Somatic Therapy
Incorporating information from the nervous system
Somatic therapy
Somatic therapy helps people reconnect with their bodies to heal emotional wounds, reduce anxiety, burnout, and stress, enhance relationships, and build resilience. Here in San Luis Obispo, I offer compassionate, body-centered therapy for individuals who want to better understand their nervous system, process stress or trauma, and feel more grounded in their daily lives.
My somatic approach is individualized to each client’s unique background, relational style, and needs. I join many therapists in the belief that the relationship between client and therapist is the highest predictor of therapeutic success. I am compassionate, non-judgmental, solution-focused, and above all, curious to help my clients deepen their knowledge of themselves and their patterns.
I have a background and education in Somatic Psychology, which means I find information from the body to be highly useful in healing. Somatic information is a tool to further understand our way of being in the world, how we’ve come to be the way we are, and how we may seek change if desired. Through gathering all this information — thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and somatic insights — I encourage self-curiosity, self-compassion, and learning new skill
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a body-based approach to healing that focuses on the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Instead of only talking about what’s happening, we also pay attention to what your body is holding—like tension, patterns of stress, or a sense of shutdown or overwhelm. This work helps you:
Build awareness of your nervous system
Gently process stored stress or trauma
Feel more present, regulated, and connected
In sessions, whether online or in San Luis Obispo, we focus on the connection between your body sensations, emotions, and thoughts. Through gentle, mindful exploration and/or movements, you’ll build body awareness, learn to notice and release tension, develop self-awareness, and create healthier patterns of being. This dual-focus helps imprint new patterns into your nervous system
In session this might look like:
shifting focus to sensations
tensing/releasing muscles that activate when discussing an event or emotion
trying a new posture or gesture
learning regulation and grounding tools to reduce anxiety
breathing
mindfulness practices aimed to calm stress or anxiety symptoms
guided imagery to gain insight to triggers, memories, patterns, goals
Who is somatic therapy for?
Folks experiencing distress from:
Anxiety or chronic stress
Burnout or overwhelm
Trauma or past experiences
Feeling disconnected from your body
Mind/Body Relationship
Anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and burnout can show up as symptoms in our body including muscle tension, headaches, skin issues, GI issues, chronic pain and more, by including these physical symptoms in our discussion, we can see how the whole body and mind have adapted to your challenge or circumstances. Whether you’re struggling with stress, burnout, relationship issues, or trauma, this approach supports deep, lasting healing.
Why Work with Rachel Quigley for somatic therapy?
As a somatically trained therapist based on the central coast I specialize in working with adults using a compassionate, relational approach. My graduate education from California Institute of Integral Studies was specifically in Somatic Psychology, focusing on this holistic approach to healing. This program was immersive and experiential meaning I spent three years learning, using and trying somatic techniques. I began my technical training at the Center for Somatic Psychology where I was supervised and trained to explore somatic techniques with my clients.
Beyond the Somatic approach I incorporate elements of Parts work, CBT, trauma-informed practices, family systems theory, and solution-focused treatment to truly individualize the work to the client’s needs. (see more about individual therapy services here).
I prioritize a casual environment where you can feel comfortable talking through your emotions and exploring the relationship to and impact on your body. I've been privileged to witness so much growth through the therapeutic relationship in multiple settings - including somatic clinic, school-based therapy, grief clinic, and community-based agencies. Dedicating this time to yourself can be challenging and oh so nourishing.
Frequently Asked Questions ABOUT SOMATIC PSYCHOLOGY
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It’s a form of therapy that includes the body in the healing process, not just thoughts and emotions.
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Yes—many people find it especially helpful for anxiety because it works directly with the nervous system. Somatic techniques are very well suited to support calming anxiety, gaining insights into triggers and tangible tools to regulate.
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No - Sessions are balanced and guided by what feels comfortable for you. Somatic information is always present, and I often track both your and my own somatic cues to support my understanding of you, however this could be done without overt or explicit discussion of the body.
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I have a master’s degree specifically in Somatic Counseling Psychology. Additionally, I have a background in dance and yoga, which help inform my awareness of mind/body connection, anatomy and movement patterns.
Let’s Connect
If this feels like it could be supportive, you’re welcome to reach out.
The next step is a free consultation call where we can talk about what’s bringing you in and see if working together feels like a good fit.
If I’m not the right fit, I’ll provide some referrals. No pressure, just a conversation!