Somatic Neuro-Touch

One optional choice that I offer when working with trauma, is Somatic Neuro-Touch Therapy.

 

Somatic Neuro-Touch Therapy is a body-based approach informed by the Somatic Experiencing® trauma training by Dr Peter Levine - Trauma Therapy Institute, as well as by NeuroAffective Touch® techniques founded by Dr Aline LaPierre -

a somatic-emotional expert on how to heal from the effects of childhood trauma.

 

I combine these two modalities to help clients ease and release the effects of trauma in their body.  Somatic Neuro-Touch sessions work to deeply reset the nervous system's fight/flight/freeze responses that may be ever present or too easily triggered as a result of past/current stress or trauma. 

 

Sessions help you to more easily 'shift gears' from an activated, triggered state, down to a calmer/ more regulated state - helping you move from a state of fear or unrest to a baseline sense of safety. 

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The process is gentle, non-invasive and non-manipulating of the body. The client remains fully clothed - either seated or lying down. The client is a full participant in the process by giving feedback and discussing their felt sense experience, inner sensations, memories and images that may arise. 

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As a touch modality, Somatic Neuro-Touch sessions have many benefits:

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• Increases levels of oxytocin (the "connection hormone")

• Regulates emotions, reduces fear and anxiety levels in the body

• Reduces the levels of cortisol and adrenaline in the body (stress hormones)

• Regulates the nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for rest and relaxation)

• Increases a sense of wellbeing, contentment and stability ("all is well") by increasing levels of serotonin in the body

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When can Somatic Touch Therapy sessions help?

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• When you struggle to feel calm and regulated in your body, often feeling activated or overwhelmed

• When you are triggered into activation at a higher level than a 'typical' response level would be for what has occured

• When you feel disconnected from your body or there is fear about coming into relationship with your body due to past experiences, and you need support to move past this

• When stress or trauma manifests as physical symptoms causing you pain and discomfort

• When you've experienced childhood trauma - anytime from birth onwards

• When you have worked with 'talk therapy' approaches and have had limited success in resolving your issue