Somatic Therapy Therapists in Vancouver

Browse 7 therapists offering Somatic Therapy in Vancouver. 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

7 therapists for Somatic Therapy in Vancouver

Browse 7 therapists offering Somatic Therapy in Vancouver. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.

Nicole Neufeld

Nicole Neufeld

Hi, I'm Nicole (she/they). You might wonder what therapy can offer you, and that is a fair question. I used to ask the same thing and I remember my first therapy session as a client, I was so nervous I got in a car accident on my way to the appointment. Being vulnerable and sharing a piece of yourself can be so intimidating. It makes sense to feel nervous. Reaching out for support is challenging, and can also be empowering, I commend you for considering it. I am committed to providing as safe a space as is possible to those who would choose to trust me with their story. Part of that includes an understanding of how systemic power and inequity impacts us all. I navigate the world as a white, settler woman. I also have lived experience with chronic illness, and a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis. These, among other pieces of my identity, impact my lived experiences of the world as your identity impacts yours. Because of this, I use an intersectional, systemic approach in my work, leaning on Feminist Theory and utilize AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) and Narrative techniques. I believe you have resources and answers within yourself, and I am honoured to support you as you discover and grow in your own strength. I take a collaborative approach, meaning you get to play an active role in deciding how our time together is spent. Ultimately, I am committed to your healing and will use all of the tools at my disposal to support you on your journey. My hope for you is that you flourish in your life, and are able to feel all of the joy and delight that comes from that.

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KB

Katelyn Bonetti

I have a Masters degree in Counselling (MC) and work as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in the province of British Columbia offering online sessions. I have specialized training in trauma and AEDP therapy. As someone who has struggled with overwhelming emotions, self-confidence and anxiety in the past, I know that change happens when we are in the presence of empathetic and emotionally present other. Whatever life challenges you are navigating, my hope is to create a safe and non-judgemental space to experience the parts of you that want to be seen. I will always put your best interest in the forefront of my work. I base my approach on evidence-based, trauma-informed, and collaborative practice. My therapeutic orientation is Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), incorporating concepts from mindfulness-based, body-based, and internal parts work theories. I use an empathetic stance to understand my clients and work with them to develop perspective, resilience, healing, and skill development that can be utilized long after therapy is complete. Walking alongside another human to witness their deepest joys and sorrows is a privilege that I do not take lightly. I am honoured each time an individual chooses to develop a trusted relationship with me.

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Nish Laszczuk

Nish Laszczuk

Are you a highly motivated individual in all aspects of your life, but always feel yourself falling short? Do you find that your pursuit of success often comes at the cost of your own well-being and fulfillment? Do you just want to reconnect with your inner self and body and gain more trust in who you are? I'm here to offer you a safe space to practice letting go—a space where you can navigate the complexities of your demanding life without sacrificing your mental and emotional well-being. My name is Nish and I'm so happy that you're here. I'm a registered social worker with 10 years experience, and I'm here to help you get through high stress, anxiety, self-doubt and burnout. I specialize in helping high-stress professionals struggling with burnout and work-life balance. Using CBT, EFT, and Somatic Attachment Therapy, I provide tools to manage stress, set boundaries, and reconnect with yourself. Together, we’ll work on building resilience and finding balance, so you can thrive both personally and professionally. I have an office in Yaletown and work evenings.

Hybrid
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HB

Hayley Barlow

Do you have anxiety, depression or low self esteem issues that are interfering with your ability to live a life that feels authentic to you? Have you gone through a traumatic event that is leaving deep imprints on both your mind and body? Are you experiencing thoughts or behaviors that leave you feeling disconnected from yourself or your relationships with others? If any of the above resonates with you, please know that you have the ability to reclaim your power, rewrite the narrative of your life, and live a life that feels inherently meaningful. It is so hard to be human sometimes, I get it. Fortunately, you don't have to go through any of these challenges alone. My name is Hayley and I am a counsellor who works with both teens and young adults experiencing a wide range of issues. I offer a warm, validating and nonjudgmental environment that helps individuals explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are creating imbalance or emotional uncertainty in their lives. I am a firm believer that there is nothing to be "fixed", because there is nothing inherently wrong with you. You have simply been responding to what has happened to you in life. And you have the capacity to not only heal, but rediscover the relationship you have with yourself and others. I am simply here to walk alongside you as you embark on your journey towards healing and transformation. During our sessions, I take a holistic approach that incorporates various evidence-based therapeutic modalities that ultimately focus on the mind-body connection. I often use principles and interventions from both CBT and somatic therapy to help individuals overcome their challenges, realign with the lost parts of themselves, and learn to cope with difficult thoughts or emotions. If you are ready to begin your journey towards healing and are interested in setting up a complimentary 15 minute consultation, please feel free to contact me. I would love to help you get there.

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SA

Sarah anne Trivett

i, sarah anne (they/them), am a queer, neurodivergent, non-binary registered clinical counselor residing on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh) nations. in my therapy practice i use a creative blend of internal family systems (parts work) and somatic therapies to support individuals, couples, and multi-partner relationships to connect to themselves and others with curiosity, compassion, and clarity. many of my clients are queer, non-monogamous, neurodiverse, or kinky, and i aim to provide an inclusive space for anyone who wants to deepen their relationship with self, others, and spirit. my approach to sexuality is non-pathologizing and pleasure-centered. spiritually, i hold a non-dual and animate worldview, which supports me to approach therapy from a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of body and environment. i’m delighted to be offering ketamine-assisted-therapy in collaboration with field trip health and am currently completing the requirements to be an approved psilocibin-assisted-therapy provider with therapsil. outside of work, you’ll find me playing with clay, drinking tea mindfully, wandering in the woods, taking a dance class, and reading books.

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Natasha Nystrom

Natasha Nystrom

Hi, I’m Natasha (she/her) At the heart of my practice is a deep value of connection and a belief in both the wisdom of the body and our innate ability to heal and thrive. I have a masters degree in counselling (MC) and work as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia. I also have specialized training in trauma. My approach is trauma-informed, person-centered, and draws on Feminist Theory. My therapeutic orientation is Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) and integrates somatic therapy, inner child exploration and internal parts work. I’m drawn to these experiential approaches as they recognize the systemic interconnection of our mind, body, and emotions, as well as our greater society and environment. I believe you are the expert of your life and already hold many answers and innate resources. In collaboration together, I focus on creating a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship that helps you navigate difficulties, re-connect with your internal strengths and resources, while also celebrating your successes and joys along the way. Throughout this process, I take a non-judgmental stance and remain committed to your healing. During a session, I may invite you to notice what is happening for you in the present moment, fostering curiosity about your experience as we work together. Through mindful exploration, we can make space for your feelings, emotions, and sensations to be expressed and released, transform core beliefs that may be keeping you feeling stuck, heal relational wounds, and reconnect with your authentic core self. These processes may enhance your resilience and foster growth and change. Currently, I am offering sessions online using an encrypted video platform called Jane and am able to offer support to those living in British Columbia. If therapy is something you are curious about, please reach out or visit my website for more information! I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. We can spend a bit of time getting to know each other and discuss what you’re looking for in therapy. I look forward to getting to know you and hearing your story!

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Lena Orlova

Lena Orlova

I am a first(ish) generation Canadian, originally from western Ukraine. I work primarily with folks who moved to Canada or have family that has moved to Canada from other places. The clients that find me a good fit want somebody who is comfortable with diverse perspectives, and is somebody they can connect with, versus strictly being someone who provides educational resources and exercises. This is what I strive to be as a therapist, to "get" my clients and where they are coming from, so that our work together is anchored in understanding and trust. My practice is highly influenced by attachment theory, relational/interpersonal therapy and family systems theory. This means that we look at struggles you're facing not only on an individual level, but also with the goal of helping you find relationships of care and support in your everyday life. If you're interested in working with me, reach out and I'd be happy to schedule a free consultation call with you.

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Looking beyond Vancouver? Browse all Somatic Therapy therapists in Canada.

Somatic Therapy therapists in Vancouver — at a glance

accepting new clients
7/ 7
offer online sessions
7/ 7
offer sliding scale fees
1/ 7

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 Vancouver?

Browse therapists in Vancouver 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 Vancouver?

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