Relational Somatic Therapy is an approach to counselling therapy which works with body awareness, the sensory motor system (aka the senses and movement) and the autonomic nervous system in order to support the whole person in increasing their capacity to meet life fully and heal from trauma and hurt within a relationally safe space. Essentially, we are working with all that you are - not just your mind, body, soul, emotions, energy, life circumstances or history - all of it.
It sounds so simple, yet by listening to the body within a grounded therapeutic container, we gain a lot of information. It can be quite profound what our bodies have to say, and sometimes we just have to practice slowing down and listening. The body moves 7 times slower than the mind, so in somatic sessions, we foster a slowed down attention to subtlety.
Having someone who can support you in understanding your body signals is helpful. This is why as a Relational Somatic Counsellor I am trained to pay attention for cues from your autonomic nervous system, your attachment system, your polyvagal system and your brain.
In the process of slowing down, a somatic vocabulary for describing sensations is built, alongside an increased awareness of the signals the body gives in concert with the spoken word and various mental, emotional and nervous system states. This way, over time, the bridge between body and mind is strengthened. This brings integration of the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. With that, we foster relational healing and build and recognize resource states, which allows for the system to grow in flexibility and resilience.
Hands on somatic support is an optional part of this work when in-person, where the counsellor can offer physical touch to support during difficult emotional presentations.
This work supports the individual in reclaiming the connection with their inherent wholeness.
Please feel free to contact me or book a consultation call where I can answer any questions you might have.
how I approach this work...
I approach Relational Somatic Counselling with sensitivity and a caring heart that is tuned into the subtleties and nuances of human experience. I create a space where all parts of my client are welcome, and where my client can open up their most authentic, multi-layered self when ready. My intention is to foster relational safety. I listen intently and offer this space with reverence for my client and the human journey, and move from an awareness of the true honour that it is to hold space for another. I also know that ultimately we are our own healers, and that the wholeness of my client's being holds all of the answers they're seeking. The container simply helps to draw that knowing forward and clarify over time. In relation to this, I also work with an acknowledgement of the inherent health that exists beneath all trauma, problems and imbalances. Each session and each counsellor-client relationship is one of a kind and I shift subtle elements of how I work to best suit each unique client, while drawing upon tools from the Therapeutic Counselling and Relational Somatic Therapy fields.