What can I expect in a somatic practice session?

We usually start with practices that allow you to start understanding your nervous system in the here and now.

These include doing sensorial exercises, called orienting: looking around the room, using the sense of smell, using touch through stimming toys or other textures etc.

Other practices will include body-mapping, by sensing into different areas of the body and naming sensations/characteristics you experience; and pendulating, moving from an uncomfortable sensation to a neutral one and back.

Moving into emotionally processing, we can use an array of co-regulating techniques such as hands-on bodywork; somatic movement and breath; voice work (growling, humming, singing/droning).

Every session is tailored to your needs on the day, and what comes up for you during the practice.

Nothing is compulsory, everything is always optional and there is also the opportunity to test things and then stop them if they do not feel accessible/appropriate/comfortable.

Can I combine massage and somatics/coaching in a session?

Yes, you can - however, you will need to book the 1h30min session rather than 1h (that is the 1h30min + 20min consultation if you are a new participant).

This is simply because 1h is not sufficient for doing a combined session.

Are your sessions LGBTQ+ friendly?

I’m a trans non-binary and queer practitioner, working with LGBTQ+ participants. My practice is actively affirming - I welcome you to share as much or as little as you want with me in order to help you feel comfortable joining my practice space.

Find out more on LGBTQ+ page.

What can I expect in our first session?

The consultation is part of your initial visit (1h20min minimum session).

During the first 20 minutes, I will go through a list of questions that will help me understand your current health and wellbeing + your desire behind joining the session. You can choose to sit or lie down, face towards me or away from me as we do this.

There will be an opportunity for you to state any boundaries you have, as well as your needs and intentions prior to the session.

The above will help us chose and plan a tailored session - for you, in that present moment, which can be either bodywork, somatic practice, coaching or a combination. For bodywork treatment, this includes agreeing on clothing and towel options, as well as touch/no touch options.

Before the session I aim to make it as easy as possible for you to ask or speak up if you are uncomfortable or need to change anything about the session.  

Throughout the session, I will also monitor and check in with you at any signs of discomfort (i.e. via body’s reactions such as: your breath, muscle spasms, skin appearance, behavioural and verbal indicators). If those signs appear, we can work together to adjust to methods that make you feel at ease and comfortable again.

With every session thereafter, we will build upon this framework + if needed, adapt through active consent to any occurring changes.