Meeting what is happening beneath the surface
Sometimes we understand something intellectually, but our body continues to respond as though it isn’t resolved.
Embodied Processing is a somatic approach that gently brings attention to the body’s felt experience; sensations, emotions, impulses and patterns of protection; rather than working only through thoughts and words.
It can help us become curious about what is happening beneath the surface, without needing to analyse or retell everything that has happened
Working from the body
In Embodied Processing, we work with your direct experience in the present moment. You might notice a sensation, a change in your breathing, tension, movement or an emotion beginning to emerge. Rather than trying to make something happen, we slow down and stay curious about what your body is communicating.
Safety and capacity come first.
We may spend time building resources and developing your ability to stay present with what you are experiencing before exploring anything more challenging. This allows the work to unfold gradually, without pushing beyond what feels manageable.
What might a session feel like?
There is no need to relive your experiences or tell your story in detail. We may talk, notice sensations, explore emotions or simply pause and become aware of what is happening in your body.
Sometimes something shifts simply through being noticed and met with curiosity. Sometimes we discover a protective pattern or part of you that has been working hard to keep you safe. And sometimes, when there is enough capacity, we can gently explore what lies beneath a recurring pattern or response.
You remain in control throughout.
You can slow down, pause, change direction or stop at any time.
Part of a wider somatic approach
Embodied Processing is one of the strands within my wider somatic therapy practice.
Somatic EMDR is a thread through my work, providing structure while allowing us to draw on different approaches according to your needs, capacity and readiness. I may also draw on nervous system coaching, parts and attachment-informed approaches, NeuroAffective Touch® and Myofascial Bodywork.
You don’t need to decide which approach you need.
We start with you, and the work develops from there.
Could Embodied Processing be right for you?
It may be helpful if you:
- feel disconnected from your body or emotions
- notice recurring patterns of tension, overwhelm or shutdown
- understand your experiences but still feel stuck
- find it difficult to put your experience into words
- want to explore a gentler, body-based way of working
- are curious about the connection between your experiences, emotions and nervous system