Somatic Therapy
Offering In-Person in Bloomington and telehealth services to clients across Minnesota
Somatic Therapy & Trauma Recovery in Minnesota
Listening to the quiet signals your body is sending. Healing from the bottom up.
Does your body feel like it’s stuck on “high alert” long after the workday ends? Maybe you’ve done the hard work of talking through your experiences, yet your body still carries the weight; tight shoulders, a racing heart, shallow breath, or a sense of numbness you can’t quite explain. You might find yourself overreacting in moments that don’t seem to warrant it… or shutting down when you wish you could stay present. It can feel confusing and frustrating when your mind understands you’re safe, but your body hasn’t caught up.
At Emberly, we believe healing isn’t just about understanding your story. It’s about helping your nervous system finally feel safe again. Somatic therapy gently guides you back into connection with your body, at a pace that feels steady and supportive. Whether you’re navigating significant trauma or the cumulative impact of stress, burnout, grief, or life transitions, we offer a grounded, compassionate space to help you come back to yourself.
When Your Body Remembers What Your Mind Wants to Forget
Somatic therapy is a “bottom-up” approach to healing that focuses on how trauma and stress are held in the body, not just the mind.
Traditional therapy often works from the “top down,” helping you understand your thoughts and emotions. While that insight is valuable, it doesn’t always resolve the physical patterns your nervous system has learned. Somatic therapy complements this by working directly with the body’s responses.
Your nervous system is designed to protect you. In moments of overwhelm or threat, it shifts into survival states: fight, flight, or freeze. Sometimes, even after the danger has passed, your system can remain stuck there. That’s why you may still feel anxious, reactive, or shut down without a clear reason. Over time, many clients notice they feel more present, less reactive, and more connected; to themselves, their relationships, and their daily lives.
Understanding Somatic Therapy
Learning to notice physical sensations, like tension, warmth, or breath, without becoming overwhelmed. This builds a sense of safety within your own body.
Developing Body Awareness
Using gentle, evidence-informed techniques to help your body move out of survival mode and into a more regulated, grounded state.
Nervous System Regulation
Instead of revisiting everything at once, we process experiences gradually. This prevents re-traumatization and allows your system to build resilience over time.
Titration (Working in Small Pieces)
We help you shift between areas of discomfort and areas of ease, teaching your body that it can move in and out of stress safely.
Pendulation (Moving Between States)
Not all trauma comes from a single event. Chronic stress, relationship strain, parenting demands, career shifts, and emotional neglect can all leave a lasting imprint on the body. We specialize in helping you process these often-overlooked experiences with the same level of care and respect.
The Emberly Approach: Somatic Healing Through Integrated Care
Honoring “Small-t” Trauma
Above all, we prioritize creating a space where you don’t have to perform, explain everything perfectly, or “get it right.” You can simply show up and we’ll guide the process together.
A Steady, Relational Presence
At Emberly, we believe that effective trauma work is both deeply human and clinically informed. Our approach blends nervous system science with genuine relational care, because healing happens best when you feel safe, seen, and supported. We don’t rush the process. Instead, we meet you where you are and move at the pace your nervous system can truly integrate.
Trauma often shapes the ways we cope. For some, that includes patterns like overworking, substance use, emotional avoidance, or perfectionism. With expertise in both mental health and addiction, we approach these patterns with curiosity, not judgment, helping you understand what your system has been trying to protect.
Integrated LPCC & LADC Lens
We recognize that somatic experiences can feel different for individuals with ADHD or autism. Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, we tailor our work to your sensory needs, comfort level, and communication style.
Neurodivergent-Affirming Care
Meet the Somatic Specialists
With over 10 years of clinical experience, I have worked with couples and individuals navigating the complexities of life. My goal is to create a supportive space where you feel understood as we explore your experiences and the patterns that shape your thoughts, emotions, and relationships. I enjoy helping people slow down, reconnect with themselves, and find balance within the demands of work, parenting, relationships, I integrate approaches including ACT, CBT, DBT, Somatic Experiencing, and Mentalization-Based Therapy within a person-centered framework.
Scarlett O'Connell
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t have to stay stuck in high alert. Healing is possible and it can feel steady, supportive, and grounded. We are located in the heart of the South Metro, making us an easy stop for busy individuals. We also offer telehealth options for all Minnesota residents.
Reconnect With Your Body Today
Ready To Heal Your Body?
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