Somatic Therapy for Anxiety: Connecting Body and Mind in Central Oregon

Feeling anxious or overwhelmed can leave you feeling disconnected from your body. Somatic therapy invites you to return to your body as an ally. At Aspen Counseling, we use gentle, body-based techniques to help clients notice and release the physical sensations of anxiety, trauma, and depression. Instead of talking about your experiences alone, we work with breath, movement, and mindful awareness to bring safety and ease back into your nervous system.

Somatic therapy works by helping you pay attention to the sensations in your body. When you feel tension, tightness, or numbness, those sensations are clues to deeper emotions and unfinished stress responses. With the support of a trained therapist, you learn to track those sensations with curiosity rather than judgment. Over time, this practice builds resilience so you can respond to stress with greater flexibility and calm.

In our sessions we draw on Internal Family Systems and a holistic wellness model. We might begin with a brief check-in and a grounding exercise—like noticing your feet on the floor or taking a few deep breaths. Then we gently explore the sensations associated with the emotions or thoughts you bring in. We incorporate nature-based imagery, mindfulness, and self-compassion to help you feel safe and present. We go slowly and respect the pace of your nervous system; there’s no right or wrong way to feel.

Our clients often report feeling more grounded, connected, and empowered after integrating somatic practices. They find they have tools to soothe anxiety in daily life, such as pausing to breathe into the belly or stretching when they notice tension. Somatic therapy can also deepen your relationships because it helps you attune to your own needs and communicate more clearly with loved ones.

If you’re curious about how somatic therapy might help your anxiety or depression, I invite you to reach out. Aspen Counseling serves individuals, couples, and families in Sisters and Redmond, Oregon. We offer a free initial consultation so you can meet us and ask questions. Together, we’ll explore how connecting to your body can support your healing journey.

Feel free to book a free session or contact us at (541) 872-3772. We’re honored to support you in finding greater ease, clarity, and connection.