What is Somatic and Embodiment Coaching?

"The reason I am part of this growing movement of somatic and embodiment work is because I truly believe the way back to wholeness is through the body. Through my own journey, and the journeys of many others, I have seen the evidence of how this process works. The body is the connecting place of our consciousnesses, it is the bridge between the physical world of matter and the world of spirit. There is a deep wisdom within that only requires that we remember how to listen. When we are connected to ourselves and feel that innate wholeness, we have a profound sense of safety and belonging, and when there is safety and belonging, true healing can begin. "

The term "somatic" comes from the Greek word soma, meaning "body." Somatic practices date back to early holistic health models, emphasising the unity of mind, body, and spirit. Today, this coaching approach helps release ingrained patterns and conditioning stored in the body, fostering greater awareness, healing, and personal growth.

Somatic and embodiment coaching centres around reconnecting with the body. It focuses on feeling into your physical sensations and emotions to release old patterns and conditioning. Instead of seeing the mind and body as separate, somatics help you integrate mind and body as a whole; a profound acceptance of all aspects of yourself. This process teaches you to honour your full humanity by embracing all sensations and feelings in the present moment.

As a somatic and embodiment coach, my work is deeply rooted in the philosophy that the body holds wisdom beyond what we can access through the mind alone. Somatic coaching encourages you to tune into your body’s sensations, emotions, and responses, and recover the wisdom that lies within.

Why is this needed? Why bother with connecting to my body at all?

Learning to connect with the body helps us be truly present. When we connect with our bodies, we reconnect with ourselves, we get the ability to feel our emotions and experiences more fully. This presence seeps out into our lives and deepens our ability to connect meaningfully with others and the world around us. Being embodied allows us to appreciate the richness and beauty of life, from simple moments of joy to profound experiences. In short, embodiment helps us live a more grounded, fulfilling, and vibrant life, full of clarity and emotional resilience.

What are some blocks to being fully embodied?

Disembodiment is a state in which a person is disconnected from their physical body or bodily sensations. It can manifest as a sense of being "in the head" or detached from physical emotions, movements, or sensory experiences.

This disconnection often occurs as a protective response to trauma, stress, or overwhelming emotions, as well as the societal conditioning that values intellect over bodily awareness.

Symptoms of disembodiment include but are not limited to:

Chronic anger, irritability, or defensiveness; feeling tense and on edge.

Constant busyness, restlessness, or anxiety; difficulty relaxing or staying still.

Numbness, dissociation, feeling emotionally distant, or "zoned out."

Over-accommodating others, people-pleasing, or struggling with boundaries while ignoring personal needs.

When the body experiences overwhelm—whether from trauma, stress, or strong emotions—it can lead to fragmentation, where different parts of ourselves (thoughts, emotions, physical sensations) become disconnected. This happens as a survival response, allowing us to block out painful sensations to protect ourselves.

Living in a fragmented state can have negative effects on a person’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Over time, this fragmentation can hinder a person's ability to experience joy, make clear decisions, and engage meaningfully with themselves and others. Unfortunately, fragmentation is the norm in many cultures and communities. 

The reason I am part of this growing movement of somatic and embodiment work is because I truly believe the way back to wholeness is through the body. Through my own journey, and the journeys of many others, I have seen the evidence of how this process works. The body is the connecting place of our consciousnesses, it is the bridge between the physical world of matter and the world of spirit. There is a deep wisdom within that only requires that we remember how to listen. When we are connected to ourselves and feel that innate wholeness, we have a profound sense of safety and belonging, and when there is safety and belonging, true healing can begin. 

What to Expect in Somatic and Embodiment Coaching

In a session with me, you can expect a blend of education, emotional support, and practical exercises. These sessions focus on helping you reconnect with your body, providing trauma-informed guidance as you explore sensations, emotions, and the workings of your nervous system .My approach is based on the cultivation of self-compassion and healing by releasing judgement and allowing you to be fully present.