What is it?

Somatic means “of the body.” Somatic psychotherapy is a powerful and effective process which accesses the natural intelligence of the body to facilitate healing and change.

Integrating age-old wisdom, common sense and modern science, somatic psychotherapy can help you:

• Make changes in unwanted habits and relationship patterns
• Develop internal strengths and resources
• Integrate and move on from prior traumatic experiences
• Unlock your creative potential and natural capacities for healing.

The field of somatic psychology includes a growing body of theory and research, and is comprised of a number of specific modalities, as well as more general practice. Common somatic approaches include simple breath and awareness exercises, movement, stillness, resource development and specific strategies for completion, all integrated with the traditional techniques of talking, psychoeducation and support.

The choice of specific approaches is based on your situation, preferences and goals. As a somatic psychotherapist, I can provide traditional counseling which integrates elements of somatic psychology as they are relevant to your situation. I am also trained in some specific forms of body psychotherapy, and we can choose to focus our work in one of these modalities if that is your preference.

Modalities available:

• HakomI Body-Centered Psychotherapy
• Sensorimotor processing
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (E.M.D.R.)

Who can benefit?

Somatic psychotherapy is a good choice for problems that have not responded to talk therapy alone, since the root of difficult or traumatic experiences is often stored in the body.

Somatic Psychotherapy is particularly helpful with the following issues and conditions:

• Anxiety ( Dental/Medical, Performance )
• Unsatisfying relationship patterns
• Transitions (any significant life change)
• Mild addictions
• Feeling “stuck”
• Feeling disconnected from your body or emotions
• Sexual and physical abuse
• Intrusive memory/flashbacks
• Panic attacks
• Chronic pain/fatigue
• Unusual physical symptoms

Testimonial

I had a session with Jaffy which allowed me to complete an issue from my childhood that had felt stuck since age 5. As a result my boundaries are spontaneously better in my interactions with others. In my many years of therapy, I have never felt such a sense of completion and resolve. - Sandya Scott

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a form of bodywork or massage?

No. Just as in regular therapy, clients remain fully clothed, and are most often seated on a couch across from the therapist.

Will the therapist touch me?

The therapist’s touch can be helpful in the course of a session, for example, to help guide a movement, for comfort, or to help bring awareness to a specific area. However there are always other ways to accomplish these ends, and you will always be in charge of whether or how you may be touched. What is most important is that you feel comfortable and safe.

Is this therapy effective for somone who is not emotionally or physically expressive?

Yes. The focus of the process is on your internal experience, unless you have chosen to work with your expressive style as a therapeutic goal.