Integrated Mind-Body Wellness
What is somatic therapy?
Somatic or experiential therapy engages the body to release stored trauma and help you reconnect with the inherent wisdom of your body. Research has shown that the nervous system sends messages from the brain to the body AND from the body to the brain. The body sends messages about danger (or possible danger) and emotional reactions, including anger, fear, and grief. It is the body that is often locked in a state of fight or flight, and you cannot heal the mind without addressing the concerns of the body.
There are numerous somatic modalities including IFS, psychodrama, EMDR, yoga therapy, expressive arts therapy, MBB, and nature therapy. A session with me may include one or several of these modalities along with traditional talk therapy. Healing the body and mind together often leads to a significant reduction in emotional distress as well as decreased physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, chronic pain, IBS or inflammation.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is based on the idea that we each have an internal system, or family, of sub-personalities. These sub-personalities consist of wounded parts that carry pain, such as fear and grief, and parts that try to protect us from our pain. Parts are often in conflict, and they can obscure our view of our true Self. Think of the Disney movie, Inside Out. Or think of a time when you were depressed and part of you wanted to curl up on the couch and eat ice cream all day, but another part of you felt guilty and ashamed of feeling so “lazy”. IFS focuses on healing those internal conflicts and bringing balance back into the system.
Psychodrama
Psychodrama is a creative process that uses role-playing and dramatization to explore past situations or externalize mental processes. This is a powerful modality for gaining personal insight and moving beyond the workings of the logical mind. Psychodrama is particularly effective for addressing trauma and grief.
EMDR
EMDR uses bilateral movement to process traumatic memories in a safe and supportive environment. It reduces the emotional charge of a memory and decreases triggers that may lead to panic attacks, avoidant behaviors or intense distress. Reprocessing memories also leads to shifts in core beliefs.
Yoga Therapy
The word yoga means “to yoke,” or to connect the mind, body and spirit. Yoga, including mindfulness, breathwork, meditation and movement, is one of the most effective ways to reconnect with the body. People frequently disconnect from the body when there is trauma, and the body no longer feels safe. Therapeutic yoga creates a way to come back into wholeness. This practice does not require yoga pants, flexibility or good balance, just a willingness to get curious about what’s happening in the body.
Expressive Arts Therapy
Expressive arts therapy allows a client to explore experiences and emotions they may not be able to express in words. It involves multiple art forms such a painting, collage or sand tray. This is an invitation to connect with creative or even child-like parts and requires no artistic skill or experience.
Mind Body Bridging (MBB)
MBB is a well-researched form of mindfulness that reduces a client’s attachment to spinning thoughts and helps them operate from a place of greater ease and clarity. This simple, yet powerful practice can be invaluable in reducing the symptoms of PTSD, stress, anxiety and addiction.
Nature Therapy
Nature therapy includes time spent in nature, animal assisted therapy and adventure therapy. Research has shown that connecting with the natural world reduces stress hormones, improves immune function and helps alleviate depression and anxiety. In session this may include walk and talk therapy or time interacting with our service dog.
“Lisa was incredible. She helped me reach, identify and work through parts of myself I didn’t realize were there. Without that recognition, I wouldn’t be accomplishing the healing that I am.”
-Counseling Client
