Frequently asked questions.
How is somatic coaching different from mindset coaching, life coaching, or therapy?
Rather than solely addressing our thinking brain and talking things through, somatic coaching largely works with the body — this is where our life experiences, emotions, and the root to many issues are stored. There is certainly some talking with somatic work, and we do address mindset, but it is not the main focus. 80% of information is sent from the body up to the brain, and only 20% travels from the brain down to the body, so by working with the body directly we can make more sustainable change rather than white-knuckling ourselves into change (which often doesn’t work). With somatic work, change can be more effortless and happen as a byproduct. It is truly a holistic mind-body-spirit approach that goes beyond just mindset work and gets to the root cause of what is holding people back from achieving their highest potential.
What does trauma-informed mean?
Trauma-Informed Care recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role trauma may play in an individual's life. It aims to recognize, understand, and empathize with the impact of trauma on an individual and those around them.
As a trauma-informed coach, I have an understanding of how trauma is stored in the body and nervous system and the skills and tools to provide a safe environment to explore the inner landscape without re-traumatization. Key elements include: going at the pace of your body, empowerment & choice, physical & emotional safety, invitational language, titration, trustworthiness and transparency, and cultural/gender/historical awareness.
Does somatic coaching heal chronic pain?
Somatic coaching is not a pain management solution or structured program to resolve pain. While there may be elements that support working with pain, and I have worked with clients who have had pain resolve, this is not a specific program for that. The body is highly complex and pain may be manifesting as a result of other things going on in life.
What does a somatic session look like?
Somatic coaching sessions are held virtually. For a session, prepare an uninterrupted, private space where you can both be comfortably seated and also have some space to move, in case that is what your body calls for. You and the coach will start by connecting and discussing your intention of what you’d like to work on, and then moving into a centering practice and dropping into your internal landscape. While each session looks different, things that may come up in a session include: feeling physical sensations, processing emotions, parts work & inner child work, chakra attunement, nervous system regulation, movement, breathwork, visualizations and guided meditations, sounding, and listening to the body to connect to its deep wisdom and guidance. There may also be some educational components woven in throughout the session. You will end with some grounding and potentially homeplay, if that is something you are interested in. Please plan some time after the session to be with yourself and integrate.