For Somatic Release to be as effective as possible, we must first establish trust. I'll take time to get to know you on a personal level so I can better understand your situation and how I can support you best. Then, I'll utilize my experience and education in art therapy, psychology, and trauma-informed coaching to help you get to the root of your problem and identify which unresolved emotions and energies are holding you back from living your life freely and with ease. When the root is established, we'll move forward with the various techniques listed below, based on your unique situation, input, and desires. 

The breath gives us direct access to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. When we breathe consciously and with intention, we can both activate the nervous system to move "stuck" energy and also soothe the nervous system to create more ease and calm in entire body. 

Somatic work requires consciousness within the body and the ability to tune into the various sensations and information that the body provides. With guided meditation and visualization, the stuck energies within the body can be easily "seen" and identified. This identification is the base for Somatic Release work. Once an energy is identified, it can be approached, integrated, and released. 

Various full-body relaxation techniques, such as Yoga Nidra, The Sandbag visualization, and Progressive Muscle Relaxation, can create a deep and lasting sense of ease in the body. This ease promotes lower stress hormone levels, deeper sleep, and a decrease in emotional reaction to outside triggers. 

When unresolved energy is held in the body, muscles become tense and defensive. This creates a negative feedback loop with the nervous system, indicating to the mind that the body should stay posed for danger. With intentional unwinding of various muscle groups, tension in the body can relax, which subsequently relaxes the mind. 

Remaining present and mindful is a large component of Somatic work. Establishing a conscious connection with sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste, creates a deep anchor to the present moment and allows for the entire to system to disengage from past and future stress. 

Conscious connection to the earth and the secure pull of gravity calms and soothes the nervous system. By centering in the present moment and activating the various energy centers in the body, anxious energy in the body can be released and dispelled into the earth, resulting in calm connection and a sense of wellbeing. 

When mammals escape danger, they instinctively shake and move their bodies to dispel the residual stress hormones that activated during the threat. Humans have learned to repress these physical motions, and intuitive shaking and movement can help to resolve repressed emotions and energy. 

The Emotional Freedom Technique, also known as EFT, involves tapping on various points in the body to calm the amygdala, reduce cortisol levels, rewire neural pathways, and balance the autonomic nervous system. 

The psoas muscle, a deep core muscle that connects the spine to the legs and plays a crucial role in posture, movement, and stability, is directly linked to the autonomic nervous system. Chronic stress, trauma, or prolonged sitting can cause the psoas to stay in a contracted state, keeping the body in sympathetic (fight-or-flight) activation even when the threat is gone. By gently releasing the tension and trauma from the psoas, we signal to the brain that the body is safe, allowing the parasympathetic nervous system to take over. 

The gentle, mindful movements of therapeutic yoga techniques deepen the mind-body connection and create space to curiously explore your inner world and deepen your connection with your Self. This connection allows for deeper self-compassion and integration through self-acceptance.  

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique that channels universal life force energy through the hands of the practitioner and can be practiced hands-on or at a distance. Healing Touch is a heart-centered, biofield therapy that uses gentle, intentional touch to influence the energy field surrounding the body. 

While all the tools and techniques above fall under Nervous System Regulation, the goal is to empower you to discover what works best for your unique system and to help you turn nervous system regulation into a sustainable, everyday habit.