Somatic Trauma Therapy in Los Angeles, California
If you’ve been carrying the weight of unprocessed emotions or feeling stuck in survival mode, you’re not alone. I’m Chelsey Reese, and I specialize in helping women of color in Los Angeles release stored trauma, regulate their nervous systems, and reclaim a sense of safety within their bodies. In my somatic therapy sessions , we take a body-based approach to healing, allowing you to reconnect with yourself, release tension, and restore emotional balance. If you’re looking for support with somatic trauma therapy, you’re in the right place.
Trauma isn’t just something we remember—it lives in the body. If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode, emotionally numb, or unable to fully relax, your body may still be holding onto past experiences. Somatic trauma therapy helps you process trauma in a way that feels safe, empowering, and deeply healing. Let’s explore how this therapy works and whether it’s the right fit for you.
What is somatic trauma therapy?
Somatic trauma therapy is a body-based approach to healing that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Instead of just processing trauma cognitively, this method engages the body in the healing process by using breathwork, movement, and nervous system regulation to release stored stress and tension.
By addressing the physical impact of trauma, somatic therapy helps you feel more grounded, emotionally balanced, and connected to yourself. It teaches your body how to feel safe again, so you no longer have to carry the weight of past experiences.
Most common symptoms of unresolved trauma:
- Chronic tension or tightness in the body, especially in the shoulders, jaw, or stomach.
- Feeling emotionally disconnected or numb, struggling to feel present in your daily life.
- Hypervigilance or an exaggerated startle response, always feeling "on edge."
- Frequent anxiety, panic, or feeling overwhelmed by small stressors.
- Difficulty resting or relaxing, even in calm environments.
How do I know if I need somatic trauma therapy?
Ask yourself:
- Do I feel stuck in the past, replaying painful experiences or struggling to move forward?
- Do I experience physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, or chronic pain that seem linked to stress or emotions?
- Do I feel disconnected from my body, struggling to recognize what I need?
Have I tried talk therapy but still feel like something is missing in my healing?
- Do I often feel emotionally overwhelmed or completely shut down?
If any of these resonate, somatic trauma therapy can help you heal beyond words, creating lasting relief in both your mind and body.
How I treat trauma through somatic therapy in Los Angeles
My approach to somatic trauma therapy includes
- Nervous system regulation – Helping your body shift out of fight-or-flight and into a state of calm.
- Somatic experiencing – Gently working with physical sensations to release stored trauma without feeling overwhelmed.
- Breathwork & grounding techniques – Simple but powerful tools to create a sense of stability and safety.
- Mind-body integration – Strengthening the connection between your emotions, thoughts, and bodily experiences for deeper healing.
We don’t just process trauma—we help you release it on a physical, emotional, and energetic level.
What topics can we talk about in therapy for somatic trauma?
I’m Chelsey Reese, a therapist specializing in somatic trauma therapy for women of color who have experienced emotional suppression, chronic stress, or deep-seated trauma. I understand how past experiences can leave you feeling disconnected from your body, stuck in survival mode, or unable to fully process emotions. My approach is grounding, compassionate, and deeply healing, guiding you toward emotional release, nervous system balance, and self-trust so you can move forward with a greater sense of ease and empowerment.
Ready to get started?
Awareness & Understanding
Identify how stress, self-silencing, and past conditioning affect your body and mind. Gain clarity on the patterns keeping you stuck and reconnect with your inner voice.
Nervous System Regulation
Learn somatic techniques to release tension, calm your nervous system, and create a sense of safety within, allowing you to navigate stress with greater ease.
Boundaries & Self-Trust
Develop the confidence to set boundaries without guilt, express your needs, and trust your intuition—so you can show up fully for yourself and others.
Somatic trauma therapy specialists in Los Angeles
- Healing from generational, racial, or cultural trauma
- Releasing chronic stress and emotional suppression
- Processing trauma stored in the nervous system
- Developing emotional safety and body awareness
- Using movement, breath, and mindfulness for trauma recovery
Tips & resources for coping with trauma:
- Practice grounding techniques – Press your feet into the floor, take deep breaths, or hold something warm.
- Move gently – Stretching, slow walking, or yoga can help process stored tension.
- Limit exposure to triggering environments – Protect your peace by creating safe, calming spaces.
- Engage in self-compassion – Speak to yourself the way you would comfort a loved one.
- Reach out for support – Healing happens in community. Allow yourself to be held and supported.
Hello, I’m Chelsey Reese
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Relational and Somatic Therapist, Certified Sound Healer, and 200HR Registered Yoga Teacher.
I help people cultivate self-awareness by reconnecting with their bodies, releasing trauma and stress, and fostering deeper connections. I believe true healing comes from processing lived experiences and letting go of what no longer serves us. Passionate about community and wellness, I create spaces for growth and restoration. When I’m not working with clients, you’ll find me tending to my plants, lost in a book, or hiking in nature.
Investment: $150 per 50-minute session
Includes:
- One 50-minute virtual therapy session
- Personalized session notes with key insights and reflections (provided as needed)
- Curated resources or recommendations tailored to your healing journey
Book your first session or inquire
FAQ
Is somatic therapy evidence-based?
Yes! Somatic therapy is backed by research in neuroscience, trauma studies, and psychology. Body-based approaches like breathwork, movement, and nervous system regulation effectively support trauma healing and emotional balance.
What are some examples of somatic therapy techniques?
- Grounding exercises – Using breath and physical sensations.
- Tension release exercises (TRE) – Gentle shaking to discharge trauma.
- Vagus nerve activation – Humming, deep breathing, or cold exposure.
- Body scanning – Bringing awareness to tension and sensations.
How do you release somatic trauma?
Releasing trauma involves body-focused techniques like breathwork, movement, sound healing, and deep relaxation to discharge stored stress and restore balance in a safe, supportive way.
Can this therapy help if I experience dissociation or emotional numbness?
Yes! Somatic trauma therapy is designed to help you reconnect with your body safely and gradually build emotional awareness.
What if I don’t feel safe in my body?
That’s exactly why we take a gentle, non-invasive approach. This therapy is about slowly rebuilding a sense of safety and trust within yourself.
