Trauma and PTSD | Somatic EMDR Therapy
EMDR and somatic therapy are two of the buzziest and most-requested therapies for people seeking trauma treatment in 2025. But did you know that they can be integrated to provide an even more holistic and effective approach? Stella Nova therapist Sage Swiatek, LCSW, breaks down what you need to know about Somatic EMDR Therapy.
EMDR in the spotlight
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, or EMDR, has been having a major moment in the spotlight over the past few years. Miley Cyrus, for example, recently told the New York Times that it ‘saved [her] life’, helping her to overcome stage fright and trauma she experienced as a child star. Perhaps you, like so many others, are curious about what makes this niche treatment so transformative?
EMDR, is a gold-standard treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 after an experience in which Shapiro was out walking in a park and noticed that eye movements tended to lessen negative thought patterns. Those side-to-side movements, she hypothesized, were creating ‘bilateral stimulation’ of the brain, allowing her to process negative memories more effectively.
Early EMDR protocols used eye movement as the bilateral stimulation technique to facilitate trauma processing. However, it has since expanded beyond eye movement into a variety of techniques, such as tapping or auditory stimulation. Today, it’s also a research-supported treament not only for PTSD, but complex trauma, anxiety, chronic pain and more.
Where do somatics come in?
Somatic practices focus on integrating our mind and body as a path towards healing. In the mental health world, they may be getting a lot of attention right now, but they’re nothing new. In fact, one of my teachers, Staci K. Haines taught me that the lineage of somatics is “as old as people”. That means that somatic healing work feels like both “a remembering as well as learning.” Somatic therapy is an invitation to reconnect to your body and its inherent wisdom.
Traditional EMDR focuses on an eight stage process for reprocessing traumatic memories through exposure. This process is effective, but it also is distressing to go through—the distress itself is an intentional, controled part of the exposure process. Somatic EMDR approaches this processing differently. It infuses body-based practices that support clients with building confidence and tools to access those distressing memories. Throughout their therapeutic journey, they have a grounded and resourced presence within themselves that they can connect to.
This is crucial because trauma isn’t stored only in our thoughts or memories—it’s also embedded in the body as tension, disconnection, and dysregulated nervous system responses. Somatic EMDR allows trauma processing to happen at a pace that feels safe and organic. This reduces the risk of re-traumatization and fosters greater resilience.
As a clinician, earning my EMDR certification was a goal from the moment I had my own transformative experiences with EMDR as a client many years ago. Now, I am grateful to be a part of clinicians on the cutting edge of advancements in mental health by blending EMDR with somatic psychology, and even Internal Family Systems (IFS). I’ve found this combination allows for a more individualized treatment plan to make the flow of our sessions feel more organic and holistic.
Is somatic EMDR therapy right for me?
I’ve worked with a number of clients who tried traditional talk therapy, but found themselves stuck and not making progress beyond a certain point.
Many describe still feeling a ‘disconnect’ between their rational understanding of an issue, versus their emotional response to it. Despite giving a lot of thoughtful attention to a problem or a traumatic experience, their head and their heart still aren’t in sync.
If that sounds like you, Somatic EMDR may be a more helpful alternative. Trauma isn’t only stored in our memories—it’s stored in our nervous system too. That means treating mind and body together, with a more effective and personalized approach.
The synthesis of somatic psychology and EMDR Therapy is an exciting advancement in mental health. As stand alone therapies these are now considered to be two of the best trauma treatment models available. Integrating these therapies enhances the effectiveness of both. -Dr. Arielle Schwartz, clinical psychologist and EMDR consultant
About the Author
Sage Swiatek, LCSW, (she/they) is a licensed clinical social worker at Stella Nova Psychology. Sage specializes in the integration of somatic therapy and EMDR in the treatment of PTSD and complex trauma, mood disorders, chronic illness, and more. She offers online therapy for adults and couples online throughout California.
If you’d like to learn more about working with Sage or any of the therapists at Stella Nova, you can schedule a free, 20-minute consultation to get started.
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