Somatic therapy has started gaining traction as an approach for addressing trauma through the mind, body, and nervous system. It differs from traditional forms of therapy in that it focuses on the connection between your mind and your body. Rather than just focusing on your thoughts and feelings, you explore what sensations your body experiences and how you may be physically storing trauma.
But how long does it take for somatic therapy to work and for you to start feeling results? These are valid questions, and the short answer is that it depends. We live in a world that demands instant gratification and quick fixes to any problems that arise. Unfortunately, processing and healing from trauma is complex, unpredictable, and follows its own timeline, which often resists anything quick.
What Influences Your Timeline?
Trauma is a highly personal experience. Several factors can impact how quickly somatic therapy can offer you your desired results.
Trauma History
The details of your experience itself play a big role in your recovery. For example, a single incident will likely be easier to work through than a past repetitive or currently ongoing trauma. Additionally, childhood trauma that you’ve carried for years may be more complex than something that occurred recently.
Current Stress Levels
Any stress you are experiencing matters in the equation, too. Ongoing issues like pressures from work, relationship issues, or financial stress may slow down your progress, whereas situational stress may be easier to manage. For your body and nervous system to heal, you need some sense of stability.
Body Awareness
The relationship you have with your mind and your body before starting treatment can dictate how quickly the treatment takes off. When you’re more naturally in tune with your body, you’ll have an easier time with this process. If you’ve learned to disconnect from your body as a coping mechanism, you may need to make progress there first.
Techniques Used
Some somatic approaches may offer immediate relief, like breathing exercises or grounding techniques. Others that focus more on rewiring your nervous system will take longer to feel results.
Early Changes
With that said, don’t feel deterred. Many people notice some form of benefit within the first few sessions. You may notice:
Improved sleep quality
Reduced muscle tension
Improved stress responses
Keener awareness of your emotional and physical states
Greater grounding and presence in your day-to-day life
Early changes don’t necessarily mean all is cured. They should, however, be viewed as signs that you’re making progress and are moving in the right direction. Your nervous system is beginning to heal.
Getting into the Deeper Work
As you get through the first few weeks, you’ll likely hit the point where some of the deeper work starts to happen. Over the next few months, you’ll likely experience more intense emotions and physical sensations as you process old patterns. You should begin to notice how your trauma manifests in your daily life.
Through consistent sessions, you will learn new coping strategies and, as you implement them on your end, outside therapy sessions, you will feel additional progress. As you near the end of this phase, you should see a shift in how you respond to stress.
Long-Term Changes
Any long-term, lasting changes will become more apparent after you pass the six to 12-month mark. By this time, you should notice:
Greater comfort in your body
Improved emotional regulation
More effective communication
Reduced anxiety, depression, or PTSD
Greater resilience with anything life has to throw at you
The Bottom Line
Healing isn’t just about reaching your end destination. It’s about developing healthier habits for coping with past trauma and future stress and/or triggers. The progress you make along your journey is truly as important as the end result.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, somatic therapy may be the gentle approach you’ve been looking for. Take the first step today. Reach out to us for more information and to schedule a consultation.
