Somatic Therapy Therapists in Burnaby
Browse 2 therapists offering Somatic Therapy in Burnaby. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.
Somatic therapy is a broad term for approaches that treat the body as a central part of psychological healing. Rather than focusing primarily on thoughts or verbal insight, somatic therapy pays close attention to what is happening physically during a session: shifts in breath, tension patterns, posture, movement, and internal sensation. The underlying idea is that stress and trauma are not only stored mentally but also in the body, and that working with physical experience can be an effective pathway to emotional and psychological change.
What to look for in a Somatic Therapy therapist on Purple Lotus
- Training in a recognized somatic modality (e.g. Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy)
- Experience with trauma, anxiety, or dissociation
- Clear approach to pacing and managing activation in sessions
- Comfort working with both verbal and non-verbal experience
2 therapists for Somatic Therapy in Burnaby
Browse 2 therapists offering Somatic Therapy in Burnaby. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.
Ellen Lu
I’m Ellen, and I am currently completing my Masters degree in Counselling Psychology with Yorkville University. Given my educational background in Kinesiology, my counselling lens has been shaped by my work as a strength coach, an Olympic weightlifting coach, and as a Registered Kinesiologist. Spending seven years so far in these roles has deepened my understanding of the intricate connection between physical and mental health. I am a strong advocate for both as equally important forms of healing, and I am especially passionate about helping individuals reconnect to their somatic experiences and felt sense. Over the years, I have had the honour and privilege of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds with issues including chronic pain, self-esteem, body image, identity, and imposterism. As a proud Taiwanese-Canadian woman and second generation immigrant, I also aim to support bicultural individuals by helping them navigate cultural and intergenerational challenges, expanding on their cultural narratives, and drawing on their unique cultural strengths and perspectives. In my work as an Olympic Weightlifting coach, I have also worked closely with youth and teen athletes on issues including performance anxiety, perfectionism, and belonging. As a counsellor, my approach is rooted in cultural humility, compassion, and curiosity. In our sessions, you can expect a warm, empathetic, and grounded clinician who works alongside you in collaborative exploration. I understand the importance of giving voice to your experiences and I hold space for you to show up as you are. I firmly believe in your internal wisdom and your capacity for self-actualization. Together, we can cultivate your natural intuition, strengths, and resources to help you feel empowered and embodied in your true self.
Amber Lum
I’m Amber (she/her); I am an Asian, settler, cisgender woman living and practicing on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I welcome diverse clients of all cultures, genders, and sexual orientations. I appreciate that we all come with unique stories and histories, and I think it is important to recognize and celebrate how these shape the way that we experience the world. I feel honoured and privileged to walk alongside my resilient clients in their personal healing journeys. I am passionate about EMDR, art therapy, play therapy, and other trauma-informed practices because of their potential to support the transformation and healing of both ourselves and our communities. My role is to hold space for you to come as you are and for your experiences to be met with compassion, curiosity, and tenderness. I believe that we all have the capacity to heal and grow especially in relation to others. Together through our work, we can begin to undo the aloneness that often comes with having negative experiences. I have a deep compassion and respect for the experiences that my clients entrust in me and through a collaborative approach, I hope to honour your lived experiences. Together we will establish a direction in our work that feels supportive of your goals and values. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, my Bachelor of Education, and my Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology at UBC. I have additional training in the areas of trauma, attachment theory, emotion-focused therapy, and narrative approaches. In addition to counselling, I have also worked as an elementary school teacher in Vancouver. I have a special appreciation for the unique challenges experienced by children, adolescents, and their families. I believe connection, non-judgement, and trust are vital to building a strong therapy relationship.I think every piece of ourselves is important and together we will work with, rather than against, your experiences and emotions. It is important to me that you feel both safe and empowered throughout this entire process. In my spare time you can find me curled up with my dog Yuki watching musicals and reading fantasy novels.
Looking beyond Burnaby? Browse all Somatic Therapy therapists in Canada.
Somatic Therapy therapists in Burnaby — at a glance
- accepting new clients
- 2/ 2
- offer online sessions
- 2/ 2
- offer sliding scale fees
- 2/ 2
Frequently asked questions
What is somatic therapy used for?
Somatic therapy is commonly used for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, chronic stress, and dissociation. It may also be relevant for people experiencing physical tension or symptoms they believe are connected to emotional experience. The approach works with body sensation and nervous system responses rather than relying on verbal processing alone.
How is somatic therapy different from regular talk therapy?
Talk therapy works primarily through conversation and reflection. Somatic therapy pays close attention to what is happening in the body during a session, including sensation, posture, breath, and movement. Rather than narrating an experience, you track your physical response to it. Some therapists blend both approaches.
What happens in a somatic therapy session?
Sessions involve checking in with your physical experience, identifying a focus such as a memory or a recurring sensation, and tracking how your body responds as you work with it. The therapist may guide small movements or posture shifts to support the nervous system. Sessions move slowly to avoid overwhelming the body.
Is somatic therapy evidence-based?
Research on somatic approaches is growing. Somatic Experiencing has been studied in the context of PTSD and trauma, with some studies showing reductions in symptoms. The evidence base is less established than for approaches like CBT or EMDR, but clinical use is widespread among trauma-specialized practitioners.
How long does somatic therapy take?
Length depends on the complexity of what you are working on. Some people notice meaningful shifts in a few months of weekly sessions. Trauma work, especially when it is complex or long-standing, often takes longer. Your therapist should be able to discuss what a realistic course of treatment looks like for your situation.
Can somatic therapy be done online?
Many somatic therapists offer sessions online. While in-person work allows the therapist to observe physical responses more closely, video sessions can still support body-awareness work, grounding, and sensation tracking. Check individual therapist profiles to see what session formats are available.
Is somatic therapy the same as body psychotherapy?
Body psychotherapy is a related but distinct tradition with roots in Wilhelm Reich and others. Somatic therapy is a broader term that includes approaches like Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which emerged from trauma research. Both use the body as a focal point, but methods and theoretical frameworks differ.
How do I find a somatic therapist in Burnaby?
Browse therapists in Burnaby who list somatic therapy, Somatic Experiencing, or trauma-focused body-centered approaches in their profile. Look for specific training credentials and experience with the concerns you are bringing, and check whether they offer in-person or online sessions.
Is somatic therapy covered by insurance in Burnaby?
Coverage depends on your extended health benefits and the therapist's professional designation. In Burnaby, sessions with a registered psychologist, psychotherapist, or clinical social worker may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact your insurance provider to confirm eligible designations and session limits.