Healing trauma through the body — because sometimes words alone aren't enough.
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You might not think of your body as carrying your story, but it does. Trauma doesn't just live in your mind; it lives in your nervous system, in your muscles, in the way you breathe, in the space you take up in the world.
Maybe you notice your chest tightens when someone raises their voice. Perhaps you can't sit still, or you find yourself exhausted from being perpetually on alert. You might flinch without warning, or feel disconnected from your body altogether. Your shoulders might live around your ears. You might hold your breath without realizing it.
These aren't character flaws or signs of weakness. They're your nervous system's way of protecting you—responses that made perfect sense at the time of the original threat. The problem is, your body is still in protection mode, long after the danger has passed.
The good news? Your body can learn something different. And somatic psychotherapy is the pathway to that learning.
Somatic psychotherapy recognises that your body isn't just a vessel for your mind—it's a living record of everything you've experienced. When traditional talk therapy isn't reaching the places that hurt, somatic psychotherapy offers a way in through the body itself. By working with sensation, breath, movement, and nervous system regulation, we access layers of experience that words alone can't touch. This is healing that honours your whole self—not just the parts you can articulate.
Somatic psychotherapy works directly with your nervous system, not against it. Rather than asking you to simply "think positive" or talk your way out of anxiety, we work with the body's innate wisdom—with the resources, resilience, and capacity for healing that already live within you.
I draw on two primary approaches: Somatic Experiencing (SE), developed by trauma researcher Peter Levine, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, created by Pat Ogden. Both recognize that trauma is incomplete—that your body had a survival response that was interrupted or suppressed. Our work together involves gently accessing these incomplete responses and allowing your nervous system to complete them in a safe, supported way.
This might involve noticing sensations in your body, exploring movement impulses, or simply learning to pause and feel. There's no right way to do it. The process is collaborative, and you're always in control. I follow your lead, working at a pace that feels safe for you.
As your nervous system learns that the danger has passed, the old protective patterns begin to soften. Anxiety decreases. You breathe more freely. You feel more present, more alive, more genuinely yourself.
There's nothing mystical about a somatic psychotherapy session. We'll sit comfortably together and talk about what's present for you. The difference is that I'm not just listening to your words—I'm also attuned to your nervous system. I might notice your breathing has changed, or that your shoulders have tensed, or that your eyes have a certain quality.
Sometimes I might ask, "What's happening in your body right now?" or "Can you feel where that fear lives in your chest?" This isn't an interrogation; it's an invitation to notice. Over time, this kind of attention develops into a skill—the ability to feel into your own experience rather than just think about it.
You might discover that when you allow your body to shake or tremble, something releases. You might find that a gentle movement, or a specific breath pattern, helps your nervous system settle. You might simply notice that talking *about* something while feeling its somatic resonance creates a different kind of healing than talk alone.
Every session is different because you're different each time you walk through the door. The work is responsive, relational, and deeply respectful of your pace and your wisdom about what you need.
Whether you're dealing with trauma, anxiety, relationship patterns, or a sense of disconnection from yourself, somatic psychotherapy in Kyneton provides a safe and grounded space to reconnect with your body's natural capacity for healing. Many clients describe feeling more present, more grounded, and more at peace in their own skin after just a few sessions of this body-centred approach.
No. Somatic psychotherapy is not about reliving trauma. We work gently with your nervous system and body sensations at a pace you control. Instead of re-traumatizing you, we help your nervous system complete the survival responses that were interrupted during the original event. You remain safe, grounded, and in control throughout the process.
While talk therapy focuses on thoughts and narratives, somatic therapy works with what your body holds—tension, breathing patterns, movement impulses, and nervous system states. Many people find that talking alone isn't enough because trauma lives in the body. By bringing awareness and gentle touch or movement into the session, we access healing that language alone cannot reach.
Our approach prioritizes your stability and safety. We build a strong foundation and only work with material at a pace you can handle. Emotions may surface, but that's part of healing, not a sign of failure. I'm trained to help you stay regulated and grounded throughout the process. You're in control of the pace.
Somatic psychotherapy is particularly effective for complex trauma because it works with the nervous system, where trauma is stored. Whether you've experienced single-incident trauma, complex/developmental trauma, or relational patterns, this approach can help. Every person is different, and I'll work with you to create a tailored approach that fits your needs.
Many people come to somatic therapy with little body awareness—that's completely normal and very common. Learning to notice what your body is telling you is part of the healing process. I'll gently guide you to develop this awareness over time. You don't need any special ability; you just need to be willing to pay attention.
My clinical work draws from Somatic Experiencing (Peter Levine) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Pat Ogden). It's grounded in a deep belief that your body holds wisdom—and that when we listen to it with compassion and skill, profound healing becomes possible.
I work under clinical supervision with Dr Tra-ill Dowie PhD, ensuring that your therapy meets the highest standards of care and accountability.
Free 15-minute discovery call. Let's talk about what you're carrying and whether somatic therapy feels right for you.
Healing starts with a single conversation. Whether you're in Kyneton, Melbourne, or online in Australia or internationally, a free 15-minute discovery call is your chance to ask questions and explore whether somatic psychotherapy is the right path for you.
Schedule Your Free Discovery CallHours: Monday to Thursday, 9am–6pm
Locations: Kyneton & Melbourne, Victoria • Online in Australia or internationally
