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Healing in the Digital Space

Writer's picture: Greg JamesGreg James

Updated: Jan 15

In recent years, somatic therapy has gained recognition as an effective approach to healing trauma by addressing the mind-body connection. Traditionally, this, and other therapeutic work has been done in person, where a therapist can observe and guide a client’s nervous system responses directly. As the world grows increasingly digital, more practitioners and clients are discovering that somatic trauma work can be just as transformative in an online setting.

For many potential clients, the idea of engaging in trauma healing through a screen may raise questions: Can somatic work really be effective online? Will I feel safe and supported? In this article I'll explore how somatic therapy can be effective in an online environment, the benefits it offers, and why it might be the right choice for you.


What is somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the body and mind. The word 'somatic' comes from the Greek word for body, 'soma.' Trauma, whether from a single event or prolonged experiences, isn’t just stored as a memory in the mind but in visceral memories in the body as incomplete responses or repetitive patterns. Tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, a fluttering stomach, sleeplessness, irritability or heightened anxiety are just a few examples of how unprocessed trauma can manifest physically.

Somatic therapy helps you to tune into these bodily sensations, recognising patterns, and gently releasing stored tension. By working with both the physical body and the psychological mind, you can access deeper layers of healing than talk therapy alone often allows.

Can somatic therapy really work online?

The short answer is absolutely! While it might seem counterintuitive to do body-based trauma work through a digital platform, skilled somatic practitioners have realised that the tools have translated well to the online space and that we can create powerful online healing experiences. We use verbal prompts to help you notice physical sensations, identify and connect with emotions and track changes in your nervous system. While we can't see your whole body, we are practised at noticing subtle cues like tone of voice, breathing patterns, facial expression and gestures that may suggest something is shifting in your physiology. While not being able to see the whole body can be seen as a disadvantage, an online therapist sees this as an opportunity to help you increase your self-awareness by reporting sensations, gestures or movements that are off-camera. Awareness of your own internal shifts has been shown in research to be a fundamental element of trauma healing.

What to expect in an online somatic therapy session

What follows is an extract from a blog post I wrote specifically about what you can expect from a somatic therapy session

'....As we start to add body awareness to the sessions, you may be asked to shift your attention momentarily to the sensations in your body. Perhaps you notice a tightness in your chest and that your breathing is getting a little more laboured.

Asking you, at this point, to make sense of your somatic reaction will engage the cognitive part of your brain where long-held defensive and adaptive strategies may keep you from fully resolving issues. Instead, we may stay with the sensation of the tightness of the chest to see how it feels when you do. Most often, giving the body the gift of your attention will help start to regulate the nervous system and I would guide you in how to track it as it down-regulates.

You may then start to feel the tightness at ease and as you follow those sensations you may become aware that your shoulders drop a little and your heart rate starts to normalise. On occasion, placing awareness on the area may intensify it and this too is important information. In these cases, I may invite you to draw your attention to a part of your body that feels less intense or relatively relaxed. This sends signals to the rest of the nervous system that it can begin to stand down from alert.

As we move from awareness of stress to awareness of calm, the body starts to unravel the stuckness that is a hallmark of PTSD. Over time, this may allow images or emotions to start to come to the surface, beginning the process of trauma resolution....'


Overcoming common concerns


“What if I don’t feel safe or comfortable?”

Safety is the foundation of somatic work. A skilled practitioner will prioritise establishing trust, create pauses or breaks for your nervous system, and ensure you have tools to regulate yourself during or after sessions. This is no different to how it would be in person.


“What if the connection drops?”

We’re all used to technical glitches in online meetings and of course, they can happen but are usually short-lived. Your therapist will get you back on track without any problems and may even use the impact of the interruption as part of the therapy itself.


“Will it feel impersonal through a screen?”

Surprisingly, many clients report feeling deeply connected to their therapists online. The intentional focus on presence, attunement, and clear communication often bridges the digital gap. 


Healing is possible through a screen

Trauma healing is a deeply personal journey, and somatic therapy offers a gentle, body-focused path forward. While the idea of doing this work online might feel uncertain at first, people have discovered profound healing and growth through virtual sessions.


How to get started

If you’re curious about exploring somatic trauma work online, the first step is finding a practitioner who feels like a good fit. Look for someone with experience in both somatic therapy and online facilitation. Many therapists offer initial consultations to help you get a sense of their approach and style.

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