Trauma doesn’t just affect the mind—it lives in the body. As a therapist, you’ve likely seen this firsthand: a client’s shoulders tensing as they recount a painful memory, or a child unable to sit still because their nervous system is in overdrive. You know there’s more to healing trauma than talking it through, but figuring out how to bridge that gap can be a challenge.
How do you help clients reconnect with their bodies in a way that feels safe? What tools can you use to guide a child through sensory overwhelm or help an adult process the weight of their emotions? And when you’re juggling the demands of your practice, where do you even start with something like somatic therapy?
Understanding how to make somatic therapy work for your clients—whether they’re adults or kids—requires more clarity. By exploring what somatic therapy is, why it’s such a powerful approach for trauma recovery, and how to apply its techniques in your sessions, you can feel confident in taking that next step toward deeper healing.
What is Somatic Therapy and How it Helps?
Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach to healing trauma, focusing on the intricate connection between physical sensations and emotional experiences. While traditional talk therapy emphasizes processing emotions through conversation, somatic therapy recognizes that trauma often becomes "stuck" in the body. This approach helps clients not only understand their feelings but also release the tension, discomfort, and dysregulation that trauma creates within their physical selves.
When a client experiences trauma, their nervous system can stay in a heightened state of activation, even long after the event has passed. Somatic therapy offers a pathway to regulate this response by bringing attention to body sensations and teaching clients how to safely engage with them. It’s about fostering a sense of connection and safety within the body—an essential foundation for emotional healing.
For adults, somatic therapy can be life-changing. It provides tools to recognize and address physical manifestations of stress, such as tightness in the chest or clenching in the jaw. By gently guiding clients to notice these sensations and explore their meaning, therapists can help them process emotions that might otherwise feel overwhelming or inaccessible.
For kids, somatic therapy makes emotional regulation tangible. Through playful, sensory-based activities, children can learn to identify and understand their feelings in a way that feels approachable and safe. Whether it’s through movement, grounding exercises, or sensory exploration, somatic therapy empowers children to build resilience and find calm in the face of big emotions.
This approach isn’t just about treating the symptoms of trauma—it’s about helping clients of all ages reconnect with their bodies, regain a sense of control, and ultimately move toward healing in a profound and sustainable way.
Somatic Therapy in Action: Tools That Transform
Somatic therapy comes to life in practical, hands-on ways that empower clients to reconnect with their bodies and process trauma safely. Whether you’re working with adults or children, these tools and techniques offer immediate, meaningful support for emotional regulation, grounding, and healing. Here are seven impactful ways to use somatic exercises with both adults and kids.
For Adults
Ground & ReleaseA client overwhelmed by workplace stress struggles to relax even during downtime. In your session, you guide them through the Ground & Release technique, where they tense their muscles, hold the tension for a few seconds, and then release. The physical act of letting go mirrors the emotional release, leaving them feeling calmer and more in control.
Body ScanA client with chronic anxiety often complains about feeling "on edge" but finds it difficult to pinpoint why. You introduce them to a guided Body Scan exercise, helping them slowly shift their attention through different areas of their body. By identifying tightness in their shoulders and jaw, they recognize where their stress is stored and use intentional breathing to release it.
Shaking Your BodyAfter recounting a triggering event, a client feels physically stuck, unable to shake the overwhelming tension. You introduce the Shaking exercise, encouraging them to stand and move their limbs vigorously. This activity helps discharge the "freeze" response, leaving them feeling lighter and more present in the moment.
Ball Under FootA client experiencing frequent panic attacks feels disconnected and overwhelmed during sessions. You provide a tennis ball and guide them to place it under their foot, rolling it back and forth while focusing on the sensation. This grounding technique helps them shift their attention from internal distress to a calming, external stimulus.
Voo Sound ToningIn preparation for a high-stress presentation, a client uses the Voo Sound Toning exercise to regulate their nervous system. By exhaling with a long “vooo” sound, they activate their parasympathetic system, reducing their physical and emotional stress and building confidence for the task ahead.
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding ExerciseA client dealing with intrusive thoughts uses this exercise to ground themselves in the present moment. By naming five things they see, four they can touch, three they hear, two they smell, and one they taste, they shift their focus away from distress and back to the here and now.
Whole Body Muscle Tensing and RelaxingStruggling with insomnia caused by stress, a client tries the Whole Body Muscle Tensing and Relaxing exercise. Starting at their toes, they tense each muscle group, hold for a few seconds, and then release, working their way up the body. This method helps them unwind and prepare for a more restful sleep.
For Kids
Butterfly HugsA child who has experienced a difficult event finds it hard to talk about their feelings. You teach them Butterfly Hugs, where they cross their arms over their chest and gently tap each shoulder in rhythm. This soothing exercise helps them feel safe while processing their emotions.
Stomp & RoarA child feeling angry after being bullied uses the Stomp & Roar exercise, pretending to be a giant stomping and roaring to release their frustration. The playful yet physical movement empowers them to process big emotions in a healthy way.
Balloon PopA child dealing with family conflict engages in Balloon Pop, pretending to inflate like a balloon by taking a deep breath and then "popping" with a jump. This fun activity helps them release pent-up energy and regulate their emotions.
Treasure BoxA child with sensory sensitivities is introduced to a Treasure Box filled with soft, smooth, and calming objects. During moments of overwhelm, they open the box and engage with the items to create a sense of safety and grounding.
Color HuntA child anxious about an upcoming test participates in a Color Hunt, searching for items in the room that match specific colors. This simple activity redirects their focus to their surroundings, helping them calm down and stay present.
Animal WalksA hyperactive child benefits from Animal Walks, pretending to hop like a frog or crawl like a bear. These structured movements help them channel excess energy while fostering a connection to their body.
High-Five the FloorA child who feels out of control learns to reconnect with their body using the High-Five the Floor technique. By pressing their hands and feet firmly into the ground, they find stability and a sense of control.
These examples demonstrate how somatic therapy tools can transform sessions for both adults and kids. Each exercise not only addresses trauma-related challenges but also equips clients with practical skills they can carry beyond the therapy room. By integrating these techniques, you create a space where healing feels accessible, safe, and empowering.
Identifying Felt Senses: The Key to Emotional Awareness
Felt senses are the physical sensations in our bodies that provide clues about our emotions. Think of them as the body’s way of sending signals about what’s happening internally—like a flutter in the stomach before a big event or tightness in the chest during moments of stress. By identifying these sensations, clients can better understand their emotional responses and take steps toward healing.
What are Felt Senses?
Felt senses are subtle yet powerful indicators of how trauma and emotions manifest physically. For clients, especially those who have experienced trauma, these sensations can often feel overwhelming or hard to name. Teaching clients to notice and interpret their felt senses helps them develop self-awareness and connect with their emotions in a safe and grounded way.
Visualizing Felt Senses with Body Maps
Body maps are a tangible tool that therapists can use to help clients of all ages recognize and track their felt senses. These maps make abstract sensations more concrete, helping clients visualize where they feel emotions in their bodies and what those sensations mean.
For Kids: Body maps turn felt senses into a fun and interactive activity. For example, a child might use markers or stickers to label where they feel “buzzy” energy (in their hands) or “fluttery” feelings (in their tummy). This makes the process approachable and builds their emotional vocabulary.
For Adults: Adults can use body maps to track recurring sensations, such as noticing tightness in their neck during stressful periods or warmth in their chest when feeling calm. Over time, these patterns provide valuable insights into triggers and emotional states.
Practical Examples
For Kids: A child anxious about a school performance maps a “jumpy” feeling in their legs and a “twisting” sensation in their tummy. With the body map as a guide, you teach them a deep breathing exercise to calm their nerves before the event.
For Adults: An adult who struggles with social anxiety identifies tightness in their chest before a gathering. By noticing this pattern, they recognize the need for grounding exercises, like rolling a ball under their foot, to help them feel more secure.
Tying Felt Senses to Trauma Recovery
Trauma often disconnects clients from their bodies, making it difficult for them to trust or understand physical sensations. Mapping and identifying felt senses can bridge that gap. When clients learn to name and respond to these sensations, they develop the ability to regulate their emotions, which is a critical step in processing trauma and building resilience.
How the Worksheets Help Can Help You
The Identifying Felt Senses Worksheets simplify this process by offering:
Structured prompts to guide clients through noticing and describing their felt senses.
A safe and effective way to explore physical sensations without overwhelming clients.
A visual, hands-on tool that supports deeper conversations about emotions and triggers.
These worksheets serve as a roadmap for helping your clients build self-awareness, fostering a sense of safety as they navigate their healing journey.
Teaching clients to identify and understand their felt senses is one of the most transformative aspects of somatic therapy. Whether through body maps, guided activities, or simple conversations, this practice lays the groundwork for emotional regulation and trauma recovery.
Strategies for Incorporating Somatic Exercises
Integrating somatic therapy into your practice doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is to start small, tailoring the exercises to fit your clients’ unique needs and comfort levels. With the right strategies, you can seamlessly bring somatic techniques into your sessions, whether you’re working with adults, kids, or groups.
Start Simple and Build Confidence
Begin with approachable, low-pressure exercises to help clients ease into somatic therapy. Techniques like Ground & Release or High-Five the Floor are straightforward yet effective for introducing clients to the concept of connecting with their bodies. These exercises provide immediate benefits while building trust in the process.
Tailor Exercises to the Client’s Needs
Each client’s trauma and emotional regulation journey is different, so it’s important to adapt the tools to their specific situations:
For Adults: Focus on exercises that emphasize grounding and self-awareness. For example, a client who struggles with panic attacks might benefit from Ball Under Foot to shift focus away from internal distress.
For Kids: Use playful and engaging activities, like Stomp & Roar or Butterfly Hugs, to make somatic therapy feel safe and fun. These techniques help children process emotions without feeling overwhelmed.
Combine Somatic Techniques with Talk Therapy
Somatic exercises can enhance traditional talk therapy by creating a deeper connection between the client’s physical sensations and emotions. For example:
A client exploring a distressing memory in talk therapy might use Body Scan to notice where tension is stored in their body, offering additional insight into how the trauma affects them.
A child struggling to articulate their feelings during a session can use a Treasure Box to regulate their nervous system and feel more grounded before continuing the conversation.
Use Tools to Structure Sessions
The Somatic Therapy Coping Skill Cards and Identifying Felt Senses Worksheets provide ready-to-use interventions that make integrating somatic exercises simple and efficient. You can use these tools to:
Introduce a variety of exercises in a structured way, ensuring sessions remain focused and productive.
Offer clients tangible take-home strategies to practice between sessions, reinforcing their progress.
Incorporate Somatic Therapy into Groups
Somatic therapy works well in group settings, offering opportunities for co-regulation and connection:
For Adults: Facilitate group grounding exercises, like Shaking Your Body or Voo Sound Toning, to create a sense of safety and shared experience.
For Kids: Engage the group with interactive activities like Animal Walks or Color Hunt, which encourage movement and sensory engagement while promoting collaboration.
Encourage Consistency and Practice
Somatic therapy works best when clients can practice the exercises regularly, both in and outside of sessions. Encourage them to:
Pair somatic exercises with daily routines, such as using Butterfly Hugs during bedtime for kids or practicing Ground & Release before a stressful workday for adults.
Track their progress with tools like body maps or journaling, helping them notice patterns and build confidence in their ability to regulate emotions.
With these strategies, you can create a therapeutic environment where clients feel supported in reconnecting with their bodies. By meeting them where they are and gradually building their comfort with somatic techniques, you empower them to take an active role in their healing process.
How Somatic Therapy Tools Make a Difference
When you’re supporting clients who have experienced trauma, having the right tools at your fingertips can make all the difference. The Somatic Therapy Coping Skill Cards and Identifying Felt Senses Worksheets offer simple, ready-to-use solutions that not only save you time but also enhance your sessions by providing practical, effective techniques for both adults and kids. Here’s how they can empower your work with clients and streamline your approach.
Empowering You with Practical Tools
These resources are designed to make somatic therapy more accessible for you and your clients. With clear, easy-to-follow instructions, the cards and worksheets empower you to introduce somatic exercises with confidence, even in the moment. Whether you’re guiding an adult through Ground & Release to ease tension or using Treasure Box with a child to support sensory regulation, these tools provide ready-made interventions that you can adapt to meet each client’s unique needs.
For therapists looking to strengthen their approach, these tools offer a structured way to incorporate somatic techniques. You don’t need specialized training or elaborate setups to get started—the simplicity and flexibility of these resources mean you can focus entirely on your client’s progress. And when you normalize these exercises early in therapy, they create a foundation of safety and trust, allowing clients to engage with their body sensations more fully.
Simplifying Somatic Therapy for Sessions
One of the most valuable aspects of these tools is how they streamline the therapy process. The Somatic Therapy Coping Skill Cards take the guesswork out of selecting and implementing techniques. Exercises like 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding or Butterfly Hugs are presented with step-by-step guidance, making it easy to integrate them into moments when clients need immediate grounding or calming.
The Identifying Felt Senses Worksheets further simplify the process by guiding clients to explore their physical sensations and emotional responses. For kids, the worksheets turn self-awareness into a playful, interactive activity. For adults, they provide a reflective space to better understand their patterns and triggers. These tools are not just effective—they’re practical, accessible, and adaptable.
Using Tools to Engage Clients in and Beyond Sessions
Encourage Practice Between Sessions: Empower clients to use these tools outside of therapy. For example:
For Kids: Practicing Balloon Pop before bedtime to release nervous energy and settle down.
For Adults: Using Voo Sound Toning before a stressful situation to regulate their nervous system.
Integrate Tools into Group Settings:
For Adults: Facilitate grounding exercises like Shaking Your Body in group sessions to foster shared regulation and connection.
For Kids: Use playful activities like Animal Walks to build cooperation and body awareness in a group environment.
Why These Tools Work for You
Save Valuable Time: Instead of crafting your own interventions, you can rely on these tools to deliver effective exercises instantly.
Adapt to Every Client: The wide range of techniques ensures there’s an exercise for everyone, whether they need grounding, emotional regulation, or sensory engagement.
Encourage Growth: The tools provide clients with tangible methods to practice between sessions, reinforcing their skills and helping them build confidence over time.
With tools like the Somatic Therapy Coping Skill Cards and Identifying Felt Senses Worksheets, you’ll feel equipped to handle the complexities of trauma therapy with greater ease. These resources not only support your clients but also ensure you feel prepared and confident as you help them heal.
Unlocking the Power of Somatic Therapy
Trauma lives in the body, but healing does too. Somatic therapy offers a profound way to help clients reconnect with their physical and emotional selves, fostering resilience and recovery in ways that traditional talk therapy often can’t reach alone. By integrating somatic techniques into your practice, you create a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their sensations, regulate their emotions, and build a deeper understanding of their experiences.
With tools like the Somatic Therapy Coping Skill Cards and Identifying Felt Senses Worksheets, you can approach this work with confidence and ease. These resources simplify the process, offering ready-to-use techniques that are adaptable for adults and kids alike. Whether it’s helping a child feel grounded with Butterfly Hugs or guiding an adult to release tension with Ground & Release, these tools empower both you and your clients to engage in meaningful, body-centered healing.
Gentle Observation: As therapists, we often carry the weight of wanting to "get it right" for our clients, especially those who’ve experienced trauma. I’ve been there—sitting with someone in deep pain, feeling the pull to offer just the right intervention. What I’ve learned over time is that it’s not about perfect techniques but about creating moments of connection and safety.
Somatic therapy reminds us that healing doesn’t always happen in words. Sometimes it’s in a deep breath, a gentle tap, or simply noticing where the body holds tension. These small, intentional acts can create a ripple of change that builds over time.
You’re not just guiding your clients—you’re walking alongside them in a process of discovery. And with tools like these, you’ll have what you need to support them, one step at a time.
Jemma (Gentle Observations Team)