Somatic Therapy
Are you struggling?
Would you like to live with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose and feel greater satisfaction and aliveness? Do you struggle with a merciless self-critic? Are you going through a difficult divorce or the loss of a loved one? Perhaps you’re feeling anxious or depressed. These are all painful experiences that can leave you feeling hopeless, helpless, and alone. You may have developed self-destructive ways of coping, relying on an addiction or an eating disorder to get by. When you are in the middle of these painful feelings, it can be hard to see a way towards feeling better, or even to remember a time when you did.
There is hope.
There is hope, and there is help. You don’t have to navigate these difficult experiences on your own. Somatic therapy can be an effective approach to addressing the root causes of your pain, so you can find lasting relief and healing. I have been in these tough places myself, and I understand how difficult it can be.
The therapy I offer has its origins in Gestalt psychotherapy, and incorporates mindfulness, body and energy awareness, imagery, the expressive arts, spirituality, and the principles the Alexander Technique. In an environment of safety and acceptance, we will look at what is getting in the way of you feeling whole, alive, and free. Often, these blocks to your aliveness formed in response to hurt and trauma you have suffered. You may not even be consciously aware of any traumatic experiences or lingering hurts, but your body is. Every experience we have is recorded in the cells of the body, including our old emotional wounds. Most of us do our best to block out these painful experiences, and we often end up disconnecting from our bodies to avoid feeling the pain. But our bodies are oriented towards healing, and may begin to communicate that our unacknowledged distress needs attention. Our old wounds can manifest as tension, pain, digestive issues, depression, self-defeating behaviors, or other physical and emotional imbalances. In the safe and supportive environment of a somatic therapy session, you can learn to befriend your body and interpret the signals it is sending you. With more safety, you can be more in touch with your body and therefore yourself. You’ll be invited to relate to yourself differently, with the compassion and self-acceptance you need to heal. As you bring healing to past hurts, you’ll gain insight into your present day distress, and you’ll understand that there is a relationship between the two.
My experience as a client of this work is that it has allowed me to experience more aliveness, ground, and to have a deeper connection with myself and others. I recognize that I make sense, that I am fundamentally okay and that we all are. I’m able to treat myself with much more compassion and care than I used to. I have more support to be in my body and feel all my feelings, whether they are joyful or painful. I have faith that any difficult feelings I experience (and I do still experience difficult feelings) are here to show me something important about myself. I have felt first-hand the healing power of support and caring connection. This work touches me deeply and I would be honored to support you in the way I have been supported.
Won’t this be expensive?
Are you satisfied with your quality of life? Investing in therapy is an investment in your long-term sense of contentment and well-being. Somatic therapy, in particular, is an investment in a healthier body as well as a healthier mind. Addressing old wounds where they live in the body may help you minimize pain and prevent future episodes of pain and illness. It is possible to bring healing to body, mind, and spirit. You deserve to live a life that feels satisfying and meaningful.
Do you take insurance?
Unfortunately I do not take insurance. My rate per 55 minute session is $125. I reserve a percentage of places in my practice for clients with limited means at a reduced rate. As of this writing those spots are currently full but you are welcome to check with me for current status.
Next steps….
Take the next step and call me at 917.533.2857 to discuss whether this work would be a good fit for you. You can ask me any questions you have about my approach and my practice. I lost my office during the pandemic and have not found another one yet, so all sessions are virtual for now.