The short answer: Yes—but it's still an emerging field. Somatic therapy is a broad category, and the research base is still developing. That said, studies are increasing, and several somatic-informed approaches show encouraging findings, especially for trauma-related symptoms and nervous system regulation.
 

1) Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Somatic Experiencing, developed by Peter Levine, is one of the better-known somatic approaches. Across a range of studies (often small to mid-sized), SE has been associated with improvements such as:

decreases in trauma-related symptoms 

improved emotional regulation

reductions in physical stress responses (like chronic tension, fatigue, or somatic distress)
 

Some research has found reductions in PTSD symptoms following SE-oriented treatment in specific groups (for example, people recovering after accidents), though the overall evidence base is still growing 

2) Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
 

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy blends traditional talk therapy with attention to body cues, movement, and nervous system states. The research literature is smaller compared to some other modalities, but early studies and clinical reports suggest it may be helpful for concerns like:

• complex or developmental trauma

• dissociation and “shut down” patterns

• long-standing nervous system dysregulation
   

It’s also commonly integrated alongside other evidence-based approaches depending on the client’s needs.
 

What Are the Limitations of the Research?
 

Like many integrative approaches, somatic therapy research has a few common limitations, including:

• smaller sample sizes in some studies

• fewer long-term follow-ups than we’d like

• differences in training and how methods are applied in practice

• The good news: interest in trauma-informed care and nervous system science has expanded rapidly, and more rigorous studies are continuing to build the evidence base.