How do you write a progress note for somatic therapy?

Record body-based symptoms and concerns since the last session with ratings, the somatic techniques used, consent and pacing, how activation changed with ratings and observations, the client’s own words for sensations, a risk screen and the plan with home practice and any medical follow-up. Link it to treatment-plan goals.

What is titration in somatic therapy?

Titration means working with a small amount of distressing material at a time, then returning attention to a resource such as the feet on the floor, so the client’s activation stays manageable. In the note, describe what the client focused on and how activation changed.

Pendulation means moving attention back and forth between sensations of distress and sensations of ease or safety in the body. Record which areas or sensations the client moved between and the effect on activation.

Should somatic therapy notes mention touch?

If touch is used, record that it was discussed in advance, that consent was given, where and how it was used, and the client’s response; follow your licensing board’s and employer’s rules. If no touch was used, a short line saying so is helpful.

How do you show progress in somatic therapy notes?

Compare ratings over time, such as workday tension or activation, record how often the client uses regulation skills between sessions, and note functional changes such as sleep, work or returning to activities, alongside any standard measures you use.

Progress Notes for Somatic Therapy: Example and Template

Record a session and MentalNote drafts the progress note for you to review and edit. No sign-up to try. HIPAA-compliant, with a BAA included on every plan. Open a sample note

Overview

This guide is part of our complete progress notes hub — format structure, a full clinical example, the progress note generator, and all 72 diagnosis-specific templates.

No sign-up needed: open a fictional note in the MentalNote editor and edit it like a real draft.

Short answer: a somatic therapy progress note records the presenting concern and body-based symptoms since the last session, the specific somatic interventions used (such as tracking sensations, titration, pendulation, orienting or grounding), consent for any touch or movement, how the client’s activation changed during the session with ratings, the client’s own words for sensations, a risk screen and the plan, including home practice and any medical follow-up.

Somatic approaches work with body sensations, posture, breath and movement to help clients notice and regulate their stress responses. The record should still read as clinical documentation: state the diagnosis or concern being treated, describe observable changes (breathing, posture, muscle tension) alongside the client’s ratings, and link the work to treatment-plan goals. When physical symptoms are part of the picture, note that medical causes have been or will be reviewed by a medical provider.

What to document in a somatic therapy progress note

What to document in each progress note section for somatic therapy, with fictional example wording
Section	What to document	Example wording
Session Summary	Symptoms and body-based concerns since the last session, with ratings	“Jaw clenching and shoulder tension on most workdays, rated 6/10 (7/10 two weeks ago); worse before team calls.”
Session Summary	Medical review of physical symptoms	“Primary care reviewed symptoms before therapy began (per intake); no new physical symptoms reported.”
Interventions	Specific somatic techniques and consent	“Tracked sensations with titration and pendulation; orienting and slow exhale. Consent and pacing checked throughout; no touch used.”
Client Response	Activation ratings, observed changes and the client’s words	“Activation 6/10 to 3/10 after orienting; shoulders dropped, breathing slowed. ‘Noticing ease in my hands is new.’”
Client Response	Risk screen	“Denied suicidal thoughts and self-harm; no safety concerns identified.”
Plan Updates	Home practice, next focus and referrals	“Orienting and slow exhales before each call; daily tension rating; dentist or primary care if jaw pain persists.”

Body-focused work can bring up strong emotions or trauma memories. Pace the work, record what you did if a client became overwhelmed, and screen for risk. If a client reports suicidal thoughts, assess and record current thoughts, plan, intent, preparatory behavior, past attempts, access to means, protective factors, your risk formulation and the safety plan. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline takes calls and texts at 988; for imminent danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

How to Document Progress Notes for Somatic Therapy

Session Summary

Overview of session focus, topics discussed, and client presentation

When documenting the Session Summary for somatic therapy, focus on capturing the client’s self-reported bodily sensations, presenting somatic symptoms, identified emotional triggers, and observable mood or affect during the session. This section should provide a concise overview of the client’s current somatic experience and related psychological state.

Document specific somatic symptoms reported by the client (e.g., tension, pain, numbness).
Note any identified physical or emotional triggers linked to somatic complaints.
Describe the client’s mood and affect as it relates to their somatic presentation.
Summarize any changes in symptom intensity or frequency since the last session.
Record client’s verbal descriptions of bodily awareness or disruptions.

Interventions

Therapeutic techniques and interventions applied during the session

In the Interventions section for somatic therapy, detail the specific clinical techniques, body-centered modalities, and therapeutic exercises employed during the session. Include observations of the client’s physical responses and any adaptations made to the intervention based on real-time feedback.

List somatic techniques used (e.g., grounding exercises, breath work, body scanning).
Describe any manual or movement-based interventions applied during the session.
Note clinician’s observations of client’s posture, muscle tone, or movement patterns.
Record any adjustments made to interventions based on client’s physical or emotional reactions.
Identify use of any adjunctive tools or modalities (e.g., mindfulness, biofeedback).

Client Response

Client's reaction to interventions and observable progress

The Client Response section should capture the client’s immediate and ongoing reactions to somatic interventions, including changes in bodily sensations, emotional processing, and shifts in awareness. Additionally, document clinical impressions regarding progress, potential diagnostic insights, and engagement with therapy.

Note client’s reported changes in somatic symptoms during or after interventions.
Describe emotional responses linked to somatic work (e.g., release, distress, calm).
Assess client’s level of engagement and openness to somatic techniques.
Document any emerging clinical impressions related to somatic symptom patterns or diagnoses.
Evaluate progress toward somatic goals established in prior sessions.

Plan Updates

Changes to treatment plan, goals, and next session focus

In the Plan Updates section, outline the next steps in the client’s somatic therapy, including homework assignments, modifications to treatment strategies based on current findings, referrals to other specialists if indicated, and scheduling of upcoming sessions.

Specify somatic-focused homework or self-practice exercises assigned to the client.
Detail any planned adjustments to therapeutic approaches or goals.
Indicate referrals to complementary providers (e.g., physical therapist, massage therapist) if applicable.
Confirm scheduling or rescheduling of future somatic therapy sessions.
Highlight any anticipated areas for further assessment or exploration in upcoming sessions.