When individuals experience trauma, whether from a singular, overwhelming event (acute trauma) or prolonged distressing situations (complex trauma), the body's nervous system can get stuck in the emotional and physical responses of these experiences, essentially holding onto the trauma beyond the event itself. These unresolved physiological imprints can look like a constant feeling of being 'on edge' (hyper-vigilance), difficulty finding true calm, persistent fatigue or unexplained body tension and tightness, and challenges with sleep or digestion. They can also manifest as cycles of anxiety, irritability, feeling overwhelmed or numb, and difficulties in connecting authentically with others. Often, these states of nervous system dysregulation are at the root of struggles with perfectionism, a deep-seated struggle to rest (often fueled by a powerful connection between self-worth and productivity), a disconnection from one's body, and complex relationships with food and body image.

The term "somatic" originates from the Greek word "soma," meaning "of the body." This highlights the core of somatic therapy, which is a "bottom-up" approach utilizing body sensations to heal from trauma. Given how profoundly trauma impacts the body's nervous system, it is precisely through engaging with the body that individuals can find deep and lasting healing.

While I integrate tools and techniques from several different types of somatic psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing® is the main somatic modality that I use. Somatic Experiencing® guides individuals to tune into physical sensations in the body throughout the therapy session. By gently noticing these physical sensations, clients can tap into their body's innate wisdom to safely process overwhelming experiences. This allows them to feel and move through emotions that need attention, release old and stuck trauma responses, and signal to the nervous system that the threat is truly over. Ultimately, this can lead to a profound reconnection with their authentic self.

Somatic Experiencing® can be powerful for supporting individuals with eating disorders and body image concerns because these struggles often stem from a deep disconnection from the body and a dysregulated nervous system. As shared above, SE helps clients gently and safely reconnect with their physical sensations, process underlying emotional pain, and release stuck trauma responses. This can help individuals foster a sense of internal safety and calm, reducing the need for disordered behaviors and cultivating a more peaceful, authentic relationship with their body.