SOMATIC EXPERIENCING

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach to healing that recognizes something many of us already know intuitively: our experiences live not only in our minds, but in our bodies as well.

When stress, trauma, or overwhelming experiences occur, the nervous system can get stuck in patterns of protection—such as chronic tension, anxiety, shutdown, or hyper-vigilance. Even when we understand why we feel the way we do, the body may still be holding onto those responses.

Somatic therapy gently brings awareness to what is happening in the body in the present moment, helping the nervous system regain a sense of safety, regulation, and choice.

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What Does Working Somatically Look Like?

In our work together, I will help you learn how your nervous system responds to stress and how to recognize your own internal cues—sensations, impulses, emotions, and patterns of activation or collapse.

Rather than focusing primarily on retelling past events or analyzing stories, we pay attention to what is happening right now in your body. This might include noticing breath, muscle tension, temperature, movement impulses, or subtle shifts in sensation.

Sessions move at a pace that feels manageable and respectful. You are always in control, and nothing is forced or pushed. My role is to act as a steady, attuned presence—supporting you as your system learns new ways to settle, respond, and recover.

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Trauma-Informed Touch (When Appropriate)

At times, and only when it feels supportive and is clearly consented to, I may integrate trauma-informed touch into sessions.

With over two decades of experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist, I am highly trained in the therapeutic use of touch. When used thoughtfully, touch can help support nervous system regulation, provide a sense of grounding, and reinforce feelings of safety and connection.

Touch is never required and is always optional. It is offered as one of many tools to support co-regulation and embodiment, not as a primary intervention.

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Core Principles of Somatic Experiencing®

• The mind and body are deeply connected

• The nervous system can learn new patterns of safety and regulation

• Healing happens through present-moment awareness, not reliving the past

• Symptoms are adaptive responses, not signs of failure

• Change occurs gradually, through small, meaningful shifts

Somatic Experiencing focuses on helping the body complete and release protective responses that may have been interrupted or held over time. By working with sensation rather than story, the nervous system can reorganize in a way that feels natural and sustainable.

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The Goal of This Work

The goal of somatic therapy is not to “fix” you, but to help you feel more at home in yourself.

Over time, clients often experience:

• Reduced anxiety and stress

• Improved emotional regulation

• Greater capacity for presence and connection

• Increased resilience during challenging moments

• A deeper sense of trust in their body

Healing happens in layers, and this work honors your unique pace and process.

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If you’d like to learn more about Somatic Experiencing®, you can visit