Body psychotherapy is a psychological therapy that integrates body awareness with talking therapy.
It explores how emotions, stress and experiences are held in the body and nervous system.
Body psychotherapy recognises that emotions are experienced physically as well as mentally. Sessions may explore posture, breath, muscle tension, and bodily sensations alongside thoughts and feelings, helping clients develop self-awareness and regulation skills.
Sessions typically involve conversation supported by attention to bodily sensations and responses. Depending on the practitioner’s approach, you might use grounding, breath awareness, gentle movement or somatic tracking. You remain in control at all times and can set boundaries around any exercises.
Body psychotherapy can be helpful if you feel “stuck in your head” or notice strong physical symptoms of stress. For severe mental health symptoms, ensure you work with an appropriately qualified clinician.
Body psychotherapy developed from 20th-century psychotherapeutic traditions that integrated somatic awareness with psychological work. Modern approaches draw on trauma-informed practice, nervous system regulation and relational therapy models.
Showing 7 conditions where Body Psychotherapy is commonly used.
| Condition | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Attachment issues |
strong
|
Body psychotherapy attends to how attachment wounds are held in the body, supporting safer ways of connecting with others. |
|
Complex PTSD |
strong
|
Works with how prolonged trauma is held in the body, easing the chronic tension and dissociation common in complex PTSD. |
|
Emotional dysregulation (neurodiversity) |
strong
|
Body psychotherapy works with the physical sensations of mounting distress, helping neurodivergent clients notice and settle dysregulation as it arises. |
|
Low mood |
strong
|
Addresses how low mood shows up in the body, using awareness and movement alongside talking. |
|
Anxiety |
moderate
|
Works with bodily tension and breathing to help settle an anxious nervous system. |
|
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) |
moderate
|
Body psychotherapy works with how trauma is held in the body, helping calm the persistent physical tension and arousal seen in PTSD. |
|
Stress |
moderate
|
Works with the body's tension and arousal patterns to help settle a stressed nervous system. |
Does Body Psychotherapy involve exercise?
Movement is gentle and optional; the focus is on awareness rather than fitness.
Can I stay seated?
Yes. Positioning and activities are adapted to comfort and consent.
Is it suitable alongside other therapy?
Often yes; coordinate with your clinician or therapist if needed.