Finding the right trauma therapy can be overwhelming—especially with so many approaches promising relief. Two of the most effective, evidence-based options are Somatic Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Both methods aim to help the body and mind process trauma, but they do so in different ways. If you’re searching for trauma therapy, this guide will help you understand which approach might align best with your healing goals.

---

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic Therapy is a body-centered approach that focuses on the physical sensations linked to traumatic experiences. Instead of reliving memories verbally, clients are guided to notice where trauma “lives” in the body—tightness, tension, shallow breathing, or numbness—and gently release it through awareness and movement.

Key Techniques:

• Grounding exercises
• Breathwork
• Mind-body awareness
• Gentle movement and mindfulness

This approach helps restore autonomic nervous system balance, allowing clients to feel calmer, more present, and more connected to their emotions.

Learn more about Somatic Experiencing Therapy →

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy designed to help people reprocess distressing memories that remain “stuck” in the brain after trauma.

Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones), EMDR activates both sides of the brain, helping clients safely revisit traumatic memories while reducing emotional intensity.

Common Uses for EMDR:

• PTSD and complex trauma
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Phobias and intrusive thoughts

EMDR is widely recognized by the American Psychological Association and Department of Veterans Affairs as one of the most effective treatments for post-traumatic stress.

Learn more about EMDR Therapy →

Somatic Therapy vs EMDR: Key Differences

Category	Somatic Therapy	EMDR Therapy
Focus	Body sensations and stored physical tension	Distressing memories and cognitive reprocessing
Approach	Mind-body integration	Memory desensitization and reprocessing
Tools	Movement, grounding, awareness	Eye movements, tapping, structured sets
Best For	Chronic stress, emotional disconnection, body-based trauma	PTSD, flashbacks, recurring distressing memories
Goal	Restore body regulation and presence	Reduce emotional charge of traumatic memories

Can You Combine Somatic Therapy and EMDR?

Yes — in fact, many trauma-informed clinicians integrate both. Somatic awareness prepares the body to tolerate EMDR processing, while EMDR helps reframe the mental narrative.

Clients who work through both approaches often experience deeper emotional regulation, fewer physical stress responses, and improved overall functioning.

At Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach, our clinical team includes licensed professionals trained in both modalities, allowing treatment to be tailored to your specific needs.

Which Therapy Is Right for You?

Choosing between Somatic Therapy and EMDR often depends on:

• The type and severity of trauma
• Whether physical symptoms (tension, dissociation, fatigue) are prominent
• Your comfort level revisiting memories
• The stage of your healing journey

If you’re unsure, consider starting with a clinical assessment to determine what blend of therapies best fits your goals.

Local Trauma Therapy in Newport Beach and Orange County

At Lido Wellness Center, we provide trauma-informed care for residents across Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, and the broader Orange County community.

Our trauma recovery programs incorporate Somatic Therapy, EMDR, DBT, and Mindfulness-Based Practices to help individuals reconnect with their bodies, emotions, and sense of safety.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

If you’ve been living with the effects of trauma—whether through anxiety, emotional numbness, or physical tension—help is available.

Our compassionate clinicians in Newport Beach are here to guide you through a recovery plan built around your needs.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule a confidential consultation..

---

Part of the Pathway Healthcare Network

Lido Wellness Center is proud to be part of the Pathway Healthcare network — a system of care providers dedicated to behavioral health treatment. Learn more about the Pathway Extended Network here.

Explore Our Extended Network:

Pathway Healthcare

Life Connections

Beyond Behavior

Each September, National Recovery Month shines a light on something vital: recovery is possible — and worth celebrating. For more than 30 years, this month has offered communities across the country the opportunity to lift up individuals on their recovery journeys, recognize the families who walk beside them, and share a message of hope.

At LIDO Wellness Center, we witness these truths every day. Recovery is not just about stepping away from a struggle; it’s about rediscovering purpose, rebuilding relationships, and reclaiming life.

Beyond the stigma

Even as awareness grows, stigma still surrounds mental health challenges and substance use. Too often, people are made to feel like their struggle defines them. Words like “broken,” “weak,” or “addict” can reinforce shame and discourage someone from seeking the help they deserve.

At LIDO, we believe recovery starts with compassion. Mental health and addiction are not character flaws — they are health conditions that require understanding, care, and evidence-based treatment. When we change the way we talk about these challenges, we help create a culture where healing is possible.

Recognizing when someone may be struggling

Recovery Month is also a reminder to look out for one another. The signs of mental health or substance use concerns can be subtle. They might include withdrawal from friends or family, changes in mood, increased secrecy, or difficulty managing daily responsibilities.

If you notice these changes in someone you care about, approach with empathy. A private, caring conversation — free from judgment — can open the door to honesty. Words like, “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed overwhelmed. I care about you, and I’m here if you want to talk,” can be the first step toward support and recovery.

Recovery is built in community

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Recovery flourishes when people feel connected, supported, and understood. This might look like a trusted group of friends or family members, a peer-support community, or professional treatment.

At LIDO Wellness Center, our programs are designed with this in mind. Through Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and trauma-informed group and individual therapy, we create an environment where people feel safe to grow. Connection, structure, and encouragement are the cornerstones of long-term healing.

Stories of resilience

Every recovery journey is unique, but each carries a thread of courage. We’ve seen individuals who once felt trapped in cycles of depression, anxiety, or addiction go on to rediscover their voice, rebuild their relationships, and find meaning in new ways.

Recovery is about more than leaving pain behind. It’s about creating a future where joy, connection, and stability can thrive.

How we can all support recovery

Recovery Month calls us to action. Support might mean:

• Using language that respects dignity and humanity
• Sharing accurate resources about mental health and addiction
• Checking in on a friend or family member who seems distant
• Attending a Recovery Month event in your community
• Keeping the SAMHSA Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) available as a resource

Together, small steps create a culture of compassion.

Closing thoughts

Recovery Month is more than an awareness campaign — it’s a reminder that healing happens every day, in every community. Every step forward deserves to be honored.

This September, let’s stand together: challenging stigma, supporting connection, and celebrating the strength of recovery.

If you or a loved one is ready to take the next step, LIDO Wellness Center is here — offering compassionate, individualized care that meets you where you are.is here — offering compassionate, individualized care that meets you where you are.

---

Part of the Pathway Healthcare Network

Lido Wellness Center is proud to be part of the Pathway Healthcare network — a system of care providers dedicated to behavioral health and substance use treatment. Learn more about the Pathway Extended Network here.

Explore Our Extended Network:

Pathway Healthcare

Life Connections

Beyond Behavior

Chiron Psychological, Inc.