Somatic Therapy
Because sometimes words aren't the whole story.
What we go through doesn't only affect how we think and feel. Sometimes we experience it in our bodies too.
You might feel anxious or overwhelmed, hold tension or pain, shut down when things become too much, or feel disconnected or numb.
For some, somatic therapy comes after years of talking things through.
For others, it's simply where they begin.
Somatic therapy gives us another way in.
So, what actually is somatic therapy?
Somatic therapy gently brings your body and nervous system into our work together. There isn't one set way of doing it.
We might notice your breathing, sensations in your body, use gentle movement or imagery, or simply become curious about what happens inside as we talk.
This could be as simple as slowing down when a feeling arises, noticing where you sense it in your body, and giving it a little space.
Every session is different. We follow what you need, at a pace that feels right for you.
Sometimes it may feel very similar to talking therapy. Other times, we may explore something in a different way.
You don't need to know what to do. We'll discover that together.
What if I can't feel anything?
That's okay too.
You may find it difficult to connect with your emotions, notice sensations in your body, or perhaps you simply feel numb.
We can work with that as well.
There's no right way to experience somatic therapy. We begin exactly where you are.
Gentle doesn't mean superficial
Somatic therapy isn't about pushing you into difficult experiences or forcing anything before you're ready.
We go slowly enough for your nervous system to feel safe.
And yet this gentle way of working can go deep.
Rather than only understanding something intellectually, you may begin to experience change in how your body responds, how safe you feel within yourself and how you react when old triggers appear.
The work can be gentle and still be profound.
When your body is hurting too
Physical pain is real, whatever its cause.
Living with pain can sometimes leave the body bracing, guarding or anticipating what's coming next.
Somatic therapy doesn't replace medical care or suggest that pain is "all in your head." Instead, it can sit alongside appropriate medical support, gently exploring tension, protective responses and what your body is experiencing.
Sometimes the body needs compassion too.
