Somatic experiencing Therapy

Nervous system regulation - Light touch soma release - Guided sensory awareness

90 mins - £60.00

(includes Nervous System Regulation E-book)

Somatic Experiencing Therapy (SET) is a body-centred therapy, developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine, that helps people process and release trauma by working with the body's instinctive fight, flight, or freeze responses, which are often "stuck" after a traumatic event. Instead of focusing primarily on the mental retelling of a traumatic story as SET therapist I will guide you to become aware of, and gently discharge the bodily sensations and physical tension associated with the trauma. Techniques like the felt sense, self regulation, bi-lateral stimulation, somatic journeying and specific soma holds are used to complete the body's natural responses, allowing the nervous system to feel lighter, and individuals to become more grounded and resilient. 

HOW SOMATIC EXPERIENCING DIFFERS FROM SOMATIC BREATHWORK PRACTICES

Somatic Experiencing Therapy (SET) differs from somatic breathwork practices as the breath is not the primary focus during an SET session. Breathwork is a wonderful tool for calming the nervous system and applying the vagal brake but can be a challenge for many during a specific breathwork session due to the duration of the session, the sensations felt such as light-headedness, the focus needed and being in an activated nervous system . A biodynamic breathwork somatic session uses deep breathing to activate the nervous system to access ‘belts of tension’ and techniques to guide the client through an intense emotional experience such as pendulation and titration which can be overwhelming for some, I have tried this personally and it wasn’t for me. SET allows the ‘system’ to be gently guided and supported from a place of calm and feeling safe and held. The two methods are very different and are both valid somatic practices, its important that you chose the best one for you.

HOW IT WORKS

Top Down -Bottom-Up - Inside Out Processing: SET uses an all-encompassing approach from "bottom-up" processing, meaning it focuses on the physical sensations and instinctual responses in the body, “top down” focuses on looking at our thoughts and responses and “inside out” is the approach of considering our external environment and how we respond to that environment internally

Completing Natural Responses: Trauma can interrupt the body's natural self-regulating responses to threat. SET helps to complete these interrupted responses, such as the urge to fight, flee, or freeze, which allows the body to discharge pent-up stress and tension. 

Tracking Bodily Sensations: Therapists guide clients to notice and work with physical sensations in the body, like a sense of warmth, energy, or muscle twitching. 

Resolving "Stuck" States: By gently and safely working with these sensations and responses through specific light touch soma and cranial sacral therapy holds, and meridian tracing, holds the nervous in a relaxed state whilst the system reregulates and heals.  

GOALS OF SOMATIC EXPERIENCING

To regulate the nervous system and calm the stress response. 

To complete the body's natural responses to threat, such as fight, flight, or freeze. 

To gently let go of trauma which has been held in the body. 

To increase a sense of balance, grounding, and resilience. 

To address both the physical and psychological symptoms of stress and trauma. 

To allow the client to feel safe and held.

 As a fully certified EPNSR and Somatic Therapist (Emotional Processing & Nervous System Regulation) I am trained to support you on your journey into your inner world. 

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A SESSION

A session can vary based on the client's personal needs. For some, there may be minimal talking so we may begin with The Emotion Code to identify and bring up emotions that surface for clearing. For others, there might be more light conversation to explore simple ways to self-regulate, understand how life experiences impact the nervous system, and find strategies to manage this, this is very much led by you, I am also a level 2 counsellor so am able to hold space for you.

Next, you'll get comfortable on my cosy therapy bed, which maybe heated if required. Through a soma sensory-guided meditation, you'll explore, through journeying, to where emotions may be sitting, I will then gently guide you in releasing this energy with compassion, non-judgment, and kindness. You'll be held in a safe, sacred space to help your nervous system shift from a fight-or-flight state to a rest-and-digest state, essential for healing. After the somatic inquiry meditation, while in a deep resting state, you'll experience gentle somatic release techniques combining Touch for Health Kinesiology, Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy for trauma, and Traditional Chinese Medicine methods to deepen relaxation. This journey of stillness helps release trapped emotions with forgiveness, allowing healing to unfold.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

At the point of the initial enquiry I will invite you to a 10 minute call (free and no obligation to book) as this gives me an idea of your situation and goals, and for you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Upon booking I will email a client consultation form and ask that this is completed and returned a couple of days before your appointment.  The session is a combination of looking at your emotions, where you are in your nervous system, where you hold your emotions etc so that we can put a plan in place so that you can build your own ‘toolbox’. You will also experience somatic release bodywork techniques which will take place on my cosy therapy couch.

I am a trained to work within the specific areas of trauma, please note that acute trauma, severe trauma, PTSD, recent and deep grief, sexual abuse, addictions, domestic violence and other complex traumatic wounds would need to be supported from a trauma informed therapist. If, after the initial inquiry, I feel that I am not the right therapist to support you, or deep seated challengingly trauma comes up during a session, I will speak to you at the time to ensure you are sign posted to a to a practitioner who can better support your needs.