How to Find a Somatic Therapist in Colorado
Somatic therapy is a powerful and holistic approach to healing that focuses on the mind-body connection, helping you process emotions, reduce symptoms, and restore balance to your nervous system. Whether you're navigating trauma, chronic pain, eating disorders, or simply seeking deeper self-awareness, somatic therapy offers a unique path to healing that goes beyond traditional talk therapy.
If you’re looking for a somatic therapist in Colorado, this guide will walk you through the steps to find the right fit, explain different modalities, and explore why a somatic approach might be what you need.
Why Choose a Somatic Approach?
Somatic therapy is different from talk therapy in that it doesn’t just focus on the mind—it works with the body as an integral part of the healing process. The nervous system holds onto trauma, stress, and dysregulation, which can manifest as symptoms like:
Chronic pain
Social anxiety
Eating disorders
Overthinking
Emotional overwhelm
These symptoms are often not signs of something “wrong” with you, but rather signals from a dysregulated nervous system. Many of the things we label mental illnesses are actually ways we’ve learned to manage chronic dysregualtion when we didn’t have better options. Somatic therapy works to send cues of safety to the body, allowing the nervous system to relax and heal. When the body feels safe, symptoms (often) naturally begin to ease.
Somatic Modalities to Explore
There are many modalities within somatic therapy, each offering a unique approach to healing. Some of the most common include:
1. Hakomi Method
Hakomi is a mindfulness-centered somatic therapy that gently explores how past experiences shape current behaviors and beliefs. It combines body awareness with curiosity to help you access unconscious patterns and create new, healthier ways of being.
2. Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE focuses on resolving trauma and restoring nervous system regulation. It helps clients release trapped energy from past events, which can reduce symptoms like hypervigilance, anxiety, and chronic pain.
3. Polyvagal-Informed Approaches
Polyvagal theory emphasizes the role of the vagus nerve in regulating emotional and physiological states. Therapies rooted in this theory focus on creating a sense of safety, connection, and calm to help the nervous system move out of “fight, flight, or freeze” modes.
4. Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)
PTG involves reframing trauma as an opportunity for personal growth and resilience. This approach, based in polyvagal theory and neuroscience, helps clients process and integrate their experiences while building a stronger sense of self.
Do Therapists Need Formal Training in These Modalities?
While formal training in modalities like Hakomi or Somatic Experiencing can be helpful, it’s not always necessary. Many skilled therapists incorporate somatic principles into their practice without being fully certified. What matters most is their understanding of the nervous system, their ability to create a safe environment, and their skill in working with your body’s cues.
Steps to Find a Somatic Therapist in Colorado
1. Research Somatic Therapy Near You
Start by using keywords like “somatic therapy Colorado” on search engines or directories like:
These platforms allow you to filter therapists by specialty, approach, and location.
2. Explore Their Websites
A therapist’s website can give you a sense of their personality and approach. Pay attention to:
Their tone and style of writing
How they describe their practice
Whether their language resonates with you
If a website feels warm and inviting, it’s likely a sign of a good match.
3. Book a Consultation
Many therapists offer free or low-cost consultations. This is your chance to:
Ask about their approach and experience
Share your goals for therapy
See how you feel in their presence
Remember, the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in effective therapy. If you feel safe and comfortable with someone, that’s a good sign they’re the right fit for you.
Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?
Somatic therapy isn’t just for those with trauma—it’s for anyone seeking a deeper connection to themselves. Whether you’re managing stress, navigating life transitions, or simply wanting to feel more grounded, a somatic approach can help you access healing in ways traditional talk therapy might not.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right somatic therapist in Colorado takes time, but the effort is worth it. Start by researching therapists near you, explore their websites, and trust your instincts during consultation calls. Remember, the most important factor isn’t their training or modalities—it’s how well their personality and approach align with what you need.
Somatic therapy offers a compassionate path to healing, helping you listen to your body and ease your nervous system. With the right therapist, you’ll discover that healing isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong” with you—it’s about returning to the safety, connection, and wholeness that’s always been within.
If you're ready to dive deeper, my work focuses on helping people in Colorado reconnect with their authentic selves by addressing the root causes of dysregulation. I am trained in Post-Traumatic Growth, a unique, polyvagal-informed approach. Through nervous system resets and immersive experiences, I create space for clients to explore their nervous system’s needs, process old patterns, and move toward a more grounded, empowered way of being. If you’re in Colorado and looking for a therapist, use the link below to learn more about me and my approach to therapy or contact me.
About the Author
Martha Carter is a licensed therapist providing virtual services in Colorado. She is trauma-informed and trained in somatic, neurobiology-based modalities to help people with all types of trauma, chronic pain, and eating disorders heal from the inside out.
(Colorado residents only)
