Somatic therapy is a body-based approach to psychotherapy that integrates the mind, body, and nervous system. It includes awareness of physical sensations, emotions, and embodied patterns as part of the therapeutic process.

Instead of focusing only on talking, somatic therapy recognises that experiences such as stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm are also reflected in the body. The body is therefore included as an active part of healing and understanding our inner experience.

Difficult experiences, stress, or trauma can leave the nervous system stuck in patterns of protection, even long after the original situation has passed. Through gentle awareness and body-based practices, somatic therapy helps bring these patterns into consciousness and supports the nervous system in finding greater flexibility and resilience. 

The goal is not to "fix" or get rid of uncomfortable feelings, but to develop the capacity to be with our inner experience in a way that allows healing and transformation to unfold.

Traditional talk therapy is often described as a top-down approach. It primarily works through conversation, reflection, and insight, helping us understand our stories, patterns, thoughts, and beliefs. This understanding can be deeply valuable and can create meaningful change.

Somatic therapy, on the other hand, is often called a bottom-up approach because it begins with the body's present-moment experience. Alongside talking, we pay attention to sensations, emotions, breath, impulses, and patterns of tension or ease. Rather than trying to analyse or change our experience, we practice meeting it with curiosity and compassion.

From a somatic perspective, healing is not only about understanding why we feel the way we do—it is also about creating the conditions for the nervous system to experience greater safety, flexibility, and connection. As we build the capacity to stay present with what is happening inside us, long-held patterns can gradually begin to soften and shift.

Nervous system regulation is the process of helping the body move out of states of chronic stress, overwhelm, or shutdown and into a state where we feel more grounded, connected, and able to respond to life's challenges.

From a somatic perspective, regulation does not mean feeling calm or relaxed all the time. Rather, it means developing the ability to notice what is happening inside us, stay connected to ourselves, and gently return to a sense of balance after stress or activation.

From a somatic perspective, trauma is not defined solely by what happened to us, but by how our nervous system experienced and responded to what happened. Two people can go through the same event and be affected very differently depending on factors such as support, past experiences, and the resources available to them at the time. 

As a result, trauma may show up as anxiety, chronic tension, emotional numbness, feeling easily overwhelmed, difficulty relaxing, or a sense of being disconnected from ourselves or others. Somatic therapy supports healing by helping us safely reconnect with the body, build resources, and gradually allow these protective patterns to soften and integrate.

Yes. I offer virtual online somatic therapy sessions, and I have found them to be just as meaningful and effective as working together in person.

Because my approach does not involve physical touch, I can guide you through body awareness, nervous system regulation, and the exploration of your inner experience in a way that works very well online.

In fact, many people find it easier to connect with themselves when they are in the familiarity and comfort of their own home.

All you need is a quiet space where you can sit or move comfortably and where you are unlikely to be interrupted. Together, we create a safe and supportive environment for your healing process, wherever you are.