Body-Based Approaches

Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Our nervous system - or the “animal” of our body - wants to and was designed to recover. It’s the “human” in us - the unintegrated thoughts, feelings, and beliefs around traumatic experiences - that can keep us stuck in a loop. This is where I think traditional talk therapy often falls short and somatic therapy can be truly life-changing.

My certification in Somatic Experiencing (SE) works directly with the both the animal and the human, getting the body and mind in conversation to integrate the pervasive fragments of pain that keep you stuck.

You may be familiar with the terms “fight,” “flight,” “freeze,” and “fawn.” Knowing about these states is one thing. Truly being with yourself when you’re in these states is another, and is the key in releasing traumatic imprints. With the mind and body working in tandem, thwarted energy from traumatic events can be safely discharged. This release helps the nervous system to be rocked back into equilibrium. It invites the body forward in time to the present.

When we develop greater internal awareness and capacity in our nervous system, we can make these once unconscious loops conscious and disentangle them with care. The result is having access to options we didn’t have before, greater agency, and shifting from victim to a powerful co-creator in life.

Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a body-based mindfulness therapy that uses eye positioning as a window into deeper processing. If you are familiar with EMDR, I liken it to its more intuitive, approachable cousin. Similar to SE, it works directly with the nervous system through the client’s attuned awareness.

Brainspotting is a tool that cultivates the conditions to allow your brain to do what it does best with the presence of a nonjudgmental and curious posture - process, organize, filter, and create new pathways. Many clients report feeling internal shifts they can’t explain in words.

Often, I will use a pointer to help a client find and hold an eye position. Other times, a brainspot can be found by Gazespotting, or being guided to find a spot anywhere in the visual field.

Brainspotting is effective for treating anxiety, depression, processing trauma, as well as exploring areas of expansion - like connecting with creativity, confidence, and improving sports performance. Another area Brainspotting can be effective is working through blocks - writers/creative blocks as well as fears and phobias.

I love how Brainspotting does not operate within a rigid protocol. This allows me to work creatively with each client to tailor their Brainspotting frame and session to what feels most effective for them and their system.