1. What is trauma and how does the somatic approach treat it?
Trauma is perhaps the most avoided and misunderstood cause of human suffering. It is a source of distress and dysfunction, and it is not a disease but an altered state. Over time, it can have significant damaging effects. We do not have to experience a horrific event to be traumatized. Rather, know that if our body perceives an event to be traumatic, it is.
The most important thing to know about trauma is that it may be the effect of a common, ordinary, everyday event that we do not know how to engage. Somatic Experiencing® tools help people access their own instinctive ability to rebound from overwhelming experiences called “trauma.” It can be used to heal both past and future traumas. Also, people can learn tools to prevent trauma from happening. It is an effective and sensible approach for working with our stress and overwhelm in today’s world
2. Do you work sitting in chairs?
I typically start a session in chairs. Once trust has been established between the client and myself, I might ask them if they are willing to incorporate movement or work on a massage table. I sometimes use touch, but only if the client gives me permission. It is not necessary to be physically touched for this work to be effective.
3. Do you use all of the modalities (Somatic Experiencing®, Mindfulness practice and Chi Kung exercises) simultaneously?
I use the modality that is most appropriate for the situation. Most often, I start with somatic therapy and, as the process of our work together deepens, I may choose to use a particular Mindfulness exercise or Chi Kung practices to fit the needs of the client
4. Who do you work with?
I work with children, teens, adults, couples, families and small groups.
