Online somatic therapy in Ontario — how it works and what to actually expect

Online somatic therapy works — and for some people, it works better than in-person. Being in your own space removes a layer of exposure that can actually slow the work down. You're already in the environment where your nervous system lives its daily life. That context is clinically useful.

All of my work is done online across Ontario. What I've found is that the shift to video changes some things about how we work together but doesn't change the fundamentals. Here's what to actually expect from online somatic therapy in Ontario.

Key takeaways

• Online somatic therapy is conducted via secure, PHIPA-compliant video — the body-based work translates fully to a virtual format

• Some clients feel more at ease doing this work in their own space than they would in a clinical office

• The therapist tracks body language, breath, tone, and posture through video — the same signals available in person

• Sessions may include breathwork, grounding practices, body awareness, self-touch, gentle movement, and expressive arts — all adapted for the virtual setting

• You don't need any special equipment or setup, just a private space and a stable connection

What sessions actually look like online

Sessions are 50 minutes via secure video. We adapt to what you bring and what your nervous system can hold that day — some sessions are mostly verbal; others involve more body-based attention, breath work, movement, or creative materials.

In your own space, I might invite you to notice what's happening in your body, to shift your posture slightly, to place your hands somewhere that feels settling, to hum gently, or to draw something that represents what you're carrying. These aren't exercises performed for the therapist — they're ways of bringing the body into the session so that the work has more to move with.

What's different online versus in-person

The therapist can't be physically present, and there's no touch. Instead, I might guide you through forms of self-touch — placing your hands on your chest or shoulders, using slow self-soothing gestures — that signal safety to the nervous system. This is always an invitation, not a direction, and you can adapt or skip anything that doesn't feel right.

The screen also creates a different kind of relational field than a shared room. Some people find this containment useful — there's a natural boundary that makes the contact feel manageable. Others take time to settle into the format. Neither response is wrong; we work with whatever's true for you.

Why some people prefer online

A few things come up consistently. Some clients feel more comfortable doing vulnerable work in their own space rather than a clinical office. There's no commute, no waiting room, no navigating an unfamiliar environment before the session begins. For people with anxiety, nervous system dysregulation, or dissociation, all of those transitions carry a cost — removing them lets the session start from a more settled place.

There's also the reality that for somatic work, being in the space where your life actually happens can be meaningful. Your home is where your patterns play out. Sometimes working in that context, rather than a separate clinical setting, is more directly relevant.

Frequently asked questions

Is online therapy as effective as in-person for trauma?

The research on this is increasingly clear that online therapy produces comparable outcomes to in-person for most presentations, including trauma. The therapeutic relationship, the quality of attunement, and the approach the therapist uses matter more than the medium. What varies is the texture — some things that happen naturally in a shared room need to be adapted for video, and good online therapists have learned how to make those adaptations.

What do I need to set up for a session?

A private space where you won't be interrupted, a device with a camera and stable internet, and enough room to move slightly if movement comes up. Some people like to have a blanket, a sketchbook, or something grounding nearby. Nothing elaborate is required. If you want to have materials available for expressive work, I'll let you know in advance if that seems useful.

What if my internet cuts out or something technical goes wrong?

We have a backup plan — usually a phone number you can call if video fails. Technical disruptions happen occasionally and we treat them matter-of-factly, reconnect, and continue. It's worth having the therapist's direct contact before your first session so you're not left wondering what to do if something drops.