Somatic Healing
We offer somatic healing at our office in Blacksburg and virtually
Somatic healing is a practice designed to strengthen the mind-body connection and facilitate a felt sense of wholeness. Through somatic practices, we can begin to increase awareness of how the body holds experiences, beliefs, and unconscious patterns and how those holdings impact our relationships, behaviors, and self-concept.
Somatic healing practices may include elements of yoga but extend to other movement-based interventions, as well as breathwork, sensory awareness exercises, and relaxation techniques. Unlike traditional talk therapy alone, somatic healing engages both body and mind to create lasting positive changes in how you feel and move through the world.
Somatic healing can support individuals experiencing:
- Trauma held in the body:
Release patterns of tension and constriction by gently working with your body's natural healing responses, allowing trauma to resolve at a physical level.
- Chronic stress and anxiety: Learn to recognize and shift stress patterns in your body, developing practical tools for self-regulation and nervous system balance.
- Physical tension and pain: Discover how emotional experiences may be contributing to physical discomfort and learn ways to release held patterns.
- Disconnection from body sensations: Safely rebuild awareness of your body's signals and needs, moving from numbness to embodied presence at your own pace.
- Overwhelm and dysregulation: Develop skills to track your nervous system states and find your way back to balance when feeling overwhelmed.
How Somatic Healing works
Somatic healing works by engaging your body's innate capacity for self-regulation and healing. You'll learn to identify and release patterns of tension and trauma held in your body through gentle awareness exercises, movement explorations, and nervous system tracking. Your practitioner guides you in noticing physical sensations, emotions, and movement impulses while maintaining a sense of safety and control over the process.
Sessions are available both in-person and virtually, though in-person is often preferred for this deeply embodied work. Your practitioner creates a contained, supportive environment where you can safely explore your experience without becoming overwhelmed. The pace is always guided by your comfort level, with an emphasis on building resources and capacity before working with more challenging material.
What to expect
Before Your First Session
- Complete detailed intake forms about your history and current challenges
- Have a brief phone consultation to ensure this approach is a good fit
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that allow easy movement
- Consider having water and a light snack before the session
During Your Session
- Sessions last 50-60 minutes
- Begin with grounding and resource-building exercises
- Explore gentle awareness of body sensations and movement impulses
- Your practitioner guides you while respecting your boundaries
- You remain in control and can pause or adjust the process at any time
- May include elements of movement, touch (with consent), or verbal processing
After Your Session
- It's normal to feel tired, relaxed, or more emotionally present
- Your body may continue processing for 24-48 hours
- Take time for rest and self-care
- Practice simple techniques learned in the session
- Weekly sessions are recommended initially, adjusting frequency based on your needs
Ready to explore if somatic healing is right for you?
Insurance does not cover somatic healing. Hour-long sessions are $100 and must be paid before being scheduled. Sliding scale rates may be available for those who qualify.
Book a complimentary 15-minute consultation to learn more about this healing practice and how it might support your wellness journey.
Contact Maria Flaccavento at maria@thecalmed.com.
Maria Flaccavento
Trained Somatic Healing provider