Somatic Alignment is a body-based healing practice that restores harmony between the physical body, nervous system and natural flow of energy. It works on the understanding that stress, trauma and emotional experiences are held deeply within the body as incomplete survival responses creating physical & emotional tension, imbalances and misalignment.
When this tension goes unresolved for too long or becomes too intense, it can manifest idiopathically in the physical structure of the body - in other words there is often no ‘known cause’. This commonly looks like chronic pain, gut issues, autoimmunity, chronic fatigue, unexplainable neurological symptoms, sleep disturbances, anxiety, brain fog, pelvic issues or mystery symptoms that make no sense.
The body in simple terms, is holding what the mind could not process. A healing approach where both mind and body are addressed in tandem, is what finally allows these experiences, emotions and held survival energies to metabolise, restoring harmony, ease and balance.
My unique practice therefore combines both guided somatic dialogue with movement, breathwork and hands-on pressure where the body is held tenderly as this held survival energy is moved through and released.
Somatic Alignment
Greater connection with your body and needs
Reduction in chronic symptoms and quality of life
Improved felt sense of safety & spaciousness in the body
Processing of emotions & survival energy - a permission to finally feel what has been held deeply in the body
More balanced state of being, reducing stress & anxiety
Strengthened emotional resilience to everyday stressors
Deepened ability to rest, recover & restore
Improved posture & mobility, reduced tension & better sleep
What does Somatic Alignment support?
“I was lucky to come across Jess online and I’ve had a few sessions with her since then. She is absolutely amazing at what she does. From the first moment I met her, she made me feel safe, welcome and seen. Ive had some big releases already, and I can tell she’s going to be an important part of my healing journey”
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During a typical session, we work within your nervous system’s capacity and gently investigate where held tension may lie in the body. We begin with self-enquiry and somatic tracking, becoming curious about sensation & emotions. Regulation exercises may be carried out together to return to safety, before coming to the mat for the body-work portion. Here a combination of breathwork, hands-on pressure and guided meditation will then be used to cultivate spaciousness in the body and give permission for survival energy to finally complete in whichever form of release it needs to take. We very carefully oscillate between mild activation and a return to safety, expanding the nervous system’s capacity to feel. Sessions always end in a nurturing meditative state, my role is to hold the body through to completion before we come back into the space to integrate.
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There are no expectations when participating in Somatic Alignment but naturally strong emotions and sensations can arise from the practice. This could include crying, shouting, coughing, shaking, thrashing, yawning, cramping, laughing, visions but also stillness and nothingness - the body decides how it wants to release and the space is yours to express in any way that feels necessary. Giving yourself permission is all that is expected of you before coming to this practice.
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Somatic Alignment is suitable for anyone, however any medical conditions should be discussed before booking a session. We can work together to decide the best healing approach for you as part of the introductory process
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This is completely unique to every individual, some people experience significant benefits after just one session and others see real change from the third session onwards. It all comes back to a felt sense of safety and what the body & nervous system have capacity for. We can work together to decide on the best course of action for you.
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This is also unique to your individual needs, I do however recommend taking time after to relax and reflect on your experience. Somatic Alignment can very often bring up a lot of emotions but also incredible insight, so being with what surfaces and being gentle with yourself is best. I always recommend journalling as a way to integrate post session but feel into what your body needs - this could be some gentle movement, walking, stretching or simply resting.
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Somatic Alignment works on both a physical and emotional level and can help support ongoing chronic health issues, especially those with no known cause, as well as support mental wellness. Clients often notice improved flexibility in their nervous system, greater resilience to everyday life stressors, improved emotional wellbeing, increased energy levels and a reduction in chronic physical symptoms
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I recommend avoiding consuming large meals or drinking large volumes of liquid within 2 hours of session. Wearing comfortable loose clothing is also recommended. Either the night before, or morning of session I usually suggest to set an intention for what you would like out of the process and perhaps you might like to engage in a light meditation practice if this feels right for you - again let the body decide
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Yes Somatic Alignment is perfectly safe to practice alongside and is actually complimentary to psychotherapy as any cognitive insight gained through bodywork can be explored in a talk therapy setting. Similarly, any body-based responses to talk therapy can be released through Somatic Alignment so they work beautifully together
If this resonates, let’s explore what’s coming up for you at the moment and assess if Somatic Alignment feels like the right fit for you at this time