Somatic Coaching vs. Trauma Therapy: What’s the Difference?
One of the questions I get asked most often is:
“What’s the difference between somatic coaching and somatic therapy?”
It’s such an important question, and understanding the difference helps you know what to expect, what kind of support you need, and how to get the most out of your sessions.
Let’s dive into it.
What is Somatic Coaching?
Somatic coaching is a future-focused, goal-oriented approach to healing and personal growth.
When we work together in somatic coaching, we start by looking at:
Where you are right now
What you need and want
Where you want to go
Then we set a goal and create a path forward.
Throughout our work, we use somatic practices — meaning body-based exercises — to connect with your nervous system, explore your inner world and gently release anything that’s ready to move.
We’re embodying the change.
Coaching sessions might include:
Checking in with different parts of the body
Practicing nervous system regulation techniques
Exploring where sensations, emotions or old patterns live physically
Building new habits and mindset shifts to support your goals
It’s powerful work, and it's incredibly beautiful to watch clients lighten, both energetically and physically, during sessions.
What is Somatic Therapy or Trauma Therapy?
Somatic therapy or trauma therapy, on the other hand, is different in some key ways.
In somatic therapy:
You actively work with unresolved trauma.
You explore and process past experiences that may still be affecting your nervous system, body & mind.
Sessions might involve going deeper into painful memories, processing stored trauma physically and emotionally, and supporting healing from past wounds.
Somatic therapy often involves trained trauma specialists, licensed therapists, or clinical practitioners who are qualified to work deeply with trauma and its impact.
In other words:
Therapy looks backwards to heal.
Coaching looks forwards to grow.
Both are deeply valuable, but they serve different purposes.
How we Work with Trauma in Coaching
In somatic coaching, we do not directly work with active, unresolved trauma.
If trauma comes up in a coaching session, we treat it differently:
We only touch on experiences that already feel resolved in your system (emotionally, mentally and physically).
We explore them briefly, and only in ways that support your forward movement toward your goals.
We stay focused on regulation, growth and embodiment — not deep trauma healing.
If you have unresolved trauma that feels “alive” in your body, I would always recommend working with a licensed somatic therapist first. (And if you need support finding someone, I’m happy to recommend trusted professionals.)
Coaching vs. Therapy
Why this Matters
Understanding this difference matters because it helps us create a safe, effective container for our work together.
When you come into a somatic coaching space, you’ll know:
We’re here to support your growth
We’re working with your present and your future
We’re not going into deep trauma processing
We’re focused on helping you feel better in your mind, body & spirit
That clarity helps you get the most out of your sessions — and helps us co-create powerful, embodied transformations.
FAQ: Somatic Coaching vs. Somatic Therapy
Can I work with a somatic coach if I still have unresolved trauma?
If you’re actively navigating unresolved trauma, it’s important to work with a qualified therapist first.
Somatic coaching is not a replacement for trauma therapy — it’s designed to support growth, embodiment and regulation once you feel relatively safe and stable in your system.
(If you’re unsure which you need, feel free to reach out and I can guide you!)
Can I do somatic coaching and therapy at the same time?
Absolutely, many people do!
Therapy can support you in processing the past, while coaching can help you stay connected to your goals, growth, and future vision.
It's important to communicate with both your therapist and coach to make sure your support systems are complementary.
What kinds of goals can we work on in somatic coaching?
Pretty much anything that involves your mind, body, spirit and nervous system connection, including:
Building emotional resilience
Strengthening boundaries
Growing self-trust and intuition
Regulating stress and anxiety
Embodying new leadership or business goals
Living more authentically and fully
Shifting old patterns into new, supportive habits
We tailor your goals to you - your life, your dreams, and your body’s own pace.
How do I know if I’m ready for somatic coaching?
You’re likely ready for somatic coaching if:
You feel called to reconnect with your body and inner wisdom
You want to move forward, not just revisit the past
You feel mostly safe in your nervous system day-to-day
You’re craving deeper embodiment, resilience, and authentic growth
If you’re unsure, reach out! I’m always happy to help you feel into what’s right for you.
Ready to Explore Somatic Coaching?
If you’re ready to reconnect with your body, soften old patterns, regulate your nervous system and work toward the life you truly want — I’d love to support you.
✨ Somatic coaching is where the magic happens. ✨
Clients often tell me they leave sessions feeling lighter, like a weight has lifted, and I can see it physically & energetically as the shift happens.
That’s the power of listening to the body, meeting yourself where you are, and moving forward from a place of truth and love.
If you have any questions about somatic coaching, or if you’re wondering whether it’s the right fit for you, please get in touch via this form. I’m happy to chat.