Somatic Psychotherapy

Our bodies usually experience emotions long before we can give words to what we are feeling; we also know that long after we have left stressful or traumatic situations, our bodies can continue to feel like we are still not safe.

Somatic psychotherapy is an integrative approach which operates from the “bottom up”:  working on the whole human being, using the body as a critical resource for wisdom and healing.

It is a way to use the scientific insights gained from mindfulness and other body-oriented psychologies to move through unpleasant emotions and experiences, increasing the chances that you will be able to find your own renewed life.

Does this mean there will be touching?

Not for me, no. Some therapists who do somatic work will make contact with their clients; I do not. I help clients learn how to regulate their own bodies through non-contact modeled practice.

Does this actually work?

Like all therapy, we tend to get out what we put in. And it’s a bit like learning to play a piano: if you only practice once a week for an hour, not much will happen. But several studies have shown that doing body-oriented therapies show positive impact on emotions, physical symptoms, and other measures of well-being. ¹, ²

But I haven’t had past traumas; besides, it seems a little weird.

The effects mentioned in the studies above have even been found in people who have not experienced traumatic events, so it’s really something that can help everyone! But don’t worry – I will always give informed consent and let you “drive the bus” in therapy.