What is somatic therapy?

On this page:

Where to start?

1) Intro call: A short conversation about what’s going on and whether this feels right. All questions and doubts welcome.

2) First session: Bodywork on the massage table. See if it clicks and get a sense of how I can help.

3) Three more sessions: This is what most people need to work through something. From then on, it’s up to you.

Why work through the body?

The nervous system is our central communication channel. It helps us navigate the physical and social world we live in.

It works to keep us safe by remembering what felt safe and what felt like a threat – when our boundaries were not respected, or when we were praised or punished for being loud/quiet, dominant/submissive, openly sad/joyful/angry.

As such, it also shapes our bodily reactions and personality construct – when we tense, when we relax, how secure we feel in interpersonal relations, what role we take in a group dynamic. And most importantly when and where we allow ourselves to let go and express core emotions of anger, sadness, joy and fear.

And the things that really hurt - well, they stick.

A constant tension in the stomach or jaw, a constant worry about how others perceive me, or a constant background feeling of being trapped, unheard, and constrained.

The same is true about a traumatic event – suffering abuse, an accident, an operation, a divorce or a burn out.

Somatic therapy works with these patterns directly. By noticing and gradually releasing old tension and protective reactions, many people find they breathe more freely, feel more settled, and have more room to choose how they respond.

What do people come to me with?

Psychological Problems

  • Birth, childhood and intergenerational trauma
  • Stress, anxiety, panic attacks and burnout
  • Depression, grief and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
  • Eating, metabolic and sleep difficulties

Personal Development

  • Body awareness and grounding
  • Building confidence and speaking up
  • Setting boundaries and saying no
  • Coming closer to yourself to live the life that you want to live

Physical Problems

  • Tension headaches and migraines
  • Pregnancy and postpartum complications
  • Digestive problems
  • Pains in the back, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, ankles and hips

What does a session look like?

We start with a short conversation to explore what you want help with. We then move to the massage table to work with the body. We finish with a short conversation to integrate the experience.

During treatments I use massage techniques to find areas of held tension in the body. These areas often connect to stress, fear, anger or sadness that hasn’t had room to be expressed.

Once we notice them, you have the opportunity to work with your breathing, your mind and your nervous system to let the tension go. For many people, this also loosens thoughts, feelings and habits that were tied to it.

Most people leave feeling relaxed and more present in their body, with a clearer mind.

What to Wear - Treatments include touch. Many people prefer thin, minimal clothing (for example non-revealing underwear or shorts and a sports bra) because it allows more direct contact, but you can receive a treatment fully clothed. It is entirely up to you.

Pricing

Standard: 105 €
Reduced: 90 € (for people with low & no income)
Business Invoice: 125 €
Brussels & Gent: 20 € discount

If this is not within your means, please reach out. I have several slots per month for people without the means.

Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance and no-shows are charged at 100%.

Reimbursement: I am registered with CAT. Check with your mutualiteit/health insurance if reimbursement applies.

Practical Information

Working Languages - English, Dutch, Spanish and rusty French

Duration - 1h 15min

Locations

Amsterdam East - Friday - Newtonstraat 4, 1098 HD (bel: Serire)
Amsterdam West - Mon-Thurs - Lijnbaansgracht 67-O

Brussels - Once every 4 weeks - Julien Dillensplein 1
Utrecht - On request
Gent - On request

Book an intro call