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Discover Somatics

Humans live in a psychologically dynamic interplay between the status quo and a thrust toward a better future. In other words, between the desire for sameness and desire for change. A sense that we could be more, do more or thrive more often underpins a quest for personal development. Somatic psychotherapy & Somatic coaching have much to offer this transformational space as does expressive arts practice. These approaches help us listen to what our bodies are saying when words might be hard to access.

 

Somatics is an integrative approach to healing and development that cultivates and supports mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. The term Somatic is derived from the ancient Greek word Soma meaning the living body in its wholeness. These days we refer to this as the mind/body/spirit connection, embodiment, or to working with our head, heart and hands.

 

A somatic approach draws on strengths and creative impulses that you already possess within your soma, but may have become disconnected from, and fosters new growth where development may have been interrupted. In the therapeutic tradition I trained in, our stories live deep in our Body/Mind/Spirit as sensation, feelings and well worn neural pathways that shape our experience & perception. Learning to relax into the wisdom of the deep body, while bringing conscious attention to the stories we carry, can facilitate healing as we deepen presence, unwind tensions in the nervous system (regulate) and compassionately turn toward the lost or disowned parts of ourselves that are longing to be seen, heard, and brought home again.
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Neuroscience supports the value of working somatically. Evidence-based research has demonstrated the body's foundational impact on psycho-emotional states. Our thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations are all interconnected and interdependent. This knowledge helps build a bridge of understanding between body and psyche.  "We are a conscious body and an embodied mind at the same time (Henderson, 2005)." 

Expressive Arts

The creative arts have been used as a healing practice across human history.  Contemporary expressive arts therapy draws on the use of interdependent arts practice including movement/dance, the visual arts, drama, poetry, film, and music for psychotherapeutic purposes with the intention to support healthy cognitive, emotional, physical, spiritual and social functioning.

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My expressive therapy model is based on the Tamalpa Life/Art Practice, an integrative approach utilising movement, drawing, writing and story making/telling. 

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Expressive arts therapy supports:

  • Engagement with imagination

  • Inclusivity: Art is for all people and creativity is an essential part of the human experience

  • Arts therapies are client centered with a strong focus on unconditional positive regard toward the client and artworks

  • Process oriented

  • Sensory based and allows for illuminating the non-verbal or inarticulate

  • The art making process provides a safe container for a person’s experience

  • It is experiential and strengths based – belief in a person’s innate drive toward wholeness

Other Modalities I Use

I understand that one-size does not fit all.  Therefore, my approach also draws on other therapeutic modalities to meet the individualized needs of my clients including:

 

  • EMDR (trauma therapy)

  • Mindfulness

  • Schema Focus

  • Solution-focused approaches

  • Brief cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

  • Brief psycho-dynamic therapy (CCRT)

  • Values-based approaches

  • Systemic informed (given that we are always living in and impacted by a larger context)

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