somatic experiencing
Our bodies take shape to survive the hardships of life. Yet sometimes we get to a point when those shapes don’t serve us anymore. Maybe that looks like chronic tension where the body is bracing for the next dangerous thing. Or perhaps it looks like slouching in freeze mode and hiding parts of who you are.
We all have old holding patterns that return when we’re overwhelmed with life. These patterns are intelligent survival mechanisms trying to protect us from future pain. But there comes a point when they get in the way of fully experiencing life. With support, we can start to unravel these defenses, cultivate trust in our bodies, and experience more of ourselves.
My work is rooted in decolonization, understanding that many experience trauma just by existing under our oppressive systems, and that healing happens when we not only acknowledge how this shapes all our bodies, but remember that our healing must be collective.
“What is Somatic Experiencing?”
Somatic Experiencing (SE™) is a body-oriented healing modality that strives to resolve symptoms of stress and trauma. It’s based on the work of Dr. Peter Levine, who asked why animals in the wild experience trauma but don’t have symptoms of PTSD.
In our modern world where thinking is prioritized over feeling, stress that has not been discharged can continue to run on the back burner of our nervous systems, draining our energy and convincing us that danger is still near.
By becoming more aware of our feelings and sensations, we can align with the natural processes of the nervous system. When the body feels safe enough, it can integrate these old experiences in a slow way that doesn’t overwhelm the system again.
“What does a session typically look like?”
In our session together, we’ll talk about what’s going on in your life, and explore the feelings and sensations that arise in your body as we do.
We’ll typically begin seated on chairs across from one another, and then we’ll continue the dialogue while you are lying on a massage table, and I offer subtle energy techniques. Sessions might also include embodiment exercises to help you build a sense of boundaries, agency, or safety.
Along the way, suppressed emotions or difficult body sensations may arise. By being with these experiences together, they can be processed and integrated, so that you can gain more access to joy, pleasure, and your truth.
“Why is this work important during these times?”
For generations, we’ve lived under oppressive systems that say that some bodies are more valuable than others, which makes all of us unsafe. With the growing climate crisis and many others, the flaws in individualism are clear — we cannot survive alone.
Somatic bodywork helps us unravel these stories and co-regulate our nervous systems, so that we can be prepared to navigate what’s ahead. It helps us listen to our inner voice, cultivate a sense of safety within, and build trust with ourselves. From there, we can build healthy relationships and communities of care that support us all.
Rates
All sessions last about 75 minutes
Somatic Session
$125
Sliding scale: I’m dedicated to making my work accessible to queer, trans, disabled, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, since they experience trauma every day by simply existing in our current sociopolitical systems. I offer a limited number of sliding-scale appointments each month for those who need them. Please ask about sliding-scale appointments when booking. Those who pay full price make the sliding scale possible — thank you for your solidarity!
To book a session or to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation, please call or text Joey at:
(201) 247-0334