soma*
* Unified brain-body, intergrated system of perceiver and percieved.
Somatic psychotherapy is the told and untold stories that our bones and heartbeat keep tight, the melodies of nervous systems that can come out of tune. It is the dances of our breath and activation of physical sensations that signal to us what and who is safe and dangerous.
In less poetic terms, Somatic psychotherapy is a type of therapy that helps people to heal from emotional and psychological pain by working with the body.
What is Somatic Psychotherapy?
Through gentle techniques, exercises, and explorations I support and collaborate with my clients to increase their awareness of their physical sensations, emotions, belief systems, and thought patterns. It is through this awareness that we become mindful of the ways in which our nervous systems might have “come out of tune,” and learn how to better regulate ourselves in a safe and relational environment.
Our bodies do not exist in a vacuum. They move, breath, feel, learn, tense, and exist in relationship with people, systems, and cultures. This is one of the reasons why I work with a strong relational and anti-oppressive lens.
Somatic psychotherapy can be helpful for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. By working with the body in this way, clients can gain a greater sense of control over their emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, create more meaningful connections, and improve their overall well-being.
