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Somatic Therapy
Somatic Therapy is a body-centred approach that takes reparative steps to bring greater balance and release to mental, emotional, physical and biological functions.
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What is Somatic Therapy?

A process oriented therapy, Somatic Movement pays close attention to the relationship between body, mind, heart and soul.  We allow the presenting inner process, emotions and sensations to unfold, giving the space and time needed to observe what we notice. The emphasis is on creating a non-judgemental space, avoiding interpretations or projections. A compassionate therapeutic environment allows to gently transform longstanding issues in effective and long-lasting ways.

Essential to the repair of the body-mind is the individual’s capacity to “first notice and then describe the feelings in their bodies – not emotions such as anger or anxiety or fear but the physical sensations beneath the emotions: pressure, heat, muscular tension, tingling, caving in, feeling hollow, and so on”  (Bessel van der Kolk, ‘The Body Knows the Score’)

What to expect from a session?

Margaret provides a warm, relaxed, non-judgemental and confidential environment in which you as the client can safely settle into your body-mind exploration. Each session is uniquely tailored to meet your requirements providing a secure and protective space for your individual journey.  

Sessions may include the felt experience of gentle touch, movement and stillness, mindful breathing, together with dialogue and deep listening, creative and artistic processing. 

‘Awake my dear,
Be kind to your sleeping heart.
Take it out into the vast fields of Light
And let it breathe.’
(Hafiz)

What are the Benefits of Somatic Therapy?

Working directly with the body we are guided to understand how it can store pain, trauma and distress, and also restore a sense of well-being and balance.  

This work not only helps to reveal where and how we hold tension, stresses, habitual and developmental patterns in our bodies that are often caused by traumatic life experiences, but also how the body expresses vibrancy, joy and resilience.  The body and its sensations can be a direct source in helping us connect more compassionately and intimately with our authentic selves and human nature. 

‘Listening to and understanding our inner sufferings will resolve most of the problems we encounter.’ (Thich Nhat Hanh)

Who is it for?

Conditions that typically can be helped with Somatic Therapy include:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Addiction issues
  • Stagnation and physical pain
  • Early childhood abuse
  • Developmental trauma
  • Pre and perinatal trauma – including twin loss
  • Intergenerational and collective trauma
  • Relationship patterns and difficulties
  • Domestic abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • PTSD
  • Mobility issues
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Fertility concerns

Booking

A one-on-one Somatic Movement Therapy session lasts 60 minutes, available in person and online.  

Classes and workshops are available on request.

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Testimonials

Margaret O’S.

“I have been going to Margaret for approximately 20 years now. I first got to know Margaret through her Yoga classes in Dunmanway. 

I found her classes so beneficial that I booked a private treatment with her and have never looked back. I have a long term injury and I find Shiatsu a very gentle therapy.  I always get results and come away feeling so relaxed in body and mind. Margaret has treated me when I had sciatica, sinus trouble, she has helped me through grief and through other stressful times in my life. She is AMAZING. I also had Shiatsu with Margaret throughout my pregnancies and loved it. Margaret is a very kind considerate lady and so easy to talk to. I would highly recommend her.”

Aidan M.

“I am delighted how much insight I’ve gained and how much I’ve come to learn and understand about myself and my patterns. Margaret helped and encouraged me through the process, and now I’m able to move forward as a better version of myself. I am much more aware of how connected my mind and body actually are. Margaret introduced me to skills, helping me handle stressful situations in easier and more manageable ways. I was comfortable speaking my mind freely, and felt heard, seen, understood and fully supported through the whole process. Thank you Margaret!”

Anne O’C.

“I’ve been practising yoga for decades and thought I knew it all, but attending Margaret’s class was a revelation. The use of sound, tapping and innovative body work in addition to standard yoga asanas created a light-hearted enjoyable atmosphere in class. I always came out feeling physically and mentally refreshed. The atmosphere was very supportive and encouraging to people of all levels of flexibility.”

Judit B.

“I have found my authentic movement experience to be wholly nourishing for mind, body and soul. It has helped me greatly to recover my confidence in public speaking and diminished my anxiety about being seen or being the centre of attention. As a result of the sessions, I feel more whole, at peace and sure of myself. The effects are long lasting and I feel the therapy has positively influenced the way I live my life now and how I relate to others. Margaret is a beautiful person and a true professional who led me through the sessions with sensitivity, openness and kindness, in a safe, visually appealing and enriching environment. I felt respected, valued and held in our healing space. Thanks a million Margaret for such a gorgeous experience!”

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