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.

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