Somatics

In one-on-one sessions (usually online with the option of in-person available), we focus on sensations in your body. I reflect back and help you to stay present with your experience. I offer movements and strategies for working with these sensations, which you can also practice in your own time. Interventions may involve body scanning; self-holds and exploratory movement; visualisation; distraction from overwhelm; and other grounding or energising techniques.

All of this can help us attune to ourselves, increase our confidence, tolerate a greater emotional range, and process past experiences. I trust you as the authority on your own body, and recognise the impact of systemic and cultural forces on our individual and collective experiences.

"River has a really gentle presence that encouraged me to feel calm and at ease during our sessions. They took the sessions at a slow pace to really get to know me and what I needed. I'm grateful for our time working together."

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  • The somatic (meaning of the body) framework holds that bringing attention to bodily sensations can open up new possibilities emotionally.

    These bodily sensations may look like anything from heat or cold, tightness or softness, pressure or lightness, buzzing or tingling, or even colours and shapes. Bodily sensations can be overwhelming (even the pleasurable ones) and we may avoid them by zoning out, thinking, and using various numbing behaviours. Expanding our capacity to be with the sensations in our bodies can increase our self-awareness, support us in feeling more present in our lives and decisions, and help us to identify desires and boundaries.

    We all have habitual ways of holding ourselves which create sensitivity in some areas and numbness in others. Somatics can bring awareness to these patterns, and how they have been shaped by our lives. For example, noticing and working with how we tense around an injury can help us with pain management. The same goes for manifestations of feelings like anxiety.

    In sessions, we focus on the present moment and what is happening in your body in the here and now. However, focussing on bodily sensations can bring up memories. Our priority is supporting your sense of stability and presence as much as possible. Over time, we may explore issues from your past as they arise. This can help to resolve difficulties that we cannot think our way out of through insight alone.

    Feel free to reach out if you’re unsure if somatics is right for you.

  • I completed a year-long training in Somatic Trauma Therapy in early 2026 led by Simonetta Logan at the School of Holistic Therapy in Edinburgh, and continue to undertake study alone and in groups. I attend supervision with an experienced mentor, as well as peer supervision, to review and seek input on my practice. I am insured by Balens.

  • Sessions last for 1 hour. You might come weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, and this can change over time. We will check in about your progress as we go. I work online on weekdays from 10-6, with negotiable weekday evening flexibility.

    Sessions cost between £35-60 on a sliding scale. Check out the FAQs on my homepage for more information about sliding scale payments. Let me know if you are interested and these costs are a barrier to you.

    If you are interested, please read my Working Together Agreement here and email me via the contact form to schedule a free initial call.