Somatic Therapy
Unlock the Body’s Wisdom
In-person Sessions
Virtual Sessions
What is Somatic Therapy?
Meet Our Dedicated Team of Somatic Therapists
Our therapists are certified and experienced, specializing in a range of techniques, from mindfulness to movement therapy. Each has a unique blend of expertise in psychotherapy and body-focused healing techniques.
See What People Are Saying About Us
EXCELLENT Based on 29 reviews Posted on Google Tristan CiminiNovember 2, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris leads sessions with thoughtfulness and curiosity. He has helped my partner and I learn so much about each other and given us many practical tools and exercises to try outside of session. I highly recommend his practice!Posted on Google Michelle MirandaOctober 29, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Chris has truly changed our lives for the better. After nearly 20 years of marriage, we found ourselves facing one of the most difficult periods we’d ever experienced, and Chris guided us through it with compassion, patience, and incredible insight. His approach helped us not only reconnect as a couple but also grow individually. Because of Chris, we feel stronger, more self-aware, and better equipped with the tools to communicate and work through challenges on our own. He created a space where we could be honest, heard, and understood, and that made all the difference. We are deeply grateful for his support and can honestly say that knowing him has made us better people and partners. I wholeheartedly recommend Chris to anyone seeking genuine help and guidance. It took us years to find someone who truly understood us and could get to the root of our challenges, and Chris did exactly that. We truly love and appreciate him and know we wouldn’t be where we are today without his support.Posted on Google GLOctober 29, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris is a caring, exceptionally kind, and intelligent person—really, the only therapist who has measurably improved the quality of my life. He not only helped me to stabilize after crisis but has taken up the enormous task of working through my trauma history and anxiety with me. I've been in therapy on and off for 30 years, and I've never trusted someone more to guide this challenging, necessary work. Chris balances extensive knowledge with gentleness and humor in a way that just works. He has helped me step back from my entrenched thoughts and behaviors enough to start to make sense of myself, ask for what I need in my life, and, perhaps most importantly, start to feel safe again. I feel very lucky to have found him.Posted on Google Marie LOctober 29, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My partner and I saw Bethany for couples therapy. Bethany is just wonderful—a truly warm and lovely person. She was able to work very gently with my partner, who had not previously been in therapy, and he went from feeling anxious about the experience to being able to integrate the knowledge and practices he learned into his life, improving his confidence and allowing him to recognize his own resilience. I attribute this to Bethany's amiable and supportive approach. We are both grateful to her!Posted on Google D COctober 29, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Tickner is warm, knowledgeable, insightful, and has a way to lighten the mood at the best possible times. He is a pleasure to work with, and probably the best I’ve met in his profession.Posted on Google Charles IrvinAugust 22, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Chris T is the best therapist ever! He runs the practice with his wife, Andrea, who is also amazing. I would recommend working with anyone on their team.Posted on Google John SloanJune 10, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the good fortune of training with Chris early in my career. He is compassionate, thoughtful, and brings deep knowledge and experience to the work. I am so grateful for the time I spent at California Integrative Therapy. He hires exceptional therapists and I do not hesitate to refer clients to this practice. The therapists there bring a breadth of experience and a variety of approaches to the work--whether you're looking for couples therapy, treatment for depression or anxiety, or healing from trauma, I highly recommend you give them a call.
The Benefits of Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy offers a transformative approach to healing that bridges the gap between mind and body. It empowers individuals to explore and release physical manifestations of emotional distress, improving emotional regulation and deeper self-awareness.
This therapeutic method is particularly effective in addressing anxiety, stress, and trauma-related symptoms, fostering resilience and a stronger connection to one’s physical being. Whether online or in-person, integrating mind-body techniques, somatic therapy not only aids in alleviating mental health challenges but also enhances overall well-being, promoting a harmonious balance essential for holistic health and personal growth.
frequently asked questions about somatic therapy
Unlike traditional talk therapy that primarily focuses on discussion and cognitive insights, somatic therapy involves the physical body in the healing process. It integrates talk therapy with body-centered techniques to address both mental and physical aspects of well-being.
Somatic therapy is effective in treating a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, and chronic pain. It’s particularly beneficial for those who have experienced trauma, as it addresses the physical manifestations of trauma in the body.
In a somatic therapy session, you can expect a combination of talk therapy and physical exercises. This may include mindfulness, movement exercises, breathing techniques, and guided attention to bodily sensations to help release tension and improve emotional well-being.
A typical somatic therapy session lasts between 50 to 60 minutes, similar to traditional therapy sessions. However, the duration can vary based on the therapist’s approach and the client’s needs.
Somatic therapy helps manage stress and anxiety by teaching individuals to recognize and regulate bodily responses associated with these emotions. Techniques like breathwork and body-awareness exercises are used to release tension and cultivate a calmer, more balanced state of mind, providing practical tools for everyday stress management.
The number of sessions needed varies greatly depending on individual circumstances, goals, and the nature of the issues being addressed. Some people see improvements within a few sessions, while others may engage in long-term therapy.
Somatic therapy can be beneficial for most people, but it’s particularly effective for those who have found traditional talk therapy to be insufficient. It’s always recommended to consult with a qualified therapist to determine if somatic therapy is the right approach for your needs.
A referral from a doctor is not typically required to start somatic therapy unless your insurance provider requires one for coverage purposes. You can contact a somatic therapist directly to begin your journey.
Yes, somatic therapy can be conducted virtually, especially for the talk therapy components. Some physical exercises and techniques can also be adapted for virtual sessions, although in-person sessions might offer a more holistic experience.
Somatic therapy is generally considered safe. However, like any therapeutic practice, it may bring up intense emotions or physical sensations. A qualified therapist will guide you through these experiences safely and supportively.