somatic EMDR
Integrating Mind, Body, and Applied Neuroscience for Deep Trauma Healing
Trauma is not just a story we tell about the past; it is a physiological reality that lives in the nervous system. When we experience overwhelming stress or trauma, our bodies often get stuck in survival responses: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. Traditional talk therapies can help us understand why we feel the way we do, but they often fall short of releasing the physical grip that trauma has on our everyday lives.
At Madrona Therapy NW, our Somatic EMDR approach bridges this gap. Grounded in the comprehensive, world-leading framework of The Embody Lab Somatic EMDR training, this cutting-edge modality seamlessly weaves together standard EMDR therapy with body-centered somatic psychology and applied neuroscience.
What is somatic EMDR?
Somatic Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) builds upon Francine Shapiro’s traditional, evidence-based 8-phase EMDR protocol by adding a crucial layer: the wisdom of the body.
Traditional EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or audio tones) to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories; Somatic EMDR uses the same method and adds active tracking and integration of your physical responses. By honoring the body's internal states, we ensure that healing occurs from the bottom up, transforming both your psychological narrative and your physiological state.
The Core Pillars of Our Approach
Our Somatic EMDR practice is guided by the core principles outlined by The Embody Lab’s integrative model:
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Honoring the Body's Intelligence: Difficult life experiences are held as patterns of physical tension, restricted breathing, or numbness. We don't try to override these sensations; we treat them as a map toward your healing.
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Polyvagal-Informed Pacing: Using Polyvagal Theory, we track your nervous system in real-time. We pace our sessions carefully to ensure you stay within your "window of tolerance," avoiding emotional flooding while gently dissolving subtle dissociation.
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Bottom-Up Processing: Instead of just working with thoughts, we focus heavily on interoception (sensing your internal body states) and proprioception (your body's awareness in space) to release blocked survival energy.
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Somatically Driven Resolution: When trauma processing feels "stuck," we incorporate somatic dialogue, breath adjustments, and mindful movement or self-supportive touch to help your body finally complete its natural self-protective responses.
What Happens During a somatic emdr Session
A Somatic EMDR session retains the structured, evidence-based phases of standard EMDR but feels deeply collaborative, embodied, and grounded.
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Resourcing & Boundary Building: Before addressing difficult memories, we focus on somatic resource development. You will learn body-based self-regulation skills, heart coherence, and grounding tools to ensure you feel "safe enough" in your skin.
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Tracking the Sensation: As we identify a target memory, we don't just focus on the mental image or negative belief. We ask: Where do you feel that in your body right now? What is the quality of that tension?
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Bilateral Stimulation with Body Awareness: While engaging in bilateral stimulation, we pause frequently to track moment-by-moment physical shifts. We invite your body to breathe, release, or move as it naturally unwinds the trauma response.
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Integration & Somatic Dialogue: We close sessions by anchoring new, adaptive beliefs into your physical body, ensuring that you leave feeling integrated, re-centered, and physiologically at peace.
Is Somatic EMDR Right for Me?
Because Somatic EMDR works directly with the nervous system, it is highly effective for a wide range of challenges, particularly those that manifest physically. This approach is an excellent fit if you are navigating:
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Complex or Developmental Trauma (C-PTSD) that leaves you feeling chronically disconnected from your body.
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Chronic Pain, Illness, or Somatic Symptoms where emotional stress aggravates physical discomfort.
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Anxiety, Panic, or Hypervigilance that feels like a constant physical alarm bells ringing in your chest or stomach.
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"Stuckness" in Traditional Therapy: If you have talked extensively about your trauma but your body still reacts as if the danger is happening right now.
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Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors driven by an underlying inability to tolerate uncomfortable bodily sensations.
Your body holds the score of your past, but it also holds the keys to your freedom. Let's work together to restore your agency, safety, and vitality.
Somatic EMDR Therapy in Washington (In Person or Virtual)
Somatic EMDR therapy is available both in person and through secure online sessions. Many clients find the approach effective whether they are attending therapy in person or virtually.
If you are looking for Somatic EMDR therapy to work through trauma or anxiety, this approach may be a helpful option.
Curious if SOMATIC EMDR Might Help?
If you are ready to experience a unified, body-centered approach to trauma recovery, we are here to support you. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation or to learn more about how Somatic EMDR can benefit you.