Somatic Therapy for Kids and Teens: Helping Young People Heal Through the Body

 

Children and teens don't always have the words to describe what they feel. A child may act out after a scary event, or a teen may withdraw and seem "fine" while holding dep stress inside. Trauma, anxiety, and big emotions often show up in young people through behaviors, sleep changes, or physical complaints rather than through conversation. 

This is why somatic therapy can be so powerful for kids and teens. By working gently with the body, rather than relying only on talking, young people can process emotions and stress in ways that feel safe and natural.

How Trauma and Stress Affect Young People

When children experience overwhelming events - such as accidents, bullying, family conflict, or sudden loss - their nervous systems respond just like adults': fight, flight, or freeze. But because kids often lack the words or coping skills to process these experiences, their bodies may continue to carry the stress.

Signs of stuck trauma in kids and teens can include:

• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares.
• Stomachaches or headaches with no clear medical cause.
• Sudden outbursts of anger or irritability.
• Withdrawal, avoidance, or seeing "numb."
• Difficulty concentrating at school.

Parents may feel helpless watching their child struggle without being able to explain what's wrong. 

Why Somatic Therapy Works for Kids and Teens

Somatic therapy focuses on body awareness and gentle regulation, which makes it ideal for young people who can't or won't "talk it out." Sessions often look very different from adult therapy:

• Movement and play: Kids may release stress through stretching, bouncing, or creative movement.
• Breath and grounding: Teens can learn simple, practical tools to calm anxiety, like noticing their feet on the ground or slowing their breathing.
• Gentle body tracking: Helping them notice where they feel tight, hot, or heavy - and what helps those sensations shift.
• Safe emotional expression: Tears, laughter, or even playful shaking are welcomed as natural ways the body lets go.

By engaging the body, young clients discover that emotions are not dangerous - they are experiences that move through and pass.

A Composite Example

Consider "Liam" (a fictional composite example). After a car accident, Liam became fearful of riding in cars. He also complained of stomachaches before school. In somatic therapy, Liam was guided to notice his tense belly and learned grounding practices he could use before car rides. Over time, as his body processed the fear, the stomachaches decreased, and he felt safer in daily life.

Supporting Parents Along the Way

Parents often wonder what they can do to help. In somatic therapy, caregivers are part of the process - learning how to:

• Support regulation at home with grounding tools. 
• Recognize signs of overwhelm.
• Provide safe, compassionate space for feelings without needing to "fix" them.

This partnership ensures that healing continues beyond the therapy session.

Benefits for Young People

When kids and teens experience somatic therapy, parents often notice:

• Better emotional regulation.
• Fewer physical complaints.
• More restful sleep.
• Increased confidence and resilience.
• Greater connection with themselves and others.

In short, somatic therapy helps young people carry less stress - and grow into healthier adults.

Children and teens deserve the chance to heal in ways that work for them. Somatic therapy gives them tools to release stress, build resilience, and reconnect with a sense of safety in their own bodies.

If you're a parent in Rifle, CO, and your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can explore how somatic therapy can help your young person find relief and resilience.