Calgary Somatic Therapy: Body-Centered Therapists
Reconnect with your body, release stored tension, and discover emotional freedom with professional somatic therapy in Calgary.
Most clients pay $0 - $25 per session after insurance
Weekend & evening sessions available
Somatic Experiencing specialized therapists & psychologists
What Is Somatic Experiencing Therapy?
Do you ever feel like your emotions are trapped in your body? Maybe you feel physically drained despite getting enough sleep, experience unexplained muscle tension, or find yourself holding your breath without realizing it.
These experiences are your body's way of communicating - and somatic therapy can help you listen and respond.
The Body-Mind Connection
Our bodies carry the story of our experiences - from daily stress to profound trauma - in our muscles, posture, and nervous system. Somatic therapy works with this mind-body connection, helping you release stored tension and emotions through gentle, body-based techniques.
The wisdom of this approach comes from pioneering trauma researcher Dr. Peter Levine, who observed how animals naturally process and release stress through physical movement. He recognized that humans have the same innate capacity for healing but often suppress it due to social conditioning. This insight led to the development of somatic therapy, which helps people reconnect with their body's natural healing abilities.
A Different Approach to Healing
Unlike traditional talk therapy, somatic work helps you tune into physical sensations, movement, and breath to process emotions that words alone can't reach. This approach has proven especially powerful for addressing stored trauma, chronic tension, feelings of numbness, and anxiety that persists despite previous therapy attempts.
By working with both mind and body, somatic therapy offers a transformative path that helps you rediscover your body as an ally in healing rather than a source of discomfort.
Who Can Benefit From Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy might be right for you if you're experiencing unexplained physical symptoms, or if traditional therapy hasn't quite reached the core of what you're feeling.
This gentle approach helps you work directly with your body's wisdom to release stored patterns, even when the connection between your emotional and physical experiences isn't clear.
At Emotions Therapy Calgary, our therapists and counsellors use somatic therapy to help people experiencing:
Nervous System Dysregulation: You find yourself cycling between feeling overwhelmed and shut down, struggling to maintain a sense of balance and calm.
Physical Symptoms: You have unexplained pain, tension, or digestive issues that seem to appear or worsen during times of emotional stress.
Movement Restrictions: Your body feels constrained or heavy, as if you're carrying an invisible weight that limits your freedom of movement.
Emotional Disconnection: You feel disconnected from your physical sensations, making it challenging to fully experience and process your emotions.
Relationship Patterns: Your body responds to certain relationships or social situations with tension or withdrawal, affecting your ability to stay present and connected.
Professional Somatic Therapists in Calgary & Alberta
Hi, I’m Alya. As a therapist passionate about the mind-body connection, I’m here to walk beside you in reclaiming safety and vitality.
If you’ve felt “stuck” in anxiety, trauma, or disconnection - even if traditional talk therapy hasn’t clicked - I offer a fresh, collaborative approach that honors your body’s role in healing.
My work is grounded in my Master’s in Psychology & Neuroscience from King’s College London. I blend body-oriented techniques (like polyvagal theory) with trauma-focused therapy, helping you release stored tension, calm your nervous system, and rebuild trust in your resilience.
I don’t believe healing is about “fixing” you - it’s about empowering you to reconnect with your innate strength. Whether you’re navigating chronic stress, past wounds, or the frustration of feeling “trapped” in survival mode, we’ll work at your pace, prioritizing what feels safe and meaningful for you.
You deserve a therapist who listens not just to your words, but to your body’s wisdom. Let’s start with a free 20-minute consultation to explore how we can awaken your capacity to heal - together.
Heal From the Inside Out
With Somatic Therapy in Calgary
“Helped me to grow as a professional and to be a better person.”
“The best therapist I have ever used.”
“Fantastic to work with.”
“Professional, reliable, compassionate.”
“Easy to speak to and non-judgmental.”
“I would refer a family member in a heartbeat!”
Somatic Therapy Rates & Insurance
Your Insurance Likely Covers Counselling
Most of our clients pay $0 - $25 per counselling session after insurance. Extended health insurance plans (through work, school, or a spouse/partner) often reimburse 80% - 100% of counselling fees, with annual coverage often totaling $2,000+.
Pay securely by credit card after your session, and we’ll provide a detailed receipt for instant reimbursement – most clients receive funds within days of submitting claims.
Transparent Session Rates
Our counselling rates per 50 minute sessions are guided by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta’s recommendations:
$225 per session | Clinical Counsellors and Registered Provisional Psychologists
$245 per session | Registered Psychologists
We can also explore sliding-scale options or payment plans if you’re uninsured or underinsured. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs - your mental health is worth investing in!
What Are the Benefits of Somatic Therapy?
Mind-Body Healing
Learn to understand and heal physical tension patterns, helping you feel at home in your body again.
Emotional Freedom
Access and release emotions stored in your body, creating lasting relief from old patterns.
Gentle Processing
Experience healing at your own pace, without having to relive difficult memories or past trauma.
Experience the powerful combination of mind and body healing that helps you feel safe, regulated, and alive in your body again. Book your no-obligation consult today.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Body-Centered Counselling
At Emotions Therapy Calgary, we recognize that trauma and emotional distress are stored not just in the mind, but throughout the entire body. That's why we combine somatic therapy with other evidence-based approaches to create a holistic healing experience. Here's how we integrate each of these approaches:
PT
Polyvagal Theory
By incorporating PT-informed techniques, we help you understand and regulate your nervous system's responses to stress and trauma through body-based interventions.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT allows us to work with different parts of your cognitive experience while staying grounded in your body, creating lasting change from the inside out.
MBCT
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
We integrate mindfulness practices from MBCT to help you develop a gentle awareness of physical sensations without becoming overwhelmed by them.
AS FEATURED IN
What to Expect in Somatic Therapy Sessions
1. Creating Safety & Connection
We begin by establishing a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your body's sensations and understand how past experiences can be stored physically.
2. Developing Body Awareness
Your therapist will teach you to notice and interpret your body's signals - from subtle tension to unconscious movement patterns - creating a foundation for deeper healing work.
3. Exploring Movement & Release
We use gentle movement exercises and mindful awareness to guide the release of stored stress and trauma patterns, Your therapist will always respect your boundaries and comfort level.
4. Building Your Resource Kit
Your therapist will teach you practical techniques for nervous system regulation, giving you effective tools to manage overwhelming emotions and stress responses in daily life.
5. Practicing Embodied Presence
As your awareness deepens, your therapist will help you respond to your body's signals with compassion and wisdom. This practice creates new, healthier patterns in both your body and mind.
6. Integration & Growth
Throughout your sessions, we help you integrate your new awareness and skills into everyday situations. Your therapist will adjust their approach based on your needs to ensure you're gaining confidence in using your body's wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
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While somatic therapy includes conversation, it's distinctly different from traditional talk therapy. Rather than focusing solely on thoughts and emotions, we work with your body's physical responses and sensations.
Our somatic approach helps you notice and understand how your body holds stress, trauma, and emotion. Through gentle guidance, we help you develop a deeper awareness of physical sensations, movement patterns, and bodily responses.
This body-based approach often helps people achieve breakthroughs that talking alone cannot provide, especially when dealing with trauma or long-standing emotional patterns that feel stuck.
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This is a common and completely normal concern. Many people come to somatic therapy feeling disconnected or numb to their body sensations – often as a protective response to past experiences.
We start exactly where you are, moving at your pace. Our skilled therapists guide you through gentle exercises to gradually and safely rebuild your body awareness. We use simple techniques like noticing your breath or the feeling of your feet on the ground.
There's no pressure to feel anything specific, and we create a safe space for you to slowly reconnect with your body's wisdom.
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Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We understand that turning attention to bodily sensations can feel scary, especially if you've experienced trauma or anxiety.
Our therapists are extensively trained in helping you stay within your "window of tolerance" – meaning we help you work with sensations in a way that feels manageable and safe. We teach you grounding techniques and always move at a pace that feels right for you. You're in control of the process, and we can always pause or shift focus if things feel too intense.
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Not at all. Somatic therapy doesn't require any particular physical abilities or movement skills.
While we might incorporate simple movements or gestures when helpful, these are always tailored to your comfort level and physical capabilities. The focus is on awareness rather than performance. Whether you're seated in a chair, lying down, or standing, we can adapt the work to meet your needs and abilities.
The most important thing is your willingness to explore and notice what you're experiencing in the present moment.
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Every person's journey is unique, and we don't prescribe a one-size-fits-all timeline. Some people notice shifts in their body awareness and emotional regulation within a few sessions, while deeper patterns may take longer to transform.
What we can say is that somatic therapy often helps people feel more present, grounded, and connected to themselves relatively quickly. We work collaboratively with you to establish goals and regularly check in on your progress, adjusting our approach as needed to support your healing journey.
Your Path to Nervous System Wellness Starts Here
If you're feeling uncertain or nervous about starting therapy, you're not alone. Many of our clients felt the same way before taking that first step. That's why we've created a friendly, no-pressure process to guide you to your first session.
1
Reach Out
Fill out our brief contact form. Just your basic info and a few words about what brings you here – that's all we need to get started.
2
Free Consultation
We'll reach out to schedule a no-obligation 20-minute consult. We'll discuss your goals, answer questions, and ensure we're the right fit.
3
Start Therapy
If we align, we'll schedule your first session. Together, we'll begin developing your personalized plan for a brighter tomorrow.
OUR LOCATION
Discover the power of body-based healing through somatic therapy in Calgary.
Connect with a somatic therapist who understands your journey.