Services – Therapy of now

Somatic session

Somatic Therapy sessions focus on working with the body’s Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which controls involuntary bodily functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and digestion. This approach targets the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses, intending to restore nervous system regulation (balance and coherence). When trauma remains unresolved, the body can become stuck in these survival responses, which leads to emotional, psychological, and physical imbalances.

Unresolved trauma can manifest in numerous ways throughout life, creating a range of emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms:

01. Emotional Signs

• Anger / aggression
• Anxiety
• Denial / dissociation
• Fear
• Grief
• Sadness
• Shame

02. These emotional signs can result in

• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Difficulty with relationships
• Inability to assert needs
• Low or nonexistent sex drive
• Emotional outbursts/overwhelm
• Isolation/withdrawal from family and friends

03. Physical Symptoms

• Nausea or dizziness
• Altered sleep patterns/insomnia
• Changes or loss in appetite/comfort eating
• Headaches/migraines
• Allergies
• Exhaustion/adrenal fatigue
• Learning and developmental disorders
• Mania
• Loss of concentration/ADHD
• Gastrointestinal issues (IBS, constipation, Crohn’s)
• Memory gaps/amnesia related to childhood events
• Autoimmune conditions

04. Self-destructive or Addictive Behaviors

• Addictive behavior (overeating, gambling, drinking, smoking)
• Repeating patterns to avoid feelings (promiscuity, excessive internet use, sleeping)
• Chaos in life (issues with relationships, employment, finances)
• Self-harm (scratching, cutting, burning, hair pulling)
• Excessive spending as a means to feel in control
• Excessive saving/hoarding due to feeling unsafe
• Under-earning due to feelings of unworthiness
• Overworking to compensate for feelings of inadequacy
• Perpetual debt as a way to prove worth through ownership of consumer items
• Sabotaging financial success due to deep-seated feelings of undeserving

05. Cognitive and Emotional Impact

• Intense self-blame and feelings of worthlessness, such as believing they are “ruined”
• Beliefs that they are responsible for their trauma or current life issues
• Viewing themselves as bad, unlovable, damaged, or insignificant
• May seek out relationships with abusive people or induce abusive behaviors from others
• Acting aggressively toward vulnerable people or compulsively helping others to their own detriment

06. Attachment and Relationship Difficulties

• Disorganized attachment patterns (inability to resolve feelings toward abusers or trusted figures)
• Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, leading to avoidance or fear of closeness
• Intense but short-lived relationships, or remaining in unhealthy ones
• Protecting themselves by being unfriendly or distant to avoid perceived rejection
• Distorted perceptions of relationships

07. Psychological Disorders

• PTSD or C-PTSD
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Dissociative disorders
• Personality disorders
• Substance abuse
• Panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts
• Anti-social behavior

Somatic Therapy is incredibly powerful in its holistic approach to healing and recovery. By addressing the deep-seated impacts of nervous system dysregulation, it gives individuals a pathway to reconnect with their bodies and regain a sense of safety and coherence. This type of work not only supports physical and emotional healing but also promotes a profound reclamation of one’s life and autonomy. This therapeutic work is immensely rewarding as clients are guided in building this embodied sense of self and safety.

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What to Expect During a Somatic Therapy Session

Somatic Therapy sessions are designed to be a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their body’s responses to trauma and stress. Each session is unique, tailored to the individual’s needs, but there are some common elements that you can expect

Initial Check-in

The session typically begins with a brief pre-interview where the therapist will ask about your current physical, emotional, and mental state. This conversation helps guide the session’s focus and ensures that your experience is aligned with your healing goals.

Body Awareness

The therapist will invite you to become more aware of the sensations in your body. This may involve simple questions such as, “What are you noticing in your body right now?” You might be guided to tune into areas of tension, discomfort, or calmness, without needing to analyze or explain them.

Engaging the Nervous System

Pendulation and Titration

The process of pendulation involves gently moving between states of arousal (heightened sensations) and calm (safety). This back-and-forth approach helps you to discharge the stress associated with trauma while staying grounded. Titration is another technique used, where small pieces of a traumatic memory are worked through slowly, ensuring you don’t become overwhelmed.

Movement and Release

At times, the therapist may introduce small, gentle movements or exercises to encourage the completion of a physical response that may have been interrupted during a past traumatic event. This might involve subtle gestures, shifts in posture, or even imagining movement, allowing the body to process and release stuck energy.

Breathwork and Grounding

Throughout the session, the therapist might guide you through breathing exercises or grounding techniques to help regulate the nervous system. This could involve deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, or simply bringing attention to the rhythm of your breath.

Completion and Integration

As the session winds down, the therapist will help you return to a state of calm, often using grounding techniques to ensure you leave the session feeling centered. They may encourage you to reflect on any new sensations or insights that emerged during the session and how these can be integrated into your everyday life.

Post-Session Reflection

After the session, you may notice changes in your physical or emotional state. This could include feeling lighter, more relaxed, or having more awareness of your body. Some clients may also experience an emotional release, such as tears or laughter, as the body processes what it has been holding.

Each somatic session is a journey towards body awareness and nervous system regulation. The experience is gentle and patient, with the therapist providing a safe container for the body to heal at its own pace. Clients often leave feeling more connected to their bodies, calmer, and better equipped to handle life’s stresses.

Feel free to reach out

If you have any further questions or would like to book a session, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Sessions are available both in person and online for your convenience.

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