EMDR vs Somatic Therapy: Which One Is Right for You?

You’ve decided to begin trauma therapy—but now you’re faced with options: EMDR or somatic therapy?
Both are powerful, body-based approaches used by our team at Tidal Trauma Centre, but they’re not the same.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what each method offers, how they differ, and how to choose the best fit for your healing journey.

What Is EMDR?

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps you process and integrate traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tactile tapping, or auditory tones).

Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR is widely researched and especially effective for:

• PTSD

• Phobias

• Flashbacks

• Single-incident or repeated traumatic events

Key EMDR Benefits:

• Fast-tracks trauma resolution

• Reduces the intensity of distressing memories

• Works well for single-incident and complex trauma

• Can be combined with IFS therapy and other modalities for integrative support

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy focuses on body-based awareness, nervous system regulation, and trauma held in the body—not just in memory or thoughts.
It’s often slower and more intuitive, making it ideal for clients navigating:

• Chronic anxiety or overwhelm

• Dissociation or shutdown

• Body disconnection

• Relational and developmental trauma

Key Somatic Therapy Benefits:

• Builds nervous system resilience

• Reduces dissociation, anxiety, and hypervigilance

• Reconnects you with bodily cues and presence

• Supports deeper healing in complex or early trauma

EMDR vs Somatic Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of how these two approaches compare:

Which One Should You Choose?

Both EMDR and somatic therapy are valuable—choosing between them depends on your nervous system, your goals, and your readiness.

• If you're easily overwhelmed or shut down: Somatic therapy may help your system stabilize before diving into deeper reprocessing.

• If you're dealing with flashbacks or specific traumatic memories: EMDR may bring faster relief.

• If you prefer structure and direction: EMDR might feel more contained.

• If you value pacing and subtle shifts: Somatic therapy might be more supportive.

You don’t have to choose alone.
At Tidal, many of our clinicians are trained in both EMDR and somatic therapy. We tailor your plan based on what feels most supportive to your system.

Can They Be Combined?

Yes—and often, they work best together.
We frequently integrate somatic therapy tools into EMDR sessions to help prepare, stabilize, and deepen the work.

For example:

• Using breathwork or grounding before EMDR reprocessing

• Tuning into body cues during bilateral stimulation

• Supporting integration with gentle movement or containment exercises

FAQs: EMDR and Somatic Therapy

Is one better than the other?
Not necessarily. They’re different tools for different needs. The best therapy is the one your nervous system can actually engage with—and feel safe doing so.

How do I know which approach I need?
A skilled trauma therapist can help you assess your symptoms, trauma history, and nervous system capacity to recommend a starting point.

Can I switch between them later?
Yes. Many clients begin with one modality and incorporate the other as their system becomes more regulated and ready.

What if I don’t know what my trauma is?
That’s totally okay. Somatic therapy is especially helpful for clients with developmental trauma, vague or nonverbal memories, or chronic patterns that don’t have clear stories.

Let Us Help You Choose What’s Right for You

You don’t need to have it all figured out.
At Tidal Trauma Centre, we’ll help you find the approach that fits your nervous system, your story, and your readiness.

Book a session now or get in touch to talk about EMDR, somatic therapy, or both.