Psychosexual Somatics Therapy is a body-oriented therapeutic modality that deals with relationship and intimacy issues, but can be applied to many others.
It is based on the understanding that many of our symptoms, whether emotional or physical, are caused by dysregulation of the nervous system, which in turn is caused by event trauma or developmental trauma.
Intimacy and relational issues have an underlying emotional root cause, and present as a combination of cognitive (mind/emotions) and somatic (body) symptoms. The most effective way to resolve these is to address the mind, the emotions and the body, and by re-regulating the nervous system. This creates lasting behavioural change.
Through a combination of talk work and somatic practices, these symptoms can be resolved, allowing one to move into a more empowered relationship with oneself.
What is Psychosexual Somatics Therapy?
What is Somatic Sexology?
Coaching and Therapy
Cognitive awareness is the first step to empowerment. By understanding how and why our symptoms are present, we can begin to make different choices that support greater connection, intimacy and pleasure. My goal is to support you to understand any presenting issues and move through any blocks to a greater capacity for connection, through a combination of coaching (forward-looking, accessing your potential) and therapy (understanding how we came to be as we are) which allows for growth and transformation.
Neuro-Regulation
Almost all presenting issues require a re-regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Becoming aware of the role of the vagus nerve in our capacity for presence, connection and arousal and applying both Polyvagal Theory and Somatic Therapy, I can support you to create new neural pathways and, thus, invite transformation.
Somatic Mindfulness
Awareness is the first step towards empowerment. By applying somatic (embodied) mindfulness to help increase your awareness of limiting beliefs and how they manifest in the body, you can master remaining present and not entering dissociated states or familiar patterns of avoidant behaviours. Mindfulness also contributes to creating a positive neurological state.
Embodiment Techniques
My main focus is on awareness of the felt experience in the moment. By dropping into the body and allowing its wisdom to express and be seen, we become more connected to ourselves and therefore also to others. Using embodiment techniques supports us to know the truth of our experience and move out of stuckness. By becoming aware of physical sensations and any associated emotional responses we can begin to integrate body and mind into a more cohesive whole which creates a stronger sense of selfhood.
Breath Techniques
Many people struggling with intimacy are partly dissociated from their body. Breathing is one of the keys to reconnecting with your body, to feel yourself more deeply and to develop embodied presence. I use different breathwork techniques to support you to drop into your body, to come home to yourself and your own felt experience, creating greater flow in the body.
The Relational Field
At the heart of most relationship and intimacy is an avoidance of connection with ourself and others. By working with what comes up in the room between me and you, you gain deep insights into your relational patterns.
The boundaried therapeutic space I aim to offer allows you to feel supported to resolve intimacy issues both within the mind and the body. The model uses safe, gentle and effective techniques that allow you to see how old, limiting patterns from the past affect their present situation.
The word ‘somatic’ comes from ‘soma’, and it means “relating to the body”.
Somatic Sexology is the study of sexuality from an embodied perspective.
The way I work with clients initially starts with talking sessions. Later on, we may move to Somatic practices to help you connect to your body to discover your inner wisdom, clarity and release trauma held in the body.
I only offer bodywork sessions, if needed, after we have spent a few sessions laying the foundations of trust and communication.
Session structure would include: opening the session and discussing what we will be working on, setting the intention, practices relevant to your exploration and learning, then time for reflection at the end of the session.