Hello. Before you read about what to expect at your first somatic therapy session, I'd like to take a moment to give gratitude to you for having the courage to take care of yourself. Oftentimes, this first step is the hardest. Thank you for finding me. I hope that this is the beginning of our journey together and that I can help you with what you need to heal.
Somatic therapy combines talk therapy with body-centered practices, including mind-body exercises and movements. The mind-body practices I may use in a session could include relaxation techniques, yoga, gentle movements to release trauma, vocalizing, art, and mindful connection to the body.
IF YOU'RE NERVOUS, IT'S NORMAL
If you find yourself nervous about the first appointment, this is completely normal. Fighting the anxious feelings can be defeating, and may not do much to assuage those feelings. Know that it is totally ok and somewhat expected for your first (maybe few) sessions. Meeting someone new can be nerve-wracking and this is no different. As a Somatic Therapist, it is my honour to receive you with kindness and understanding that you are doing something that is unfamiliar and may be out of your element and comfort zone. I will do my best to make you feel comfortable during our time together.
Our first session will begin as most sessions do. We will begin seated and we will have a conversation. It isn’t uncommon in the beginning to not really be sure what’s happening internally. If that’s the case we will begin to develop a language for expressing what’s happening.
This is very personal as every client is different, and the language can be unique. It may be verbal, physical, or a combination of both. How we work together will vary from person to person, but each session may be very different as well. What is important to remember is that you are in the driver seat. You are leading, though I will be there as a guide, checking in on how you feel about trying certain exercises and how your nervous system is responding.
SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT FOR ANY TRAUMA WORK
Feeling safe during our sessions is my number one priority at all times. Feeling safe is vital in forging connections and paramount for any trauma work. We don’t share, sometimes even with ourselves, when we feel threatened.
Often in a session, we are practicing how to connect what we believe and think with how the body responds or “holds” that belief. When we allow the body to “speak” we often uncover places in which we’ve been stuck and discover more choices and perhaps a way to create more internal space. We may discover our resiliency and our ability to cope and be present in our lives, even in times of difficulty.
Somatic sessions tend to have a gentler pace so we can make space to keep checking in with your comfort levels. The "therapeutic alliance," is the feeling that we are in it together, and so incredibly important for healing to take place.
I am incredibly excited to meet you and help you on your path to healing. To new beginnings.
If you have any questions, please call 604-868-5572.
With gratitude,
Kerri