Somatic Therapy Therapists in North York

Browse 2 therapists offering Somatic Therapy in North York. 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 North York

Browse 2 therapists offering Somatic Therapy in North York. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Lauren Kalvari

Lauren Kalvari

Welcome to my page! You may be living with the effects of trauma, coercive control, emotional or spiritual harm, or a long period of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from yourself. Perhaps relationships have felt unsafe or confusing, your sense of identity has been shaken, or daily life feels heavier than it should. You may be searching for clarity, stability, and relief from patterns that no longer feel manageable. Many people who reach out are not only looking to cope, but to understand what has happened to them, to restore a sense of dignity and self-trust, and to feel hope and meaning again. Over more than 30 years of working with anxiety, pain, and trauma, I am continually moved by the resilience people carry, even in the aftermath of profound difficulty. My work is trauma-informed and paced with care, supporting both the need for greater stability in daily life and a deeper understanding of lived experience, relationships, and a sense of self. I am open-minded, authentic, and warm. I use an integrative approach that is most suited to your personality type, current situation and specific needs. My role is to offer a steady, compassionate presence where difficult feelings and memories can be approached safely, without pressure or judgement.

Online
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Marc-Anthony Racco

Marc-Anthony Racco

Are you struggling to maintain relationships? Maybe you feel disconnected, unable to get through the day without negative thought patterns. As a psychotherapist, I work with both teens and adults, specializing in relational and childhood trauma. However, I also work with individuals who have faced various life challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and attachment difficulties. Holding a queer identity and a crisis counselling background, my therapeutic space is highlighted in inclusivity, incorporating anti-oppressive and strength-based frameworks to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to express your thoughts freely. My sessions often take a client-centred approach, building a collaborative process of unlearning damaging self-beliefs, practicing healthy coping skills, and reclaiming your life through newly formed self-awareness. This is your journey, and I will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan specific to your unique needs and goals. I view trauma as a relational experience. Not only is it often experienced in relationships with others, but it is also a new development of healthy relationships that can assist in healing.

Online
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Looking beyond North York? Browse all Somatic Therapy therapists in Canada.

Somatic Therapy therapists in North York — at a glance

accepting new clients
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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 North York?

Browse therapists in North York 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 North York?

Coverage depends on your extended health benefits and the therapist's professional designation. In North York, 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.

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