Somatic Therapy in San Diego
Somatic Therapy for LGBTQIA+ Mental Health in San Diego
At Element Q Healing Center, we incorporate somatic therapy as a powerful component of our comprehensive mental health treatment programs for the LGBTQIA+ community. This body-centered approach works alongside our other therapeutic modalities to address trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction in a way that honors your complete identity and experience.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy recognizes that stress, trauma, and difficult emotions aren’t just experienced in our minds—they’re held in our bodies too. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) helps release physical tension patterns that can develop in response to stress, especially the unique stressors faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Rather than focusing solely on talking about experiences, somatic therapy teaches practical skills to:
- Recognize how stress feels in your body
- Develop techniques to calm your nervous system
- Build resilience for managing challenging situations
- Release stored tension from past experiences
Why Somatic Therapy Works for LGBTQIA+ Individuals
Research shows that LGBTQIA+ people often experience ongoing stress from discrimination and microaggressions. Over time, these experiences can create patterns of tension in the body and nervous system.
A 2016 study found that transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who participated in somatic therapy groups experienced significant improvements in psychological well-being and reductions in depression symptoms.
Levels of Care
Somatic therapy is available as part of our treatment at all levels of care:
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our Intensive Outpatient Program offers a balance of structured mental health treatment and flexibility, allowing you to begin integrating healing practices into your daily life. This level of care helps bridge the gap between intensive treatment and everyday living, providing the tools and support needed to apply healing practices in real-world settings while honoring your LGBTQIA+ identity.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our most intensive level of care provides structured mental health therapeutic support while allowing you to return home each evening. PHP is ideal for LGBTQIA+ individuals who need comprehensive, daily mental health treatment and would benefit from our full spectrum of therapeutic modalities. Many clients take a temporary leave from work, school, or other responsibilities to fully engage in this transformative healing process.
Outpatient Program (OP)
Our Outpatient Program provides continued mental health care while supporting your full integration into daily life. This program is specifically designed as a step-down option from our more intensive levels of care (PHP or IOP). This level of care emphasizes sustainable healing practices, community connection, and continued growth as you move forward in your recovery journey while fully embracing your LGBTQIA+ identity.
Begin Your Healing Journey
At Element Q, our approach to mental health treatment integrates somatic therapy with other evidence-based modalities to address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Contact us today to learn how our LGBTQIA+-affirming programs can support your healing journey.
Embrace Your Truth, Find Your Folx
Your experiences deserve to be understood with compassion and cultural awareness. Contact Element Q today to learn about our specialized LGBTQ+ affirming treatment approach, including somatic therapy in San Diego, where healing happens in a community that honors your journey.
“Inclusive and identity-based healthcare is a right, not a privilege.”
