Is EMDR Somatic Therapy?

Last updated: May 20, 2026

Many people researching trauma therapy wonder whether EMDR is considered a type of somatic therapy. The short answer is: not exactly. While both approaches are commonly used to help people heal from trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic stress, they work in different ways.

That said, there is some overlap. Both EMDR and somatic therapy recognize that trauma affects not only the mind, but also the body and nervous system. Understanding the differences between the two can help you decide which approach may feel like the best fit for your healing process.

Key Takeaways

• EMDR and somatic therapy are both trauma-focused approaches, but they are not the same type of therapy.

• EMDR focuses on reprocessing distressing memories, while somatic therapy focuses more directly on bodily sensations and nervous system regulation.

• Many people benefit from combining EMDR with body-based approaches to support both emotional and physical healing from trauma.

What Is EMDR Therapy? 

EMDR is a psychotherapy approach developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It was originally designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories.

Today, EMDR therapy for trauma is also used to support people experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, childhood trauma, and other stress-related concerns.

One of the core ideas behind EMDR is that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, causing emotional distress and nervous system activation long after the event is over. EMDR aims to help the brain reprocess those memories so they feel less overwhelming.

How Does EMDR Work?

During EMDR sessions, a therapist guides the client through a process called bilateral stimulation, which often involves side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues.

At the same time, the client briefly focuses on a distressing memory, thought, emotion, or body sensation. Over time, the memory typically becomes less emotionally intense and feels more manageable.

EMDR follows an eight-phase treatment process that includes:

• history-taking

• preparation

• assessment

• desensitization

• installation

• body scan

• closure

• reevaluation

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require clients to discuss traumatic experiences in extensive detail for long periods of time.

What Is Somatic Therapy? 

Somatic therapy is an umbrella term for therapies that focus on the connection between the mind and body. The word “somatic” simply means “related to the body.”

These approaches are based on the understanding that trauma and chronic stress can become stored in the nervous system and expressed physically through tension, hypervigilance, shutdown, pain, or other bodily sensations.

Many forms of somatic trauma therapy emphasize:

• body awareness

• breathwork

• grounding exercises

• movement

• mindfulness

• nervous system regulation

Popular examples include:

• Somatic Experiencing

• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

• body-based trauma therapy approaches

• mindfulness-based somatic practices

Rather than focusing primarily on changing thoughts or reprocessing memories, somatic therapy often helps people notice and safely work through physical sensations connected to stress or trauma.

EMDR vs. Somatic Therapy

While EMDR and somatic therapy share some similarities, they work in different ways and focus on different parts of the healing process.

EMDR Therapy

• Focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories

• Uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds

• Follows a structured eight-phase approach

• Helps reduce emotional distress connected to traumatic experiences

• Commonly used for PTSD, anxiety, panic attacks, and trauma healing

• Primarily focuses on how traumatic memories are stored in the brain

Somatic Therapy

• Focuses on bodily sensations and nervous system responses

• Uses body awareness, grounding, breathwork, movement, and mindfulness

• Often takes a more flexible and body-led approach

• Helps release physical tension and stress connected to trauma

• Commonly used for trauma, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation

• Primarily focuses on how trauma is experienced and held in the body

Both approaches can be effective forms of trauma therapy, and many people benefit from combining EMDR with body-based therapy techniques for a more holistic approach to healing.

Does EMDR Include Body Awareness?

Yes, EMDR does involve awareness of the body, even though it is not usually classified as a body-based therapy.

During EMDR sessions, clients are often asked to notice physical sensations that arise while thinking about a memory. For example, someone may notice tightness in their chest, tension in their shoulders, or a feeling of heaviness in their stomach.

One phase of EMDR, called the body scan, specifically focuses on identifying lingering physical distress connected to a memory.

This is one reason why some people describe EMDR as having somatic elements, even if it is not considered a traditional form of somatic therapy.

Can EMDR Help Regulate the Nervous System?

Many people notice improvements in nervous system regulation after EMDR therapy.

When traumatic memories are no longer triggering the same intense emotional and physical responses, the body often feels calmer and safer. People may experience:

• reduced anxiety

• fewer emotional triggers

• better sleep

• less hypervigilance

• improved emotional regulation

Because trauma affects both the brain and body, healing often involves changes in both emotional and physical experiences.

Can EMDR and Somatic Therapy Be Used Together?

Absolutely. Many trauma therapists integrate EMDR with somatic approaches to support deeper healing.

For example, somatic techniques may help clients:

• feel more grounded before EMDR sessions

• reconnect with their bodies safely

• manage overwhelm during trauma processing

• build emotional regulation skills

At the same time, EMDR can help reduce the intensity of traumatic memories that continue to activate the nervous system.

For many people, combining both approaches creates a more holistic path toward trauma recovery.

Final Thoughts

While EMDR shares some similarities with somatic therapy in its consideration of the body's role in trauma processing, it is not typically categorized as somatic therapy. However, both EMDR and somatic therapy have shown effectiveness in helping individuals heal from trauma and improve their overall well-being. The choice between the two may depend on the individual's preferences, the nature of their concerns, and the recommendations of their therapist.

Ultimately, the most important factor is finding a therapeutic approach that feels right for the individual, whether it involves the rhythmic eye movements of EMDR or the mindful body awareness of somatic therapy. In the journey toward healing, what matters most is the path that leads to growth, resilience, and emotional well-being. 

Trauma Therapy in Kelowna, BC

At Kelowna Trauma & Life Therapy, we specialize in both EMDR and Somatic Experiencing in Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Peachland, and the Greater Okanagan area. Contact us to learn more or book a free consultation.