“So, what happens in a somatic session?”
This is one of the most common questions I get from people who are curious about somatic work and the incredible benefits of it for the mind and body.
However, this can be a hard question to answer because every experience is different for each person. Just like each person has a unique set of experiences, each person’s processing and expression of those experiences (and how those experiences are stored in the body) will be unique.
There are a few things that all sessions with me have in common.
1. Finding and repatterning the root cause
We go beyond managing your symptoms by seeking the underlying root cause and repatterning it. This is what allows for lasting change to occur. Instead of just scooping up the scum at the surface of the pond, we investigate what is causing the blocks in your system and change it at the source.
The root cause can sometimes be what you least expect, such as a traumatic or stressful childhood experience, an event or emotion that wasn’t fully processed and got “stuck” in the body, or limiting beliefs that affect the way you think and act now.
2. A goal of understanding the body more deeply and an emphasis on letting the body lead
The body holds memory and stores stress in its tissues, whether people realize it or not. By tuning into the wisdom of the body, we can work directly on a subconscious and nervous system level, which is where patterns and habits are developed and operate.
This can include somatic check ins, body mapping, nervous system mapping, pattern identification, visualization techniques, nervous system repatterning, and embodied movement exploration.
3. An integrative approach
While most tools I use are body-based and somatic in nature, I pull from a variety of experiences and education, including a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Somatic Stress Release (™), attuned touch, integrative nutrition coaching, partner dance, Reiki and energy work, and subconscious reprogramming.
Sessions are intuitively-led and are meant to meet you and your mind-body system exactly where it is.
Approaches/tools used may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
Gentle movement
Embodiment practices
Nervous system-informed strategies
Visualization
Body awareness
Meditation
Mindfulness
Breathing exercises
Self-bodywork techniques
Attuned touch
Reiki/energy work
Somatic processing (similar to Somatic Experiencing)
Self-directed neuroplasticity
Life coaching
Other important information to know:
All session are held via Zoom or in person in York, PA
Each session is tailored to YOU and your unique strengths, lifestyle, preferences, and goals
We start with a brief check in to identify the focus of the session
We will then move into further discussion, processing, and reflection, which may include any combination of the approaches mentioned above
The number of sessions recommended varies on your goals and needs, but I typically recommend at least 2-3 to allow for full integration to happen