Anxiety can show up as stomach and digestive issues, sleep troubles, chronic pain and muscle tension, TMJ pain and tension, and unexplained medical issues.  Somatic work is extremely well suited to working with these body experiences as it sees the symptom or medical issue as the doorway or entry point into what’s underneath the physical symptoms. 

My work happens in real time in the present moment. This means that we slow down and pause in session to feel your symptoms of anxiety. We get to know them so they can better inform you of what’s underneath the surface. We spend time in session learning, practicing, and mastering tools to get to know your anxiety and importantly, how to manage and soothe it. I won’t ever say to you “try taking some deep breaths at home next time you feel stressed.” But I will say, “would you like to pause with that sensation you’re feeling in your chest right now? What’s it like to feel it?” Would you like to see what happens when you deepen your breath right now?”

Much of the process in Somatic and Polyvagal informed work is in getting to know the various states of your nervous system. You will get really good at learning when you are in a place of activation/stress/overwhelm, when you’re feeling shut down to it all, and when you’re feeling calm/happy/at ease. Most importantly, you’ll also learn how to help your nervous system shift back into a state that feels full of hope, safety, and calm when it’s out of balance.

At times, it can be helpful to weave in the support of an acupuncturist, a naturopathic doctor, a nutritionist, a reiki/massage therapist, or an herbalist. I have a team of trusted providers that I refer to when relevant