Somatic Therapy
Somatic Therapy for Trauma in Bunbury
TRC offers somatic therapy in Bunbury for people seeking support with trauma recovery. Somatic sessions are provided by Nikki who holds a Diploma and Master’s in Bowen Therapy, is trained in 528 Rapid Trauma Release, Mind Body Bowen, IOS Bowen, muscle testing and Reiki.
Nikki specialises in supporting people experiencing stress, grief, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and nervous system dysregulation, while using Bowen Therapy to address physical tension and discomfort.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic Therapy is a body-aware approach that recognises the connection between our thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and nervous system. Rather than focusing only on what is happening in the mind, somatic approaches also explore how stress and emotional experiences can be reflected in the body.
Somatic Therapy can help you develop greater awareness of physical sensations, recognise patterns of tension or activation, and learn practical ways to support a greater sense of calm, safety and connection.
At Trauma Recovery Collective, somatic approaches are integrated thoughtfully with your individual needs and circumstances. We work at a pace that feels manageable, creating space to notice what is happening in your body without judgement or pressure.
Somatic Therapy and the Nervous System
Our nervous system plays an important role in how we respond to stress, change and perceived threats. When we experience ongoing stress or overwhelming events, the body can remain in patterns of heightened alertness, tension or shut-down, even when the immediate situation has passed.
Somatic approaches can help you become more aware of these responses and understand how they may be affecting your thoughts, emotions, behaviour and physical experience.
Therapy may include developing grounding and regulation skills, noticing changes in breathing and muscle tension, increasing awareness of bodily sensations, and learning to recognise what helps you feel more settled and present.
The goal is not to force the body to relax, but to develop a greater understanding of your individual responses and build practical skills for responding to them with greater awareness and choice.
Somatic Approaches to Trauma Recovery
Trauma can affect more than our thoughts and memories. It can also influence how we experience our body, emotions, relationships and sense of safety.
Somatic approaches to trauma recovery provide an opportunity to gently explore these body-based responses alongside psychological therapy. Rather than requiring you to talk about everything that has happened, therapy can include attention to what you are experiencing in the present moment.
This may involve recognising signs of activation or shut-down, developing strategies for grounding and regulation, increasing your awareness of physical sensations, and gradually developing a stronger sense of safety and connection with yourself.
At Trauma Recovery Collective, somatic approaches may be incorporated into a broader trauma-informed therapeutic approach, depending on your needs, goals and preferences.
Who May Benefit From Somatic Therapy?
Somatic Therapy may be helpful for people who notice that stress or emotional difficulties are also affecting how they feel in their body.
You may find a somatic approach worth exploring if you experience:
Ongoing stress, tension or feelings of being overwhelmed.
Anxiety or persistent worry.
Difficulty feeling settled, grounded or present.
Physical tension associated with stress or emotional experiences.
A tendency to feel on edge, shut down or disconnected.
Trauma-related responses or difficulties following overwhelming experiences.
Burnout or prolonged emotional strain.
Difficulty putting emotional experiences into words.
A desire to develop greater awareness of the connection between your body and emotions.
You do not need to have a specific diagnosis or understand exactly what is happening before seeking support. Therapy begins by understanding your individual experience and identifying an approach that feels appropriate for you.
If you are unsure whether Somatic Therapy is the right fit, we can discuss your needs and explore whether a somatic, psychological, or combined approach may be most appropriate. If you are unsure which therapy may best suit you, book a Personalised Consultation and we will spend time understanding your goals, concerns, and preferences before discussing which approach is likely to be most beneficial.