Somatic Therapy in Bozeman

Heal Your Nervous System, Reclaim Your Life

You’ve talked about your trauma. You’ve analyzed your anxiety. You understand why you feel the way you do—so why does your body still feel stuck in fight-or-flight mode?

At Bozeman Counseling Center, we know that healing isn’t just a mental process; it’s a physical one. Somatic Therapy is designed to bridge the gap between your mind and your body, helping you release the stress and trauma that traditional talk therapy can sometimes leave behind.

Bozeman Counseling Center specializes in Somatic Therapy near Bozeman. Contact our team for more information or schedule an appointment today

For When Talking Isn’t Enough

Have you ever left a therapy session feeling mentally clear, but your chest is still tight, your stomach is in knots, or you feel exhausted? That is because trauma and chronic stress live in the nervous system, not just the brain.

"Top-down" therapies (like standard talk therapy) focus on thoughts. Somatic Therapy works "bottom-up." We help you access the wisdom of your body to process emotions that are stuck on a cellular level.

Somatic Therapy may be right for you if you experience:

  • Chronic tension (tight jaw, shoulders, or back).

  • A feeling of being "on edge" or easily startled.

  • Numbness or feeling "checked out" (dissociation).

  • Anxiety that feels physical (racing heart, shallow breath).

  • A history of trauma where you feel like you can't "move on."

How Somatic Therapy Works

"Soma" means "body." In our sessions, we don't just ask, "What do you think about that?" We ask, "What do you notice happening in your body right now?"

By slowing down and tracking physical sensations, we can help your nervous system move from a state of survival (fight/flight/freeze) back into a state of safety and regulation.

a woman at sunset with arms open

Techniques We Use at Bozeman Counseling Center

  • Grounding: Simple tools to help you feel present and safe in the room.

  • Body Scans: Learning to identify where you hold emotion without being overwhelmed by it.

  • Movement & Breath: Using small, deliberate movements to "complete" the stress cycle and release stored energy.

  • Titration: We move slowly. We only process as much as your nervous system can handle, preventing you from getting re-traumatized.

Why Choose Bozeman Counseling Center for Somatic Work?

Somatic Therapy is a specialized field. It requires advanced training and a deep understanding of the autonomic nervous system.

1. Specialized Training, Local Care Our therapists are trained in evidence-based somatic modalities (such as Somatic Experiencing or Sensorimotor techniques). You get world-class trauma care right here in Bozeman.

2. We Measure Your Relief Somatic work can feel abstract, but our results aren't. We use tools, and tangible information to track your symptoms over time.

  • Are your sleep disturbances decreasing?

  • Is your daily anxiety level dropping?

  • We look at the data together to ensure the physical work is translating into real-life relief.

3. A Safe Environment Somatic work requires a high degree of trust. Whether you are coming to our office or connecting via Telehealth, we prioritize creating a container of safety where you feel in control of the pace at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions About Somatic Therapy

Is somatic therapy the same as somatic experiencing? 

Somatic therapy is a broader category of body-based counseling. Somatic Experiencing is one specific approach within that category. At Bozeman Counseling Center, we use a nervous-system-informed somatic approach that may draw from somatic experiencing, polyvagal theory, and interpersonal neurobiology—without limiting sessions to a single method. Our focus is always on what best supports you. 

Will I have to focus on body sensations the whole session? 

No. Somatic therapy is woven gently into conversation. You won’t be asked to constantly scan your body or sit with intense sensations. We may occasionally notice things like breath, tension, or ease, but always at a pace that feels manageable and supportive. 

What if I feel uncomfortable or disconnected from my body? 

That’s actually very common—and something somatic therapy can help with. You don’t need to feel comfortable in your body before starting therapy. We work gradually to build awareness and safety, so your nervous system doesn’t feel overwhelmed. 

Is somatic therapy evidence-based?

Yes. Somatic therapy is grounded in neuroscience and research on how the nervous system responds to stress, trauma, and emotional overwhelm. Approaches informed by polyvagal theory and interpersonal neurobiology are widely used in modern, trauma-informed counseling. 

Do I have to relive past experiences or trauma?

No. Somatic therapy does not require reliving painful memories. We focus on what’s happening in the present moment and support regulation first. You are always in control of the pace and depth of the work.

Listen to Your Body. It’s Time to Heal.

If you are ready to move beyond just "managing" your symptoms and start truly healing your nervous system, we are here to help. Bozeman Counseling Center’s team will help you find the right therapist to fit your needs, schedule, and mental health goals.

To schedule your free, 15-minute consultation, or to set up your first appointment, please Contact Us or call (406) 624-6007

Bozeman Counseling Center offers online and in-person Somatic therapy for clients in Bozeman, Belgrade, Livingston, and throughout the state of Montana.

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