What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic Therapy is a body-oriented method designed to help individuals overcome the overwhelming impact of distressing and traumatic experiences. As a trained Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, I recognize the importance and safety of the therapeutic relationship and incorporate the body into clinical practice as a pathway to healing.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is not just a body-focused therapy; it also acknowledges the significance of emotions, cognition (the stories you tell about your experiences), and bodily sensations. This holistic approach helps connect the mind and body for comprehensive healing.
Our bodies hold deep wisdom. I will be your guide to explore what your body has been trying to communicate, what it seeks to release, and how it desires to feel. Together, we will unlock your body's messages and pave the way for healing and transformation.
What to Expect During a Session?
During our sessions, we will work collaboratively to determine what feels most important for you to discuss. As you share your story, I will ask mindful questions to explore and track what is happening in your body. This practice is intentional, helping you stay present even when discussing distressing experiences. Recounting difficult stories can often pull us back into the past, flooding us with symptoms. Our goal is to remain present to facilitate recovery from these past events.
We will process these events by toggling between the narrative and its impact on your body. Sometimes, we will focus on resourcing your nervous system and body. At other times, when you are ready, we will use experiential exercises to process and release stored trauma from your body.
The aim is to resource first, then process the events, allowing you to move forward from the trauma and live fully in the present while looking forward to the future.
Additionally, our sessions are not just a place for healing. I will also teach you how to reconnect with your body and cultivate tools to navigate future stressors. The goal is to help you understand what embodiment feels like and empower you to navigate life more easily.
What are the benefits of Somatic Therapy
Relief from the symptoms of distressing and/or traumatic events
Sensory awareness of your body
Greater sense of safety in your body
Improved emotional regulation
Enhanced capacity to handle life’s stressors
Deeper sense of wellness in your body
At times relief from chronic pain symptoms due to unprocessed trauma
Greater sense of energy (relief from fatigue and exhaustion)