Touch & Somatics
Reconnecting with the Body
Cognitive therapies typically emphasize thinking, doing, core beliefs, and problem-solving. Somatic therapies (Greek for “body”) explore the interconnectedness of our mind and body by emphasizing feeling, being, mindfulness, and acceptance. Combined these therapies address emotional healing holistically.
Somatic work begins by learning to slow down and listen. This is very counterintuitive in our fast-paced Capitalist culture. It’s also more or less challenging based on your neurotype and sensory needs. We go at the speed of trust, and that requires working creatively.
Some folks experience alexithymia, Greek for “without words for emotions” and find that naming emotions is virtually impossible. If you struggle with cognitive therapies, consider an embodied approach!
Touch & Consent
Touch is a profoundly connecting practice, but some of us struggle with numbing, dissociating, or trauma stemming from sensory overwhelm and/or unwanted touch.
For some folks, touch is an escalator or a slippery slope: touch leads to arousal, arousal leads to sex, sex leads to orgasm. If this is the case, maybe I avoid all contact because I don’t want to “sign up” for more.
What about pleasure for pleasure’s sake? Touch is the most direct route to pleasure and you can learn how to experience touch in ways that nourish your needs for connection or desires for pleasure. A huge part of accessing pleasure is learning to speak for your wants and limits, to accommodate your needs for safety and stimulation.
My work is influenced and inspired by the Wheel of Consent® as developed by Dr. Betty Martin. I have trained with the School of Consent, but I am not a certified facilitator. For more information visit www.schoolofconsent.org.
Work With Me
Relearn what it means to be human, to have a body, and to feel pleasure.