Somatic Counselling

Somatic counselling (sometimes called somatic therapy) is a therapeutic approach that integrates the body into the healing process, not just the mind. The word somatic comes from the Greek soma, meaning “living body.” At its core, somatic counselling is based on the understanding that our experiences—especially trauma, stress, and emotions—are stored not only in thoughts and memories, but also in the nervous system, muscles, posture, and bodily sensations.In Latin, 'soma' means body. In this work, your body is informing the direction of the dialogue and the session.

 

Somatically informed dialogue and craniosacral are used to support you to be present to the sensations in your body and any images and emotions that may underlie the sensations. This work is helpful in releasing and resolving trauma and emotions you may be holding (especially in your jaw, chest and belly) and supports your nervous system to return to a more regulated state.  As the work unfolds, the  traumatic imprints begin to release, allowing the life force to flow and flourish within your body.

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During the session, I will also provide you with stress management strategies to support you in building greater stress resilience at home.

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"Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies. The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing awareness of what is played out inside. They learn to hide from themselves." - Bessel Van Der Kolk (The Body Keeps the Score)