- Somatic and body-based therapies at THE BALANCE support recovery by addressing how psychological stress, trauma, and emotional experiences are held in the body.
- These approaches recognize that distress is not only processed cognitively, but also through physiological patterns, posture, tension, breath, and movement.
- Somatic work is applied thoughtfully and within a clinically governed treatment framework.
Somatic and body-based therapies at THE BALANCE support recovery by addressing how psychological stress, trauma, and emotional experiences are held in the body.
These approaches recognize that distress is not only processed cognitively, but also through physiological patterns, posture, tension, breath, and movement. Somatic work is applied thoughtfully and within a clinically governed treatment framework.
THE ROLE OF THE BODY IN RECOVERY
The body plays a central role in how stress and trauma are experienced and regulated. Common bodily manifestations include:
- chronic muscle tension or pain
- altered breathing patterns
- heightened startle or shutdown responses
- difficulty sensing safety or relaxation
- disconnection from physical sensations
Somatic approaches aim to restore awareness, regulation, and a sense of safety within the body.
A TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH
Somatic and body-based therapies are delivered with trauma awareness. This includes:
- respect for personal boundaries and consent
- careful pacing of physical or sensory engagement
- attention to signs of overwhelm or dissociation
- emphasis on choice and agency
The goal is regulation, not activation.
APPROACHES THAT MAY BE USED
Depending on individual needs and suitability, somatic work may include:
- body awareness and regulation practices
- breath-based interventions
- gentle movement or grounding techniques
- touch-based therapies where appropriate and consented
- somatic psychotherapy elements
Approaches are selected and adapted according to individual tolerance and clinical need.
INTEGRATION WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL & MEDICAL CARE
Somatic therapies are integrated with:
- psychotherapy and trauma-focused work
- psychiatric and medical oversight
- neurobiological and regulation-based techniques
- recovery and environmental support
This integration ensures that body-based work supports, rather than replaces, other forms of care.
RESIDENTIAL & OUTPATIENT CONTEXTS
Somatic therapies may be offered within:
- Individualized Residential Care
- Small-Group Residential Care
- Outpatient & Continuity of Care
The setting and intensity are guided by assessment and suitability.
WHAT SOMATIC & BODY-BASED THERAPIES ARE – AND ARE NOT
They are:
- supportive and regulation-focused
- paced and individualized
- delivered with clinical oversight
They are not:
- experiential therapy for stimulation
- physical performance training
- invasive or forced interventions
- guaranteed solutions
The emphasis remains on safety and integration.
LEARNING MORE
Educational resources on somatic approaches and body-based regulation are available in our Resources & Publications section.
