Somatic Psychotherapy

“Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going on inside ourselves.” – Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk

Understanding the inner workings of our bodies need not be a perplexing endeavor; rather, it can become a supportive ally through intentional focus. By dedicating time to bring our present awareness to our inner selves, employing techniques such as guided imagery, felt-sense body sweeps, and other somatic approaches, we can discover that nurturing awareness has the ability to embrace even our most wounded aspects.

“Traumatized people live with seemingly unbearable sensations: They feel heartbroken and suffer from intolerable sensations in the pit of their stomach or tightness in their chest. Yet avoiding feeling these sensations in our bodies increases our vulnerability to being overwhelmed by them. Body awareness puts us in touch with our inner world, the landscape of our organism.” – Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk

The breath emerges as a powerful tool for resetting our central nervous system, with a prolonged exhale automatically engaging the parasympathetic nervous system. Remarkably, our breathing, often taken for granted, can be consciously harnessed. Pranayama, a comprehensive body of work focused on breathing techniques, offers ways to relax our bodies and regain a sense of safety within. Each mindful inbreath becomes an opportunity for renewal, and each conscious outbreath provides a chance to release.

True transformation initiates from within. Mobilizing our inner life naturally extends to mobilizing our outer life, empowering us to make fresh choices and authentically alter the course of our lives.