Somatic Therapy in Urbandale, Iowa
Somatic Therapy for Trauma and Stress
Somatic therapy focuses on the deep connection between the mind and body. Many people notice that trauma, stress, and emotional experiences do not only live in thoughts or memories — they also affect the nervous system and the body.
Somatic therapy helps individuals become more aware of these bodily experiences and develop tools to regulate the nervous system and restore a sense of safety.
At Resilient Phoenix Counseling, I provide somatic-informed therapy for adults in Urbandale and the Des Moines area who want to reconnect with their bodies and find relief from the effects of trauma and chronic stress.
Understanding the Mind–Body Connection
When we experience trauma or prolonged stress, the nervous system can become stuck in patterns of hyperarousal (fight or flight) or shutdown (freeze).
This may show up as:
chronic tension in the body
difficulty relaxing
feeling constantly on edge
emotional numbness
overwhelm or fatigue
Somatic therapy gently helps the nervous system move toward regulation and balance.
What Somatic Therapy Looks Like
Somatic therapy involves bringing mindful awareness to physical sensations and the nervous system.
In therapy we may explore:
noticing body sensations connected to emotions
grounding exercises
breath awareness
gentle movement or posture awareness
nervous system regulation techniques
The goal is not to force change, but to help the body gradually release stress patterns and develop new experiences of safety and stability.
Who Somatic Therapy Helps
Somatic therapy can be helpful for adults experiencing:
trauma or PTSD
chronic stress or burnout
anxiety or panic
emotional numbness
difficulty feeling safe or grounded
Many people find somatic therapy helpful when they feel disconnected from their bodies or when emotional distress feels physically overwhelming.
Integrating Somatic Therapy With Other Approaches
Somatic therapy can be combined with other evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, parts work, and DBT-informed therapy.
This integrative approach allows therapy to address both the emotional and physical aspects of healing.
Trauma recovery is not only about understanding what happened — it is also about helping the nervous system experience safety again.
Therapy in Urbandale and the Des Moines Area
Resilient Phoenix Counseling offers somatic-informed therapy for adults in Urbandale and throughout the Des Moines metro area, including West Des Moines, Clive, and Waukee.
Therapy can be a place to reconnect with your body, build resilience, and move toward a greater sense of stability and wellbeing.
Begin Your Healing Process
If you are curious about somatic therapy in the Des Moines area, I invite you to reach out to schedule a free consultation. Together we can explore how body-centered approaches may support your healing journey.