Somatic Therapy and Counselling in Toronto

Somatic therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the relationship between mind, body, and emotions. It recognizes that emotional experiences, trauma, and stress are often stored physically, affecting posture, breathing, tension levels, and overall well-being. Through techniques such as breathwork, body scanning, guided movement, grounding exercises, and mindfulness, clients learn to process emotions and physical sensations simultaneously.

Online somatic counselling in Toronto provides access to these evidence-based practices in a secure and flexible virtual environment. Clients can work with a licensed somatic therapist to develop awareness, release tension, and cultivate adaptive coping strategies, all while practicing exercises in the comfort and safety of their own home.

Therapists at The Therapy Space are Master’s-level Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) or RP (Qualifying) therapists registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Many have additional certifications in somatic therapy, as well as complementary modalities including EMDR, CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, and IFS.

This combination of training allows therapists to deliver personalized, integrative therapy that addresses both the physical and emotional components of mental health challenges. Clients benefit from a holistic approach that supports trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and overall mind-body well-being.

Trauma is often stored in the body, leading to chronic tension, hypervigilance, and difficulties regulating emotions. Somatic therapy helps clients reconnect with bodily sensations in a safe and structured manner, allowing them to process traumatic experiences gradually.

Techniques such as grounding, mindful movement, and breathwork enable clients to release stored tension, recognize bodily cues of stress, and integrate these insights into emotional processing. Therapists may combine somatic approaches with talk therapy or EMDR to create a comprehensive trauma recovery plan, ensuring clients feel safe while working through difficult experiences.

Absolutely. Somatic therapy provides clients with practical tools to regulate the nervous system, calm the body, and reduce physiological responses to stress. Techniques such as guided breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindful movement help clients alleviate anxiety, manage chronic stress, and improve resilience.

Online somatic therapy allows clients to practice these exercises in their daily environment, guided by a therapist who can provide real-time feedback and adjustments. Over time, clients learn to recognize early signs of stress and implement strategies to maintain emotional and physical balance.

Somatic therapy complements traditional talk-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and ACT:

• CBT targets unhelpful thought patterns and promotes cognitive restructuring.
  
• DBT enhances emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
  
• ACT fosters acceptance and encourages values-aligned action.
  

By combining somatic techniques with these approaches, therapists provide a more holistic treatment that addresses thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations simultaneously. Clients experience greater integration of mind and body, leading to more effective and sustainable emotional regulation and overall mental health.

Yes. Somatic therapy can support relational and couples work by fostering embodied awareness, emotional attunement, and improved communication. Techniques may include paired grounding exercises, guided movement, and mindfulness practices that help partners recognize and respond to emotional cues in real time.

Online sessions allow couples or family members to participate safely from their own spaces, maintaining connection while practicing skills that enhance empathy, understanding, and relational resilience. This approach supports both individual and relational growth.

The number of sessions varies depending on client goals, the nature of presenting concerns, and therapy type. Short-term somatic therapy may involve 6–12 sessions for targeted issues such as stress reduction, anxiety, or trauma stabilization. Longer-term therapy may be recommended for chronic trauma, complex emotional patterns, or long-standing relational challenges.

Therapists continually assess progress and adjust treatment plans to ensure that each client receives personalized care. Online therapy provides flexibility to meet clients where they are, allowing for consistent practice and integration of somatic techniques between sessions.

Yes. All online sessions are conducted via Jane App, a secure Canadian platform with end-to-end encryption. Client records are stored in compliance with PIPEDA and PHIPA regulations. Therapists maintain private professional spaces and provide guidance for clients to create confidential environments at home, ensuring safety and privacy throughout the therapeutic process.

This secure setup enables clients to discuss sensitive topics, explore trauma, or engage in body-centered exercises without concerns about confidentiality or data security.

Clients can browse therapist profiles, watch video introductions, and book sessions directly, or use the “Get Matched” form for personalized recommendations based on goals, modality preferences, and scheduling needs.

If a therapist isn’t the right fit, clients can request a new match or explore other profiles. Being paired with a somatic therapist who is both clinically skilled and personally compatible is key for achieving effective outcomes in emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and mind-body integration.

The initial session focuses on building rapport, understanding presenting concerns, and establishing therapy goals. Therapists explain the somatic approach and may integrate complementary modalities such as CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, mindfulness, or IFS, depending on client needs.

Clients learn to tune into bodily sensations, practice grounding exercises, and explore emotional experiences safely. By the end of the first session, clients have a clear understanding of session structure, actionable strategies to practice at home, and a collaborative plan to support trauma recovery, stress reduction, and overall mind-body wellness.