Listening to the Body & Nervous System
For many of us, the body finds ways to express things that we may not be conscious of, or have not yet been able to put into words. Where we have experienced trauma, or have been holding stress, anxiety, loss, or grief — without opportunity to process these safely — the body can be impacted in a variety of ways.
For some people, it is hard to connect with the body. The body might not feel like a safe place. We might have unconsciously tried very hard not to feel certain feelings, and by connecting with the body we are connecting with feelings of unsafety, hurt, fear, harm, and loss.
It is entirely normal not to want to feel these feelings — and in therapy we approach them with care, kindness, and compassion. Everything will arise to be worked with in its own good time — we don't need to force or pressurise anything. My priority is to help you build awareness of what is happening in your body, rather than being ruled by it.
For others, the body might be screaming for attention. We might find ourselves getting sick regularly, having accidents, or experiencing chronic illness or pain. In these instances, I work to help you listen to your body, understand what it might need, and find ways to meet those needs — whether through movement, voice, or simple attention and kindness.
Part of my education around trauma has been learning about the nervous system. Dan Siegel's concept of the Window of Tolerance is a helpful framework for understanding our nervous systems and how we might resource ourselves so that we are less likely to be overwhelmed by states of anxiety, fear, or depression.
I am also deeply influenced by Deb Dana's work on Polyvagal Theory, which prioritises getting to know our own nervous system as a key part of therapeutic work, and views co-regulation between therapist and client as fundamental to the healing process.
Together, these frameworks help us develop a kinder, more compassionate relationship with our own bodies and the ways they have learned to protect us.
If you would like to learn more about my way of working with the body and nervous system, please get in touch.