Question 1

What is Somatic Work?

Accepted Answer

Somatic work is a therapeutic approach that recognizes the profound connection between the mind and body. It is based on the understanding that stress, tension, and trauma from past experiences are often stored in the body. By tuning into the body and bringing awareness to physical sensations, movements, and experiences, somatic work helps to unlock and release these stored patterns.

Through gentle, intentional practices, this approach moves the body from a state of contraction—often associated with stress, fear, or overwhelm—into a state of expansion, which is aligned with ease, safety, and connection. It offers a way of listening to the body’s wisdom, allowing us to access and process emotions and experiences that may not be fully accessible through the mind alone, fostering deeper healing and psychological well-being.

Question 2

How is it different to talk therapy?

Accepted Answer

This work goes beyond intellectually understanding your issues to gently releasing the stored stories of tension from the body. By working with the body, we move beyond excessive analysis or repeatedly revisiting past events. The past naturally reveals itself in the present moment via what you are already feeling and experiencing in your body and it is only then that we acknowledge the story but focussing more on the what you are still holding within you from that time rather than the details of any event/experience.

Unlike talk therapy which can leave you feeling depleted and activated after rehashing of past events, somatic therapy can often leave you feeling a sense of relief - like you have released something you have been holding for some time. See FAQ below for more information on the post-session experience.

Question 3

What does working together look like?

Accepted Answer

This work goes beyond observing bodily sensations—it’s about understanding, processing, and releasing emotional and psychological roots. There’s no need to explain your past; your body naturally reveals what needs attention in the moment.
​
Every session can be different according to your needs and intention for the session, though this is a loose example of the process:
​
Awareness: Learn to notice and hold space for sensations, tension, or emotional patterns in your body.
Exploration: Gently uncover the origins of these sensations.
Rewriting the Narrative: Together, we identify and release limiting stories, such as "I’m not safe" or "I’m not enough," and embrace new truths: "I am safe now," "I am enough."
Embodiment: Through gentle and intuitive exploration we allow your body to recognize that these old stories no longer hold power.
Integration: Together we uncover truths which bring light to your current situation and ways to move forward.
​
This approach is about freedom and embodiment—freeing the body and mind from old patterns and stories and allowing for profound transformation and growth.

Question 4

How will I feel after a session?

Accepted Answer

After a session of somatic psychotherapy, your experience may vary depending on the focus of the session and where you are on your healing journey. Here are some common feelings clients report:

1. A Sense of Release
You might feel lighter, as if a burden has been lifted. Somatic therapy often helps release stored tension or emotions from the body, leaving you with a sense of relief.

2. Calm and Grounded
Many people notice a deeper connection to their body and a feeling of being more present. This grounded state can bring a sense of calm and clarity.

3. Increased Awareness
You may become more attuned to the sensations, emotions, or patterns in your body and mind, gaining valuable insights into your experience and how you hold stress or trauma.

4. Emotional Shifts
Depending on the session, you might feel more emotional than usual as your body processes unexpressed feelings. This is a natural part of healing and usually followed by a sense of relief.

5. Tired or Energized
Some people feel deeply relaxed and may need rest afterward, while others feel re-energized and motivated.

6. Hopeful and Empowered
The session can help you feel more connected to your inner strength and the wisdom of your body, giving you a sense of hope for what’s possible.
Remember, healing is a journey, and every session can bring its own unique experience. It’s always a good idea to plan time for yourself afterward to reflect, integrate, and rest as needed.

Question 5

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions depends on your unique needs and goals. Healing and transformation are deeply personal journeys, and the process looks different for everyone.

For lasting change, I recommend committing to my mentorship program, which offers a structured framework over a set period. This allows us to work consistently and go beyond surface-level issues, addressing the deeper layers at your own pace.

While single sessions can be helpful for immediate support or insight, true transformation unfolds over time. Regular sessions provide the space for deeper healing, integration, and growth, ensuring that the changes you experience are sustainable.

I encourage everyone however, to listen to themselves - to listen to your body, your needs and capacity. You will know.

Question 6

How long does it take to heal?

Accepted Answer

I like to think of healing as less about reaching a destination and more about embarking on an evolution. How long does it take to evolve? The truth is, it takes as long as we need, depending on the challenges we face. It can also take as long as we desire, based on the growth and transformation we wish to achieve.

Healing isn’t linear—it’s a process of uncovering, integrating, and expanding. Some shifts happen quickly, while others take time to unfold. What matters most is your willingness to show up for yourself and embrace the journey, step by step, as it leads you toward deeper connection, freedom, and wholeness.

Your healing journey may take many forms, with this work being one of the pathways you take. What I am sure of is that this work can certainly kick start or accelerate your journey and assist you to begin listening to your intuition so you may be guided on this beautiful path.

Question 7

What is Compassionate Inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Compassionate Inquiry® is a gentle, transformative approach that helps you reconnect with your authentic self. At its core, it acknowledges that much of our suffering stems from disconnection—from ourselves, our emotions, and our essence—often as a result of childhood or intergenerational trauma. With the right support, this connection can be restored.
​
Through skillful and compassionate questioning, I help you to explore the unconscious patterns behind your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You’ll gain insights into how past experiences shaped coping mechanisms such as anxiety, depression, addiction, or relationship challenges—patterns that may have once served you but are no longer needed.

Compassionate Inquiry® creates a safe space for you to:
Understand the root causes of your struggles.
Let go of outdated survival strategies.
Reconnect with your true self—a being that is peaceful, whole, and unbroken.

This process can unlock a lifetime of suppression, revealing new pathways to expression, creativity, joy, and freedom. Supporting this process are reflections from nature which offers us profound answers to many of our questions—reminding us of the cycles of growth, rest, and renewal we inherently share.

Question 8

Who is this work not for?

Accepted Answer

Somatic psychotherapy is deeply transformative, but it might not be suitable for everyone at certain stages or with specific expectations. Below are examples of when this work may not align with your current needs:

1. If you don't feel ready to explore your emotions or engage with your body
This work requires a willingness to explore bodily sensations, emotions, patterns, beliefs and the deeper layers of the nervous system. If connecting with your body feels uncomfortable or overwhelming, or if you’re not ready to face or process emotional discomfort, it may simply indicate that you’re not ready yet. You may need other forms of support first and I would be happy to share some options with you during a free call.

2. If you are expecting a prescriptive approach
Somatic psychotherapy is intuitive and client-led, tailored to your unique needs. If you’re looking for step-by-step instructions, rigid structures, or one-size-fits-all solutions, this approach might not align with your preferences.

3. For individuals in acute crisis
If you’re in immediate danger, experiencing a mental health crisis, or requiring stabilization, other urgent interventions or traditional therapies may be necessary before engaging in somatic psychotherapy.

4. If you’re seeking only talk therapy
Somatic psychotherapy invites you to step out of the mental narrative and into a body-based healing process. If you’re looking for a space to solely talk through your problems, this approach may not meet your needs.

5. If you don’t believe in a holistic approach
This work integrates the mind, body, and spirit, and may incorporate esoteric or spiritual principles. If holistic or integrative methods don’t resonate with you, you might find it challenging to connect with this process.

The Thriving Spirit Project

WORK WITH ME

For anyone carrying too much
— and longing to feel more at ease within themselves.

HOW IT WORKS

Three gentle steps, at your pace

01

A free information call

Twenty free minutes to talk about what's happening and whether this work is a fit. Nothing more required of you.

02

Initial consultation

A longer first session to understand your history, your body's patterns, and what you'd like to feel instead.

03

Ongoing work

Single sessions, a six-session container, or the six-month mentorship — reviewed together as you go. No pushing, just gentle guidance to listen to your own inner knowing.

Find the beginning that feels right for you

Free Information Call

Initial Consultation

Rewrite Your Story

60 or 90 minute session

The Embodied Mentorship Program

LENGTH

6 months, fortnightly

WHERE

In person or online

INVESTMENT

$2640 AUD

Can be paid in instalments & discounts are available for healthcare workers and other groups.

KIND WORDS

"I feel calmer and more centred than I have in many years"

Laurence, NSW

Frequently asked questions

What is Somatic Work?

How is it different to talk therapy?

What does working together look like?

How will I feel after a session?

How many sessions will I need?

How long does it take to heal?

What is Compassionate Inquiry?

Who is this work not for?

Stop waiting for life to change and become the person you have been waiting for...your greatest collaborator.

The Thriving Spirit Project

WORK WITH ME

For anyone carrying too much — and longing to feel more at ease within themselves.

HOW IT WORKS

Three gentle steps, at your pace

01

A free information call

Twenty free minutes to talk about what's happening and whether this work is a fit. Nothing more required of you.

02

Initial consultation

A longer first session to understand your history, your body's patterns, and what you'd like to feel instead.

03

Ongoing work

Single sessions, a six-session container, or the six-month mentorship — reviewed together as you go. No pushing, just gentle guidance to listen to your own inner knowing.

Find the beginning that feels right for you

Free Information Call

Initial Consultation

Rewrite Your Story

60 or 90 minute session

The Embodied Mentorship Program

LENGTH

6 months, fortnightly

WHERE

In person or online

INVESTMENT

$2640 AUD

Can be paid in instalments & discounts are available for healthcare workers and other groups.

KIND WORDS

"I feel calmer and more centred than I have in many years"

Laurence, NSW

Frequently asked questions

What is Somatic Work?

How is it different to talk therapy?

What does working together look like?

How will I feel after a session?

How many sessions will I need?

How long does it take to heal?

What is Compassionate Inquiry?

Who is this work not for?

Stop waiting for life to change and become the person you have been waiting for...your greatest collaborator.

For anyone carrying too much
— and longing to feel more at ease within themselves.