Can Somatic Therapy Be Done Online? Exploring the Benefits and Accessibility of Virtual Somatic Therapy

If you’ve been curious about Somatic Experiencing (SE) and whether it’s something you can do virtually, you’re not alone. SE, at its core, is all about connecting with your body to heal trauma—by noticing physical sensations, processing emotions, and releasing what’s been stuck in the body. Traditionally, this work happens in person, in the safe, supportive space of a therapist's office. But as we know, things have shifted. And now, many of us are exploring whether this powerful, body-focused therapy can be done effectively online.

In this post, I want to share with you some of the reasons why virtual Somatic Experiencing can be just as healing and transformative as an in-person session. And I’ll be honest—there are some really beautiful benefits to doing SE from the comfort of your own home. At the same time, there are a few things to consider before you take the plunge into online therapy. Let’s explore together.

What Exactly is Somatic Experiencing?

Before we get into the online experience, let’s pause for a quick reminder of what Somatic Experiencing is. It’s a body-based therapy that helps you process trauma by tuning into your body’s physical sensations. These sensations are often where trauma gets stuck—whether it's tension, tightness, or simply a feeling of being "on edge."

Through SE, you’ll learn to track these sensations, allowing the body to release the trapped energy that’s been stored. It’s a gentle, compassionate approach to healing that works with your nervous system to help you process and integrate difficult experiences without feeling overwhelmed.

So, can this healing work happen virtually? Let’s dive in.

Can Somatic Experiencing Be Done Online?

The short answer: Yes! Somatic Experiencing can absolutely be done online—and for many people, it’s just as effective as an in-person session. While SE has traditionally been an in-person experience, the shift to virtual therapy has opened up so many opportunities for healing that weren’t as accessible before.

But as with anything, there are both beautiful benefits and some challenges to doing this kind of deep work virtually. Here’s what you need to know.

The Heartfelt Benefits of Virtual Somatic Experiencing

1. It’s Accessible and Convenient

   One of the biggest gifts of virtual therapy is the accessibility it offers. Whether you live in a small town, have mobility challenges, or just don’t have the time to travel to a therapist’s office, online Somatic Experiencing can be a game-changer. You can work with a therapist who truly resonates with you, no matter where you are. And that’s a big deal.

   Plus, there’s the simple fact that you don’t have to worry about commuting. You can show up to your session in your favorite comfy spot, with a cup of tea in hand. It makes healing feel a little less daunting when you’re not stressing about logistics.

2. You Can Feel Safe and Comfortable in Your Own Space

   Healing trauma often means you need to feel safe—physically, emotionally, and mentally. For some people, that means being in the comfort of their own home, where they can wear whatever they want, curl up in a cozy blanket, or even have a pillow nearby for comfort. Being in your own space can help you feel grounded and secure, which is so important when you're processing deep emotions.

   Plus, if you need to take a break, have a moment of silence, or move around in a way that feels right for you, you can do all of that in your own space. It allows you to set the pace for your own healing.

3. No More "Therapy Office Anxiety"

   If the thought of sitting in a therapist’s office makes you nervous or anxious, virtual SE can be a much more comfortable option. You don’t have to worry about the unfamiliar space or the commute. You’re already at home, in your sanctuary. That comfort helps to lower anxiety and creates a safe, open space for you to dive into your healing.

4. You Can Reflect on the Session Later

   Sometimes, it takes a little while for our bodies and minds to fully process what happens in a session. When you're working online, some therapists offer the option to record your session (with your consent, of course). This means you can listen back later—revisiting important moments or processing things that didn’t fully sink in at the time. It’s like having a little extra support that you can come back to as you continue on your healing journey.

What to Keep in Mind: The Challenges of Virtual Somatic Experiencing

Of course, as with any online experience, there are some things to consider before you dive in. Here are a few of the challenges to keep in mind:

1. No Physical Presence

   Somatic Experiencing works with the body, and sometimes that means the therapist is able to physically attune to you—picking up on subtle cues like posture, breath, or muscle tension. In a virtual setting, this is more challenging, but it’s not impossible. A good SE therapist can still guide you through noticing and working with your sensations, even if they can’t be right there in the room with you.

2. Tech Hiccups

   Let's be real: technology can sometimes be a little... unpredictable. Poor internet connections, frozen screens, or audio delays can happen. So it’s important to make sure you’re in a quiet, reliable space with good Wi-Fi before your session. If you’re not super comfortable with tech, don’t worry—your therapist can help guide you through setting up your space for success. And if something does go wrong, a quick reschedule is usually easy to arrange.

3. Home Distractions

   While the comfort of being at home is great, it can also come with some distractions—pets, family members, or even just the temptation of chores that need to be done. It’s helpful to set yourself up in a quiet, private space where you won’t be interrupted. The more you can create an environment that feels peaceful and focused, the better your virtual session will be.

4. No Hands-On Support

   In an in-person SE session, your therapist might gently guide you through some movements or offer light touch (with your permission) to help you release tension in the body. While this isn’t possible virtually, your therapist will still offer verbal guidance to help you stay connected to your body and guide you through the process of releasing tension. If you’re missing that touch, don’t worry—there are still plenty of other ways to tap into your body’s wisdom in a virtual setting.

How Virtual Somatic Experiencing Feels

So, how does an online Somatic Experiencing session actually go? Here’s a little sneak peek:

1. Talking Through Your Experience

   At the start of a virtual session, you and your therapist will check in. You’ll talk about what’s coming up for you—whether that’s a feeling, an experience, or a specific event. Your therapist will guide you to tune into how your body feels, encouraging you to notice any sensations that arise.

2. Breathing and Grounding

   Breathing and grounding techniques are a huge part of SE. Your therapist will guide you through these exercises to help you calm your nervous system and stay present with whatever’s coming up. These can easily be done from the comfort of your own space.

3. Tracking Sensations and Shifting Energy

   Somatic Experiencing is all about noticing how sensations in the body shift and change. Your therapist will help you track these sensations and gently guide you through any difficult emotions or feelings that come up, creating space for you to release and heal.

4. Pacing the Process

   SE is about going at your own pace—never pushing yourself too hard or too fast. Whether in person or online, a good SE therapist will check in with you often to make sure you’re feeling comfortable and safe throughout the process.

Is Virtual Somatic Experiencing Right for You?

If you’re wondering whether online Somatic Experiencing could work for you, consider a few things: Are you comfortable using technology? Do you feel safe and supported in your home environment? Are you open to navigating this work virtually with a therapist? If so, online SE could be a beautiful, accessible way to tap into your body’s healing wisdom.

And if you’re not sure, that’s okay too. You might want to try a couple of in-person sessions first or work with a therapist who offers both virtual and in-person options. The most important thing is finding what feels right for you.

Final Thoughts

Virtual Somatic Experiencing is a wonderful way to explore healing from the inside out, offering a deep, body-based approach to trauma recovery and emotional healing. While there are a few things to consider, many people find that the benefits—comfort, accessibility, and flexibility—far outweigh the challenges.

If you’ve been curious about online SE, I encourage you to give it a try. The healing process doesn’t need to happen in a particular room—it can happen wherever you are, at your own pace, with the right support.

I hope this helps you feel more confident in exploring virtual Somatic Experiencing. Take it slow, trust the process, and remember that your body already knows how to heal.