Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapy
A safe space to gently explore your inner world with compassion and the guidance of your body's wisdom.
Difficult experiences leave a mark. They don’t just live in memory, they live in the body, shaping your nervous system and influencing your sense of safety, connection, and ease.
When stress or trauma becomes overwhelming, the body and brain work together to protect you. These survival responses are essential in the moment, but they can remain “switched on” long after the event has passed.
This can show up as anxiety, chronic tension, fatigue, or feeling disconnected. Your nervous system may stay in a state of hyper-alertness or shutdown, making it hard to feel safe, focused, or at ease.
Somatic therapy helps by working with both the body and the brain. Through gentle, body-led practices, we support your nervous system in finding regulation, grounding, and a felt sense of safety.
Difficult experiences leave a mark. They don’t just live in memory, they live in the body, shaping your nervous system and influencing your sense of safety, connection, and ease.
When stress or trauma becomes overwhelming, the body and brain work together to protect you. These survival responses are essential in the moment, but they can remain “switched on” long after the event has passed.
This can show up as anxiety, chronic tension, fatigue, or feeling disconnected. Your nervous system may stay in a state of hyper-alertness or shutdown, making it hard to feel safe, focused, or at ease.
Somatic therapy helps by working with both the body and the brain. Through gentle, body-led practices, we support your nervous system in finding regulation, grounding, and a felt sense of safety.
“Trauma is a fact of life, but it does not have to be a life sentence. When we learn to listen to the body and allow the survival energy trapped within it to be safely released, we rediscover a natural rhythm of expansion and contraction that brings us back to balance, resilience, and vitality.”
— Peter Levine
“Trauma is a fact of life, but it does not have to be a life sentence. When we learn to listen to the body and allow the survival energy trapped within it to be safely released, we rediscover a natural rhythm of expansion and contraction that brings us back to balance, resilience, and vitality.”
— Peter Levine
This speaks to the deeper truth of the work: trauma doesn’t have to define your present or your future. Healing happens when the body feels safe enough to soften, release, and reconnect. Through slow, attuned, body-led practices, we support your system in gently completing what was once overwhelming allowing you to access more steadiness, connection, and ease over time.
This speaks to the deeper truth of the work: trauma doesn’t have to define your present or your future. Healing happens when the body feels safe enough to soften, release, and reconnect. Through slow, attuned, body-led practices, we support your system in gently completing what was once overwhelming allowing you to access more steadiness, connection, and ease over time.
What You Might Be Navigating
What You Might Be Navigating
Anxiety, panic, or chronic stress
Burnout or emotional exhaustion
The lingering impact of trauma or complex PTSD
A nervous system that feels “always on”
Chronic pain or health conditions without clear medical answers
Patterns like overworking, people-pleasing, or perfectionism
Sensitivity or neurodivergence that feels overwhelming
How We Work Together
How We Work Together
Our sessions begin with creating safety and grounding, simple practices like breath awareness, gentle movement, or nervous system regulation. From there, we explore what feels accessible for you, using approaches such as:
Our sessions begin with creating safety and grounding, simple practices like breath awareness, gentle movement, or nervous system regulation. From there, we explore what feels accessible for you, using approaches such as:
Polyvagal-informed practices for nervous system regulation
Parts work and inner dialogue to integrate fragmented experiences
Somatic awareness and movement to release tension and restore flow
Breathwork and resourcing tools to build steadiness and capacity
This process is never rushed. We move at a pace your system can hold, honouring choice and consent every step of the way.
FAQs
FAQs
What is Somatic Therapy?
It’s a body-based approach that helps you gently process stress and trauma stored in the nervous system. Instead of focusing only on thoughts, we work with sensations, movement, and breath to support healing at your own pace.
What does Trauma-Informed mean?
Being trauma-informed means understanding how past or present experiences of stress or trauma can affect the body, mind, and behaviour. It’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where people feel respected and not re-triggered. In practice, this approach values choice, consent, and pacing so you’re never pushed beyond what feels manageable. It recognises that resilience grows when we feel safe and understood.
What does Polyvagal-Informed mean?
Polyvagal-informed refers to working with an understanding of the Polyvagal Theory, which explains how the nervous system responds to stress and safety. This approach helps us notice when we’re in “fight, flight, or freeze” and learn tools to return to a state of calm and connection.
Do I have to tell my whole story?
No. You choose what to share. We can work effectively with present-moment experience. This work does not require you to revisit traumatic events unless you feel ready. We focus on creating safety and listening to your body’s signals, not forcing disclosure.
I’ve done years of talk therapy. How is this different?
Somatic counselling takes a whole-person approach, focusing on the connection between body and mind. While talk therapy explores thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, somatic work pays attention to how experiences are stored in the body and how these patterns affect your nervous system, emotions, and daily life. This approach helps restore regulation and resilience.
I’ve never had any kind of therapy, what can I expect?
That’s completely okay, these sessions are designed to feel safe and supportive, even if this is your first experience. We’ll begin by talking through what feels important for you and set a pace that feels comfortable. You’ll learn gentle, body-based practices to help regulate your nervous system and build a sense of grounding. There’s no pressure to share anything you’re not ready to, your choice and comfort are always respected. The focus is on creating safety and supporting your wellbeing.
What if I feel overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of exploring emotions, trauma, or bodily sensations. In somatic counselling, we move at a pace that feels safe for you, and I am here to support you every step of the way. The work is guided by your nervous system, not by a timeline, and we focus on regulation, grounding, and creating safety first.
Can I work with you alongside medication or other therapy?
Yes, some people find somatic therapy works well alongside medication, counselling, psychotherapy, or other forms of support. I am not a medical professional, so I do not provide medical advice or manage medications. However, I fully support a collaborative approach and encourage you to continue working with your GP, psychiatrist, or other healthcare providers as needed.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone’s process is unique. Some people appreciate a short series; others value a longer-term support. We’ll review together as we go.
Is this suitable for trauma?
Yes, somatic counselling is suitable for people working with both recent and historical trauma. Trauma can take many forms, from a recent accident, a distressing event, or ongoing relational or developmental experiences. It can leave lasting imprints in the body and nervous system, sometimes showing up as tension, hypervigilance, or flashbacks. Somatic approaches focus on noticing and working with these physical and emotional responses safely and at your pace.
Are these sessions a substitute for medical care?
Are these sessions a substitute for medical care? No. Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapy is not a replacement for medical or psychiatric treatment. If you experience a medical emergency, please stop the session and call 999 or 111 immediately.
Confidentiality & Supervision
Your privacy matters. I work under regular supervision and hold appropriate insurance. We’ll go over confidentiality and its limits in our first session.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Sessions can be rescheduled or cancelled with 24 hours’ notice for online sessions and 48 hour’s notice for in-person sessions. Missed or late-cancelled sessions may be charged in full. Duration of each session is 1 hour. Cost is £80 for online session, and £140 for an in-person session. Payment is required prior to each session.
What is Somatic Therapy?
It’s a body-based approach that helps you gently process stress and trauma stored in the nervous system. Instead of focusing only on thoughts, we work with sensations, movement, and breath to support healing at your own pace.
What does Trauma-Informed mean?
Being trauma-informed means understanding how past or present experiences of stress or trauma can affect the body, mind, and behaviour. It’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where people feel respected and not re-triggered. In practice, this approach values choice, consent, and pacing so you’re never pushed beyond what feels manageable. It recognises that resilience grows when we feel safe and understood.
What does Polyvagal-Informed mean?
Polyvagal-informed refers to working with an understanding of the Polyvagal Theory, which explains how the nervous system responds to stress and safety. This approach helps us notice when we’re in “fight, flight, or freeze” and learn tools to return to a state of calm and connection.
Do I have to tell my whole story?
No. You choose what to share. We can work effectively with present-moment experience. This work does not require you to revisit traumatic events unless you feel ready. We focus on creating safety and listening to your body’s signals, not forcing disclosure.
I’ve done years of talk therapy. How is this different?
Somatic counselling takes a whole-person approach, focusing on the connection between body and mind. While talk therapy explores thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, somatic work pays attention to how experiences are stored in the body and how these patterns affect your nervous system, emotions, and daily life. This approach helps restore regulation and resilience.
I’ve never had any kind of therapy, what can I expect?
That’s completely okay, these sessions are designed to feel safe and supportive, even if this is your first experience. We’ll begin by talking through what feels important for you and set a pace that feels comfortable. You’ll learn gentle, body-based practices to help regulate your nervous system and build a sense of grounding. There’s no pressure to share anything you’re not ready to, your choice and comfort are always respected. The focus is on creating safety and supporting your wellbeing.
What if I feel overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of exploring emotions, trauma, or bodily sensations. In somatic counselling, we move at a pace that feels safe for you, and I am here to support you every step of the way. The work is guided by your nervous system, not by a timeline, and we focus on regulation, grounding, and creating safety first.
Can I work with you alongside medication or other therapy?
Yes, some people find somatic therapy works well alongside medication, counselling, psychotherapy, or other forms of support. I am not a medical professional, so I do not provide medical advice or manage medications. However, I fully support a collaborative approach and encourage you to continue working with your GP, psychiatrist, or other healthcare providers as needed.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone’s process is unique. Some people appreciate a short series; others value a longer-term support. We’ll review together as we go.
Is this suitable for trauma?
Yes, somatic counselling is suitable for people working with both recent and historical trauma. Trauma can take many forms, from a recent accident, a distressing event, or ongoing relational or developmental experiences. It can leave lasting imprints in the body and nervous system, sometimes showing up as tension, hypervigilance, or flashbacks. Somatic approaches focus on noticing and working with these physical and emotional responses safely and at your pace.
Are these sessions a substitute for medical care?
Are these sessions a substitute for medical care? No. Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapy is not a replacement for medical or psychiatric treatment. If you experience a medical emergency, please stop the session and call 999 or 111 immediately.
Confidentiality & Supervision
Your privacy matters. I work under regular supervision and hold appropriate insurance. We’ll go over confidentiality and its limits in our first session.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Sessions can be rescheduled or cancelled with 24 hours’ notice for online sessions and 48 hour’s notice for in-person sessions. Missed or late-cancelled sessions may be charged in full. Duration of each session is 1 hour. Cost is £80 for online session, and £140 for an in-person session. Payment is required prior to each session.
What is Somatic Therapy?
It’s a body-based approach that helps you gently process stress and trauma stored in the nervous system. Instead of focusing only on thoughts, we work with sensations, movement, and breath to support healing at your own pace.
What does Trauma-Informed mean?
Being trauma-informed means understanding how past or present experiences of stress or trauma can affect the body, mind, and behaviour. It’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where people feel respected and not re-triggered. In practice, this approach values choice, consent, and pacing so you’re never pushed beyond what feels manageable. It recognises that resilience grows when we feel safe and understood.
What does Polyvagal-Informed mean?
Polyvagal-informed refers to working with an understanding of the Polyvagal Theory, which explains how the nervous system responds to stress and safety. This approach helps us notice when we’re in “fight, flight, or freeze” and learn tools to return to a state of calm and connection.
Do I have to tell my whole story?
No. You choose what to share. We can work effectively with present-moment experience. This work does not require you to revisit traumatic events unless you feel ready. We focus on creating safety and listening to your body’s signals, not forcing disclosure.
I’ve done years of talk therapy. How is this different?
Somatic counselling takes a whole-person approach, focusing on the connection between body and mind. While talk therapy explores thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, somatic work pays attention to how experiences are stored in the body and how these patterns affect your nervous system, emotions, and daily life. This approach helps restore regulation and resilience.
I’ve never had any kind of therapy, what can I expect?
That’s completely okay, these sessions are designed to feel safe and supportive, even if this is your first experience. We’ll begin by talking through what feels important for you and set a pace that feels comfortable. You’ll learn gentle, body-based practices to help regulate your nervous system and build a sense of grounding. There’s no pressure to share anything you’re not ready to, your choice and comfort are always respected. The focus is on creating safety and supporting your wellbeing.
What if I feel overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of exploring emotions, trauma, or bodily sensations. In somatic counselling, we move at a pace that feels safe for you, and I am here to support you every step of the way. The work is guided by your nervous system, not by a timeline, and we focus on regulation, grounding, and creating safety first.
Can I work with you alongside medication or other therapy?
Yes, some people find somatic therapy works well alongside medication, counselling, psychotherapy, or other forms of support. I am not a medical professional, so I do not provide medical advice or manage medications. However, I fully support a collaborative approach and encourage you to continue working with your GP, psychiatrist, or other healthcare providers as needed.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone’s process is unique. Some people appreciate a short series; others value a longer-term support. We’ll review together as we go.
Is this suitable for trauma?
Yes, somatic counselling is suitable for people working with both recent and historical trauma. Trauma can take many forms, from a recent accident, a distressing event, or ongoing relational or developmental experiences. It can leave lasting imprints in the body and nervous system, sometimes showing up as tension, hypervigilance, or flashbacks. Somatic approaches focus on noticing and working with these physical and emotional responses safely and at your pace.
Are these sessions a substitute for medical care?
Are these sessions a substitute for medical care? No. Trauma-Informed Somatic Therapy is not a replacement for medical or psychiatric treatment. If you experience a medical emergency, please stop the session and call 999 or 111 immediately.
Confidentiality & Supervision
Your privacy matters. I work under regular supervision and hold appropriate insurance. We’ll go over confidentiality and its limits in our first session.
Payment & Cancellation Policy
Sessions can be rescheduled or cancelled with 24 hours’ notice for online sessions and 48 hour’s notice for in-person sessions. Missed or late-cancelled sessions may be charged in full. Duration of each session is 1 hour. Cost is £80 for online session, and £140 for an in-person session. Payment is required prior to each session.