Somatic Body Map
An illustrated somatic body map with fillable boxes for noticing where a feeling lives in the body, describing sensations and exploring what the body might need, plus a sensation vocabulary.
2-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Body awareness · Interoception
- Approach / concern
- Somatic
- Technique
- Body awareness · Interoception
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 2 pages (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Somatic Body Map?
Body mapping is a somatic awareness exercise in which clients locate and describe the physical sensations linked to emotions. It builds interoceptive awareness, an important foundation for emotion regulation in body-based therapies.
Why it works
Research shows that emotions are associated with distinct, culturally consistent patterns of bodily sensation (Nummenmaa et al., 2014). Tracking sensations is central to sensorimotor and somatic approaches to trauma (Ogden et al., 2006; Levine, 2010).
When to use it
- Somatic and trauma-informed therapy
- Clients who struggle to name emotions
- Anxiety and panic
- Chronic pain and stress-related symptoms
How to use it in session
- Choose a current feeling or recent situation.
- Invite the client to scan and mark sensations on the outline.
- Describe sensations using the vocabulary.
- Ask what the sensation might need (movement, rest, comfort, expression).
- Track changes across sessions.
Clinician tips
- Offer choice; some clients prefer colours, others words.
- Go slowly with trauma survivors and stay within the window of tolerance.
- Neutral or pleasant sensations count too.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
What if I can’t feel anything?
Numbness is information too. Start with neutral areas like hands or feet and notice temperature or contact.
Is this useful for chronic pain?
Yes, with care. Mapping can help separate pain sensations from emotional responses and other sensations.
References
Nummenmaa, L., Glerean, E., Hari, R., & Hietanen, J. K. (2014). Bodily maps of emotions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(2), 646-651.
Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the body: A sensorimotor approach to psychotherapy. W. W. Norton.
Levine, P. A. (2010). In an unspoken voice: How the body releases trauma and restores goodness. North Atlantic Books.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
