Somatic Touch
There are many powerful forms of hands-on healing in the world.
Somatic Touch is an offshoot of the Somatic Experiencing work done in the mental health arena. It is designed to allow the body to release emotional memories and traumas and bring the entire person back into a healthy, integrated state without having to talk about it.
All sessions are done fully clothed and only when given explicit consent, repeatedly.
Curious?
Sometimes Life Gets To Be Too Much
Long after the important mental and emotional work has been done, the body can continue to carry the visceral memories of upsetting experiences.
Through drawing attention to the physical body and increasing the polyvagal nerve’s capacity to heal and regain tone, Somatic Touch allows people to come back to live in the present, in their bodies, and envision a brighter future with much greater ease.
Triggers lessen and solutions are found to help you keep what’s valuable and let the rest of the “crap” go.
Your body is wise and has been doing its best to hold onto all this for you.
Isn’t it time to return to who you know yourself to be?
How It Works
We talk about what it means to be you living in your body, how your body habitually responds to stressors – big and small, and the tools you currently have to get yourself out of that reaction. We also discuss creative ways to turn what your symptoms are teaching you into useful tools for a healthier, easier life.
Some of this discussion may result in some creative and fun homework to tend yourself.
You lie down on the table, on your back, fully clothed, with your shoes off. We take a moment to get you settled with the supports you need – pillows, blankets, bolsters, and allow your breath to begin to flow evenly.
I will then ask you to pay attention as I stand first on one side of the table and then on the other. Your body will tell us where to start.
NOTE: Each touch is always subject to your explicit permission. This is your body and your time. We will only do as much work as you are willing to handle at any given session.
Usually, I begin by gently sliding my hand underneath your low back and leaving it there to reassure your body and help it relax in order to regulate your nervous system. I will talk you through this in more detail at the time.
Additional work in other areas will proceed in a similar fashion.
Frequently asked questions
If you don’t see your question(s) answered here, please drop me a message and I’ll be glad to answer you.
Has this Work Been done Elsewhere?
Yes. I have done extensive study with Alaine Duncan, MAc. She is the author and instructor of The Tao of Trauma process and the author of the internationally known book by the same name. She began this work with U.S. military veterans and staff at Walter Reed Medical Center outside D.C..
Through Alaine, I was introduced to Dr. Stephen Terrell PsyD, SEP, with whom I did my 96-hr training in somatic touch. Stephen is the coauthor of Nurturing Resilience.
Does It Hurt?
No, not physically. However, you may experience the clearing of some emotional or mental pain as your body releases the traumatic event. My patients generally report a great sense of release and wellbeing. A common response is, “I feel much more like myself.”
How Many Sessions Do I Need to Have?
There is no set number. Many people get what they need from one session. Others come for several until they feel complete. While still others come randomly as old feelings and symptoms surface that they need help releasing. It is very individualized and ultimately, it’s your decision.
Ready to Feel Better?
