How to Decide Between Somatic Therapy vs. Talk Therapy

When you’re looking for support for your mental health, one of the first questions you might ask yourself is: “What type of therapy is right for me?” With so many approaches available, it can feel overwhelming. Two common and effective options are somatic therapy and talk therapy. While both can help you build insight and resilience, they work in different ways. Understanding those differences can make it easier to decide which path may be best for you.

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counselling, is the traditional approach that many people are familiar with. In this type of therapy, the focus is on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Through conversation in a safe and supportive environment, you and your therapist can explore patterns, identify unhelpful beliefs, and develop tools to cope with challenges. Some of the most well-known forms of talk therapy include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps shift unhelpful thought patterns; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on aligning actions with your values; and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which teaches mindfulness and emotional regulation skills. Talk therapy can be especially helpful for concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, burnout, self-esteem, or major life transitions.

Somatic therapy, on the other hand, takes a mind-body approach. It recognizes that stress, trauma, and emotions don’t just affect our minds they also live in our bodies. This type of therapy often includes practices like gentle movement, breathwork, grounding exercises, and mindfulness alongside talking. Many people turn to somatic therapy when they feel “stuck” in their body after trauma, when they experience ongoing physical tension or pain related to stress, or when panic and dissociation make it difficult to stay present. It can also be a meaningful choice for anyone who wants to feel more connected to their body and emotions.

So, how do you decide between the two? While there’s overlap, here are some of the main differences: talk therapy tends to focus more on exploring thoughts and behaviours, while somatic therapy emphasizes the connection between the body and mind. Talk therapy often feels more structured and familiar, whereas somatic therapy may be more experiential, drawing on practices beyond conversation. Research supports both approaches talk therapy has decades of evidence for concerns like depression and anxiety, while somatic therapy is often used effectively for trauma, chronic stress, and body-based symptoms.

The truth is that there’s no single “right” answer. Some people benefit from one approach, while many find a blend of both most effective. You might ask yourself: Do I want to better understand my thought patterns? Do I feel disconnected from my body or weighed down by tension? Am I curious about trying practices beyond talking, or do I prefer a familiar starting point? Your answers can point you toward an approach that feels right.

At the end of the day, therapy is not about choosing the “perfect” method it’s about finding a therapist and a style that feel supportive and safe for you. At Flexible Minds, our therapists offer both talk therapy and somatic approaches, and can help you explore what might work best for your needs.

👉 Book a free consultation today to learn more about whether somatic therapy, talk therapy, or a combination of both could be the right fit for you.