FAQ

What makes Somatic therapy different from Talk therapy?

Like traditional talk therapy, somatic therapy uses relationship and conversation as tools towards healing. What distinguishes Somatic Therapy is its use of the body as a ground of inquiry and discovery. While the mind has the ability to manipulate information from past, present and future, the body speaks only in present tense and cannot lie. When we root into the body’s experience we show up with more presence to What is actually happening. The body is guiding us all of the time, we just don’t know it. Somatic therapy invites the body into the conversation of our whole selves. Participants of the form often experience themselves as more at ease in their wholeness and connected with their lives.

Who created this form of Somatic therapy?

Transformative touch is a form of Somatic Therapy created and taught by Joe Weldon and Noel Wight of The Somatic Therapy Center in Philadelphia, PA. The practice was developed from Joe’s practice as both a clinical psychologist and practitioner of Feldenkrias’ Awareness Through Movement (a somatic practice of noticing and working with subtle movement patterns in the body).

Why is Touch a part of this practice?

What makes this form of Somatic Therapy unique is the use of touch. While many of the principles and methods are similar to the work of Somatic Experiencing, this form offers gentle, hands-on contact that facilitates a safe connection to body and Self. The sense of touch is primary in human development and has the capacity to guide the nervous system into safety. The non-manitpulative touch I offer is a choreographed sequence that gives presence and support to your feet, head, pelvis, legs, shoulders, arms and back. Touch supports safety and discovery. It is possible for sessions to not use physical touch, but instead, use the touch of words to guide you into the experience of your body. Physical touch is only given when it is welcomed by the you.

How does somatic therapy address trauma?

Since our body is always pointed towards safety and aliveness, it can store away traumas, save them for later so to speak, so that we can go on with the stuff of our lives. I consider traumas as unprocessed charges of energy. While the conscious mind may not be aware of this physiology, the nervous system is aware and continues to respond to these unprocessed energetic holding patterns. Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD, in his book The Body Keeps the Score, explains, “The trauma that started ‘out there’ is now played out on the battlefield of their own bodies, usually without a conscious connection between what happened back then and what is going on right now inside. The challenge is not so much learning to accept the terrible things that have happened but learning how to gain mastery over one’s internal sensations and emotions. Sensing, naming, and identifying what is going on inside is the first step to recovery.” With a sustained Somatic Therapy practice you increase your capacity to notice and respond to the cues of your body. Noticing is the first step towards change. Once you bring to light what has been unconsciously habitual, you open to the possibility of new choices. Always, especially with highly charged emotional material, slow and easy is key. It is important to always stay within ‘the window of tolerance,’ where your nervous system is in safety. Safety is required for healing.

What happens in a session and how long does it last?

Session lengths are between 60-70 minutes. A session begins seated in chairs, where you and I engage in a dialogue about your mental/physical/emotional states or needs of the present. The session then progresses to the massage table, where you lie on your back, fully clothed. Props for comfort are provided as needed. To progress our dialogue, I invite you into awareness of your body and with prompts, you begin to articulate your noticings. Then, when ready, I offer the sequence of touch to support our evolving conversation. The session unfolds as a dialogue between you and your Body’s sensations, you and what comes up from the phsical terrain of you. I serve as a guide to your journey through your body’s sensations, images and emotions and the insights they offer. The session closes with you standing, back on the earth, grounded and open to the integration of the session’s experience.

How often do we have to meet in order for me to perceive changes and shifts?

This work is a practice of attunement to the body and nervous system and, like all practices, will progress with consistent attention. It is best to meet once per week for 4-6 weeks then decide if sessions can be spaced out. It is possible to receive benefit and make progress meeting bi-weekly or even monthly.

How do I begin?

A 15-minute phone consultation is available to you to help you determine whether or not you would like to schedule a first session. In this initial phone conversation I will ask you why you are interested in this work and will do my best to answer all of your questions. To set up a phone consultation please call me at the number provided on contact page or email me via the contact page.