Somatic Approach
Somatic psychotherapy simply means including the body in our understanding of our emotional experiences. Our feelings aren't just experienced in our minds; they can also show up physically, perhaps as tightness in the chest, a knot in the stomach, changes in breathing or a sense of tension.
Alongside talking about what's happening in your life, I may gently invite you to notice what you're experiencing in your body as we talk. This isn't about physical exercise or touch, but about becoming more aware of how your body responds to feelings, relationships and experiences.
Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy
Drawing on my training in Developmental Somatic Psychotherapy, I work with the understanding that our past experiences can shape how we respond to the world around us, sometimes in ways we're not consciously aware of.
By paying attention to both what we think and what we feel in our bodies, we can begin to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves, our emotional responses and the patterns that may be keeping us feeling stuck. Everything is explored at your own pace, and there is no pressure to work in a particular way.
Further Resources and Support
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Samaritans: Call free: 116 123. Email: jo@samaritans.org.
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SANEline: Online: SANEline. Call: 0300 304 7000.
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Switchboard LGBTQ+ helpline: Online: Switchboard. Call: 0300 330 0630. Email: chris@switchboard.lgbt.
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Music Minds Matter: Online: Music Minds Matter. Call: 0808 802 8008 (24/7).
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Music Support: Online: Music Support. Call: 0800 030 6789 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).
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British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM): Online: BAPAM.
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National Suicide Prevention Helpline: UK Online: National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK. Call: 0800 689 5652
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Campaign Against Living Miserably: Online CALM. Call: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight). Webchat: CALM webchat.
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Shout: Text service: Text SHOUT to 85258. Online: Shout.
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The Mix Under-25s: Call: 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight).