What is Somatic Therapy 

Somatic therapy is an essential part of healing the nervous system, our psyche, and processing trauma. Somatic means “related to the body”. Our body and minds are intricately connected. In fact our enteric nervous system (in our bellies) is directly connected to our Central Nervous system through the Vagus and Sympathetic pathways. It is here where we process serotonin and other hormones.

Trauma can cause the brain's safety system to become askew, increase stress hormone activity, and alter how we filter information. We can end up in a constant state of hyper-arousal “fight or flight” or shut down “freeze”. This can manifest as: anxiety, insomnia, hyper vigilance, constant worry, or lethargy, illness, disassociation. The Body Keeps the Score. The pathway towards healing is through the body.

Many clients prefer to do more talk therapy, IFS, EMDR, or Brainspotting. That is absolutely alright. We do not have to ever do somatic work if you do not wish to. During our somatic work I do not touch your body. I may place blankets or weighted sandbags on your body if you are comfortable with that.

During somatic therapy we use many techniques to connect with and explore the body, to release stored trauma, and increase connectivity between the body and mind. Slowly we work through the trauma responses as well as learn to stay in our bodies to create a more grounded, present centered, and peaceful existence. So we can get better at feeling our experience in its totality so it does not build up in a way that is harmful to our bodies, minds, and spirits.

I have been practicing somatic therapy as a somatic therapist for ten years. Prior to starting my private therapy practice I worked as yoga therapist after studying Yoga Therapy at Loyola Marymount University. I then advanced my training vastly in the years to come. You can see more about my specific certifications and trainings under About. I am continuously educated myself on new Somatic modalities as this is one of my favorite things about being a somatic therapist. We can always go deeper.