1024x640.png\" alt=\"Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1-1720x1075.png 1720w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of the specific somatic therapy modality, most incorporate evidence-based somatic principles that aim to strengthen the mind-body connection. These include (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3679190\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-022-27247-y\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK207188\/box\/part1_ch4.box5\/?report=objectonly\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC11196965\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mindfulness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Practicing present-moment awareness of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment to regulate emotions and reduce distress.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Breathwork:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Using controlled, conscious breathing patterns to help promote relaxation and emotional balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Grounding:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Focusing on sensory experiences or body scanning to help bring your focus to the present moment, reducing feelings of distress and dissociation.<\/span><b><\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/japanese-yoga\/\">Mindful movement<\/a>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Bringing your focus and awareness to physical sensations during movement to release tension and support emotional processing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Factors such as health needs, personal goals, life circumstances, and past experiences all play a role in determining the effectiveness of somatic therapy (<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6504962\/\"><span>23<\/span><\/a><span>). Some individuals may experience profound relief rather quickly, while others may find it most effective when combined with other therapeutic techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you start any new form of self-guided somatic techniques, it\u2019s essential to consult a healthcare provider to ensure it is aligned with your health needs and goals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Type_of_Therapy_Has_the_Most_Evidence\"><\/span><b>What Type of Therapy Has the Most Evidence?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various types of somatic therapy have been supported by scientific research and they each offer unique ways to promote recovery through the mind-body connection. However, finding the right approach often requires a personalized exploration, as different methods tend to resonate uniquely with each individual.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help inform your decision on which approach is right for you, here\u2019s a closer look at 3 types of somatic therapy that are evidence-based and have proven to be effective for recovery:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Somatic Experiencing<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic experiencing is a type of <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/types-of-somatic-therapy\/\">somatic therapy<\/a> that was developed in the 1970s by trauma expert Dr. Peter Levine (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.somaticexperiencing.com\/somatic-experiencing\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It\u2019s a body-centered approach that is designed to process and recover from trauma by slowly tuning into physical sensations accompanying trauma, rather than fully relieving distressing memories right away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic experiencing therapy is rooted in the idea that trauma and unresolved emotions can become \u201cstuck\u201d in the body. Thus, by gradually working through bodily sensations in a safe and controlled way, you may be able to release this built-up emotional distress while restoring emotional balance to the nervous system (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8276649\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three key techniques that are used in somatic experiencing therapy are (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/psychology\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2015.00093\/full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Titration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Breaking down overwhelming experiences into smaller, manageable parts while staying aware of bodily sensations to process emotions gradually, building emotional resilience and tolerance to handle more difficult moments over time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pendulation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Shifting between states of discomfort and relaxation to reinforce the understanding that difficult emotions are only temporary and can be followed by states of calm.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Resourcing:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Drawing on supportive resources in your life to manage distress and other difficult emotions, which can include positive coping skills, personal strengths, or the presence of a healthy support system.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>BetterMe: Health Coaching app helps you achieve your body goals with ease and efficiency by helping to choose proper meal plans and effective workouts. Start using our app and you will <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Is_Somatic_Therapy_Evidence-Based\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">see good results in a short time.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Hakomi Method<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Hakomi Method was created in the 1970s by therapist and author Ron Kurtz, with assistance from a core group of psychology professionals (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hakomiinstitute.com\/about\/what-is-hakomi\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This approach is designed to help you uncover and shift unconscious beliefs and emotional patterns stored deeply within the body, using a combination of mindfulness and body awareness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Hakomi Method typically operates on these five core principles (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hakomiinstitute.com\/about\/hakomi-principles\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Unity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Recognizing that individuals are interconnected and interdependent, with recovering requiring all systems to work together to function as a harmonious whole.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mind-body integration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Mind-body integration recognizes the continuous interaction between mind, body, and spirit, with core beliefs shaping thoughts, actions, physiology, and somatic experiences.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Organicity:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Trusting that when all parts of the system communicate, recovering will unfold naturally toward wholeness and growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mindfulness:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Encouraging relaxed self-awareness and non-judgmental curiosity about your habitual feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nonviolence:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Therapists gently guide the process, respecting your needs and allowing resistance to fade away naturally instead of forcing change to happen.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Hakomi Method builds on the concept of unconditional positive regard or showing complete support and acceptance, which is expressed through a \u201cloving presence\u201d (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/full\/10.1177\/0022167811423313?casa_token=-shYGQscAs0AAAAA%3A0nWCrBPLAAhMLpGIYLR4mVwBheDhCFWtBbIlJYZ-Y21QlsqpdMz8vjzHgjyrqW2K-K2hxPTnIe9TuII\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This person-centered approach focuses on genuinely appreciating aspects of your life to help create an authentic recovery connection between you and your therapist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hakomi Method techniques are most often used for self-discovery, relationship issues, and other emotional difficulties, potentially helping you better recognize and transform deeply held beliefs that may be limiting your well-being (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/full\/10.1177\/0022167811423313?casa_token=-shYGQscAs0AAAAA%3A0nWCrBPLAAhMLpGIYLR4mVwBheDhCFWtBbIlJYZ-Y21QlsqpdMz8vjzHgjyrqW2K-K2hxPTnIe9TuII\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Is_Somatic_Therapy_Evidence-Based\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-72625\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-3-1024x640.png\" alt=\"Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-3-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-3-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-3-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-3-1720x1075.png 1720w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-3.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Sensorimotor Psychotherapy<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Developed by Dr. Pat Ogden also in the 1970s, sensorimotor psychotherapy is a body-focused talk therapy that combines somatic awareness with cognitive and emotional processing to recover from trauma, attachment issues, and other developmental concerns (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org\/about\/#what-is-sp\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2006-12273-000\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">24<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Unlike traditional \u201ctalk\u201d therapy, this method is focused on processing trauma through body-based interventions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By using the body (rather than cognition or emotion) as a primary entry point in processing <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/betterme-childhood-trauma-test\/\">trauma<\/a>, sensorimotor psychotherapy is designed to address trauma and emotional dysregulation, particularly when words alone can\u2019t fully capture the experience (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/anzf.1270?casa_token=YOj-5kL9OukAAAAA%3AGTGpjd9JSvMnsp54op7ywP7bJePg83vYAV_SFiJW84ODfWDUxtFpitbyQZvaO0HNjuIjAIZ1PmkbSmFizw\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.sagepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1177\/153476560000600302\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). It realizes that beneath our conscious thoughts and verbal narratives, there are deeper, physical manifestations full of valuable information to guide recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sensorimotor psychotherapy typically works by (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/anzf.1270?casa_token=YOj-5kL9OukAAAAA%3AGTGpjd9JSvMnsp54op7ywP7bJePg83vYAV_SFiJW84ODfWDUxtFpitbyQZvaO0HNjuIjAIZ1PmkbSmFizw\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Safety and Stabilization<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The initial phase focuses on establishing a sense of safety and stability, helping clients regulate their emotions and bodily sensations. Techniques to ground the body and create a sense of safety are used to ensure the client is ready for deeper work.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Processing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In this phase, clients process past traumatic experiences through somatic awareness, emotional exploration, and movement. The therapist helps clients identify and release trauma held in the body, integrating physical sensations with emotional and cognitive processing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Integration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The final phase is focused on integrating the work done in the previous phases, helping clients strengthen their sense of self and resilience. The goal is to help clients develop a balanced and healthy relationship between their bodies, emotions, and thoughts, fostering long-term recovery and growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The goal is not to rush into reprocessing traumatic memories but to first stabilize your emotional and physical state. By gradually building this self-awareness over time, you can safely start to regulate your emotions, reduce feelings of distress, and develop more balanced, adaptive ways of interacting with the world (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/anzf.1270?casa_token=YOj-5kL9OukAAAAA%3AGTGpjd9JSvMnsp54op7ywP7bJePg83vYAV_SFiJW84ODfWDUxtFpitbyQZvaO0HNjuIjAIZ1PmkbSmFizw\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-yoga-for-trauma\/\">Somatic Yoga for Trauma: A Beginner\u2019s Guide to Coping Through Movement<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Theory_Is_Somatic_Therapy_Based_On\"><\/span><b>What Theory Is Somatic Therapy Based On?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At its core, somatic therapy is based on the theory of the mind-body connection \u2013 the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations are deeply intertwined (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsf.gov\/news\/mind-body-connection-built-brain-study-suggests\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This theory recognizes that distress and other unresolved emotions don\u2019t just exist in the mind, they also leave lasting effects on the body. Somatic therapy strengthens this connection by guiding you to tune into bodily sensations, which allows you to process emotions that may have been unresolved or trapped in the body (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As always, it\u2019s best to work with a mental health professional when exploring new forms of therapy and improving the mind-body connection, as they can provide personalized guidance that is tailored to your recovery journey while offering support every step of the way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Is_Somatic_Therapy_Evidence-Based\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-72623\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-1-1024x640.png\" alt=\"Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-1-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-1-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-1-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-1-1720x1075.png 1720w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Collage-Banner-somatic-exercices-1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Therapy_Has_the_Highest_Success_Rate\"><\/span><b>Which Therapy Has the Highest Success Rate?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Current research supports different forms of somatic therapy to varying degrees, with some focusing on emotional issues such as trauma and attachment and others on physical effects such as chronic tension. Determining which type of therapy will be most successful depends largely on your individual needs, the issues you\u2019re looking to resolve, and your personal preferences regarding therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rather than looking for a single \u201cbest\u201d therapy, it\u2019s important to consider what is best aligned with your recovery journey. To better understand which type of somatic therapy may be most effective for you, you should keep these factors in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Your primary concern<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Are you dealing with experiencing a traumatic event or distress or have you been diagnosed with a mental condition? Different therapies may be more suited to specific struggles &#8211; speak to a mental health professional to identify which therapy works for your concern.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Therapist expertise<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 The success of any therapy depends on the therapist\u2019s expertise and training, so it\u2019s important to find someone qualified in the specific somatic approach you\u2019re considering.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Your comfort level<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Some people may prefer movement-based approaches such as dance or yoga, while others resonate more with traditional talk therapy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Integration with other therapies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 If you\u2019re already in therapy, you may want a somatic approach that complements your existing treatment.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ultimately, the best therapy for you is the one that resonates with your needs and feels most supportive in your recovery process. If you\u2019re still unsure about which route to take, it\u2019s best to consult a mental health professional to get more personalized guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-based-therapy\/\">Somatic-Based Therapy: A Beginner\u2019s Guide<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Criticisms_of_Somatic_Therapy\"><\/span><b>What Are the Criticisms of Somatic Therapy?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While research into <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/types-of-somatic-therapy\/\">somatic therapy<\/a> is promising, more studies are required to fully confirm its effectiveness across different populations. One major criticism of somatic therapy is that its effects can vary widely, with some experiencing significant relief in a relatively short time frame and others requiring additional therapeutic support for safe and effective recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like any form of therapy, somatic exercises can also come with potential side effects. Common somatic exercise side effects include (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/integrishealth.org\/resources\/on-your-health\/2024\/october\/somatic-therapy-signs-your-body-is-releasing-trauma\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK207191\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">):<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slight changes in breathing patterns<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling more aware of your surroundings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A sudden or intense emotional release, such as crying or laughter<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeling noticeably lighter or as if a weight has been lifted from you<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vivid dreams or memories related to past trauma or negative experiences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physical sensations such as tingling, tightness, or warmth washing over you<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to note that these side effects don\u2019t last forever and can be managed with support from a mental health professional. If you\u2019re experiencing any immediate mental or physical health concerns, reach out to your healthcare provider to get proper guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>BetterMe will shake off your mental funk, rid you of your energy-zapping habits, and help you sculpt the body of your dreams. Intrigued? <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Is_Somatic_Therapy_Evidence-Based\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hurry up and change your life for the better!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Make_Somatic_Therapy_Work_Effectively_for_You\"><\/span><b>How to Make Somatic Therapy Work Effectively for You?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The success of somatic therapy depends on the approach used and the relationship between you and your therapist. A strong, positive, and trusting therapeutic relationship provides the necessary support to comfortably explore emotions and physical sensations safely, which improves your ability to process and recover (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6493237\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make the most of somatic therapy, you should consider these tips:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keep an open mind<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Recovery is a process and somatic therapy may bring up unexpected emotions or sensations. Remaining open to the experience is key.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Be consistent<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Regular sessions help progress the recovery journey and allow your body to adapt to new patterns of awareness and regulation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Communicate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Share what is working and what isn\u2019t with your therapist so they can make adjustments that better suit your needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Self-care<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Recovery takes a lot of mental energy, so supporting yourself with rest, nutrition, and proper relaxation can help you get the most out of therapy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Is_Somatic_Therapy_Evidence-Based\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-72652\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/5336-gentle-somatic-yoga-1024x640.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"770\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/5336-gentle-somatic-yoga-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/5336-gentle-somatic-yoga-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/5336-gentle-somatic-yoga-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/5336-gentle-somatic-yoga-1720x1075.png 1720w, https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/5336-gentle-somatic-yoga.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_invented_somatic_therapy\"><\/span><strong>Who invented somatic therapy?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Austrian psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich is widely considered to be the founder of somatic psychology (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/meridianuniversity.edu\/content\/somatic-psychology-meaning-and-origins\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). A student of Sigmund Freud, Reich laid the groundwork for understanding the mind-body connection in terms of mental well-being. Many researchers and scholars have since expanded on his work, developing a variety of somatic techniques that are tailored to different recovery processes.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_deepest_form_of_somatic_therapy\"><\/span><strong>What is the deepest form of somatic therapy?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There isn\u2019t a single \u201cdeepest\u201d form of somatic therapy as different approaches may be more effective for different individuals. The most effective form of somatic therapy will depend on your individual needs and the specific issues being addressed, so it\u2019s best to consult your healthcare provider to determine which approach is right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_somatic_therapy_legit\"><\/span><strong>Is somatic therapy legit?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, somatic therapy is considered a legitimate and effective therapeutic approach, particularly for trauma recovery. While research is still ongoing, many studies have suggested that it has positive effects in addressing emotional dysregulation, trauma, chronic stress, and other mental health difficulties (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8457046\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">21<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One main benefit of somatic therapy is that it combines body-based techniques with an increased level of psychological self-awareness. This process can help you better process experiences, events, or emotions that may be difficult to express through words alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_somatic_experiencing_scientifically_proven\"><\/span><strong>Is somatic experiencing scientifically proven?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic experiencing (SE) has shown promising results in scientific studies, but more research is needed to confirm its full range of benefits. T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">he overall quality of studies has been mixed, with more unbiased studies required to fully establish its effectiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Is_Somatic_Therapy_Evidence-Based\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2-4.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Bottom_Line\"><\/span><b>The Bottom Line<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, somatic therapy offers a unique, body-centered approach to recovery that may be more effective for processing emotions that are too difficult to express through words alone. While some methods have been more extensively researched than others, overall evidence suggesting that somatic therapy may be a valuable tool is growing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re considering somatic therapy, consulting a qualified mental health professional can help you determine the best approach for your recovery journey. Also, don\u2019t forget to check out the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BetterMe app<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for more mental wellness resources, tips, and support.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When exploring alternative approaches to restoration and mental well-being, you may have come across somatic therapy. As you consider whether these methods are right for you, it\u2019s natural to wonder: is somatic therapy evidence-based? Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection to help individuals process and recover from unresolved emotions through physical awareness and mindful [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":73236,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[209],"tags":[],"coauthors":[45],"class_list":["post-73235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-somatic-exercises"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based? What to Know Before Getting Started - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn if \u2605 IS SOMATIC THERAPY EVIDENCE-BASED \u27a4 and get tips for making an informed decision regarding which approach is right for you.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, nofollow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based? What to Know Before Getting Started\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn if \u2605 IS SOMATIC THERAPY EVIDENCE-BASED \u27a4 and get tips for making an informed decision regarding which approach is right for you.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"#\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-06-06T16:10:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Cover-somatic-exercices-4-1024x640.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"BetterMe\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"BetterMe\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/46a2559fa95a734cb81f6fc6a2c3f404\"},\"headline\":\"Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based? What to Know Before Getting Started\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-06T16:10:21+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/\"},\"wordCount\":2264,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Cover-somatic-exercices-4.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Somatic Exercises\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">When exploring alternative approaches to restoration and mental well-being, you may have come across somatic therapy. As you consider whether these methods are right for you, it\u2019s natural to wonder: is somatic therapy evidence-based?<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection to help individuals process and recover from unresolved emotions through physical awareness and mindful movement (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">). Various somatic therapy techniques have been backed by scientific research, although it\u2019s important to remember that the effects of somatic therapy can vary widely from person to person.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Whether you\u2019re looking to alleviate emotional difficulties or simply want to improve your mind-body connection, somatic therapy may offer a path to restoration. This article will explore whether somatic therapy is evidence-based, including the most evidence-based somatic practices to help inform your decision.<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\nWhile somatic therapy can offer great benefits, make sure to consult your doctor to see if it\u2019s a good fit for your body and needs \u2014 especially if you\u2019re dealing with any medical issues.\\r\\n<h2 style=\\\"text-align: center;\\\"><b>Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based?<\/b><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Yes, many forms of somatic therapy are backed by scientific research, although some have been studied more extensively than others (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">, <\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/digitalcommons.liberty.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?params=\/context\/doctoral\/article\/5814\/&amp;path_info=68_Schlief_2C_20Ashley_20_28L287 ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/\",\"name\":\"Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based? 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What to Know Before Getting Started","og_description":"Learn if \u2605 IS SOMATIC THERAPY EVIDENCE-BASED \u27a4 and get tips for making an informed decision regarding which approach is right for you.","og_url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_author":"#","article_modified_time":"2025-06-06T16:10:21+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":640,"url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Cover-somatic-exercices-4-1024x640.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"BetterMe","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"BetterMe","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/"},"author":{"name":"BetterMe","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/46a2559fa95a734cb81f6fc6a2c3f404"},"headline":"Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based? What to Know Before Getting Started","dateModified":"2025-06-06T16:10:21+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/"},"wordCount":2264,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Cover-somatic-exercices-4.png","articleSection":["Somatic Exercises"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When exploring alternative approaches to restoration and mental well-being, you may have come across somatic therapy. As you consider whether these methods are right for you, it\u2019s natural to wonder: is somatic therapy evidence-based?<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection to help individuals process and recover from unresolved emotions through physical awareness and mindful movement (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). Various somatic therapy techniques have been backed by scientific research, although it\u2019s important to remember that the effects of somatic therapy can vary widely from person to person.<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re looking to alleviate emotional difficulties or simply want to improve your mind-body connection, somatic therapy may offer a path to restoration. This article will explore whether somatic therapy is evidence-based, including the most evidence-based somatic practices to help inform your decision.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhile somatic therapy can offer great benefits, make sure to consult your doctor to see if it\u2019s a good fit for your body and needs \u2014 especially if you\u2019re dealing with any medical issues.\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, many forms of somatic therapy are backed by scientific research, although some have been studied more extensively than others (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/what-is-somatic-therapy-202307072951\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digitalcommons.liberty.edu\/cgi\/viewcontent.cgi?params=\/context\/doctoral\/article\/5814\/&amp;path_info=68_Schlief_2C_20Ashley_20_28L287 ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/","url":"https:\/\/stage.betterme.world\/articles\/is-somatic-therapy-evidence-based\/","name":"Is Somatic Therapy Evidence-Based? 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