What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic Psychology became central to my therapeutic practice when I learned that relational trauma is healed in relationship. My mentor of 20 years, an acupuncturist, introduced me to a wealth of knowledge through her unique style of Intuitive Body Wisdom. As I learn more about the nervous system and the deeper brain, I am in awe of the body’s wisdom and resilience.

In my own healing work, I learned that the defenses that I once employed under threatening circumstances may no longer serve to protect outside the context of the inciting incident. It is important to distinguish between real and perceived threats in order to know when to defend and when to lay down arms. 

When trauma happens, it needs to be allowed to work itself through the body in order to complete a natural healing cycle. After so many years of talk therapy, what I have found most helpful in healing trauma is to experience co-regulation, or the calming effects, of attunement. In this way, new rhythms of behavior can become actualized and a new story is born to replace old patterns of belief. 

In childhood, it was my mother who regularly provided this calming, healing experience of attunement. Co-regulation is inherent in the human condition. Often times positive relational experiences just need to be re-membered viscerally.

I am encouraged when couples, friends, family members and even brief acquaintances can provide this healing attunement for one another. Animal companions and spending time attuning to Nature can also provide the quality experience of co-regulation. Meditation and heart-nourishing practices that soothe the nervous system are useful too.

If you are interested in learning more about the empowering benefits of Somatic Therapy, I am happy to teach clients what I know.

Somatic Lifestyle Therapy Practices can improve Quality of Life In the following ways: 

• Reduce Pain
• Calm Fear
• Process Grief
• Ease Nervousness
• Change Addictive Behaviors
• Decrease Social Anxiety
• Illuminate Depressive Symptoms
• Relieve Heartache
• Assert Healthy Boundaries
• Strenghten Relationship(s) with self, other, enviroment, food
• Address Money Problems
• Improve Focus
• Enhance Memory
• Communicate Effectively
• Boost Self-Confidence
• Awaken Creativity 
• Cultivate Deeper Intimacy
• Re-vitalize Energy