What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy recognises that our experiences and emotions live not only in our minds, but also in our bodies as a whole. When we experience trauma, stress, or emotional overwhelm, the whole body can hold onto these memories as tension, inflammation or pain and discomfort.
By gently reconnecting with your body’s sensations in a safe, supportive space, you can begin to listen to what your body has been communicating. Together, we create space to explore emotions, sensations and experiences that may feel 'stuck' or difficult to process, supporting greater awareness and a deeper sense of connection within.
How I Support You
I hold a gentle and safe space allowing you the time to reconnect with the wisdom of your body and mind.
Through a trauma-informed somatic approach, you will be guided to notice sensations, emotions, and patterns within your whole body that may hold stories of the past. Nothing is rushed or forced, but moves at a pace that gently supports your nervous system. Together, we will create a space for healing that fosters resilience, balance and a deeper sense of peace.
“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.”
— Peter A. Levine
Nervous System Healing
Understanding your nervous system
Your nervous system plays an important role in how you experience stress, emotions, sensations and connection. When stress becomes prolonged, it can affect how we feel in our bodies and our ability to feel calm and connected.
Somatic therapy works with the body aswell as the mind. It gently brings awareness to your nervous system, helping you notice patterns of stress and tension and develop greater regulation, ease and connection.
This approach may support you with:
• Anxiety
• Chronic stress
• Persistent pain or tension
• Fatigue and low mood
• Digestive and sleep disruption
How It Works
Each session begins by creating a place of safety and presence, often through simple grounding or guided awareness. From there, we follow what arises, using techniques such as bilateral processing, relational psychotherapy, and mindful body awareness.
Unlike traditional cognitive processes, somatic therapy invites you to listen to your body, gently allowing it to reclaim suppressed emotions and teaches you coping strategies to support nervous system regulation.
Who It Helps
This work can be especially supportive for those living with:
Anxiety or Low Self-Esteem
Chronic pain or physical tension
PTSD or Complex Trauma
Emotional overwhelm
Grief and Loss
A sense that talking therapy hasn’t reached the root cause
These are just a few of the areas where somatic therapy can offer support. Every journey is unique, and together we’ll explore what healing means for you.
Having been experiencing a large degree of pain most days, I have found my sessions with Steph to be enlightening and I leave every session feeling lighter and feeling less physical pain than before. She has taught me to listen to my body, my thoughts and I am gaining a new understanding thanks to Steph’s calm, supporting nature. I really couldn't recommend this process more highly.
Emma M.
Steph holds space for me with such wonderful presence and care. My time with her has been both nuturing and nourishing. Her innate ability to attune to my character and needs is reflected in how quickly i felt not just comfortable, but held and content in her space. She makes me feel safe to laugh and cry.
I could not speak with greater recommendation in choosing Steph to guide and support anyone on their journey.
Hayley M.
Before starting sessions, I was constantly overwhelmed and stuck in my head. Steph has helped me slow down, breathe, and actually feel safe in my own body again. Each session feels like peeling back a layer and discovering parts of myself I had shut away. It is making such a difference to my emotional and physical wellbeing. I am so grateful I found her.
Anouska B.
Working with Steph has been truly life-changing! I have done a lot of talking therapy but was ready to try something new and somatic therapy has been amazing so far. I’m learning so much about myself and how to process emotions in a different way. Steph is so kind and gentle in our sessions which makes the process so much easier when talking about difficult topics. I would recommend Steph to anyone considering somatic therapy!
Hannah E.
About Me
I’m Steph, a trauma-informed somatic therapist with over 20 years of lived experience navigating chronic pain and recovery. My own journey through conventional medicine and beyond has shaped my understanding of how deeply our body, mind, and emotions are connected.
Throughout my healing journey , I have come to understand the important role our nervous system can play in how we experience ourselves, our emotions and the world around us.
The work I offer is grounded in compassion, curiosity and a deep respect for the individuality of each person. I provide a safe, supportive space where you can slow down, become more aware of your body and gently explore what you are experiencing - at a pace that feels right for you.
I don't have all the answers and I dont believe there is only one way to heal. I bring together what I have learned through my own experiences and professional training and meet you exactly where you are with openess, warmth and without judgement, helping you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and discover what supports you.
The Cycle
- healing through the seasons -
Together the seasons show the mind isnt meant to stay in constant motion - we blossom, blaze, release and rest over and over again.
Awakening & Renewal
Spring
In Spring the mind tilts towards the sun again and the frozen parts of us thaw into thought.
Clarity & Fullness
Summer
Summer is when everything blooms at once and we learn to hold both joy and overwhelm int he same bright light.
Reflection & Release
Autumn
When we shed what no longer serves us - old beliefs, habits, attachments - the mind becomes a forest floor - rich with what has fallen, fertile in memory.
Stillness & Restoration
Winter
In winter the mind turns inward, finding rest and reflection so the soul can dream and prepare for the return of light.