Somatic Therapy

What to Expect From a Session

We’re gonna slow things way down.
One of the key concepts of SE is titration: incorporating small doses of traumatic material and then observing the subtle shifts of the system in response. Those shifts can include but are not limited to changes in breathing or body temperature, impulses toward movement, and imagery or memories. In moments of threat, perceived or actual, the nervous system activates toward a myriad of protective responses (fight, flight, fawn, freeze),
if unable to complete in the moment, the energy of those responses remain unused and can, over time, result in disruptive symptoms.
In session, we work slowly and gradually to complete what may not have been able to happen in the past, restoring the body’s ability to self-regulate and freeing up that vital life energy for greater purpose and fulfillment.

In My Own Words

The majority of my life has been dedicated toward personal healing. As I moved into the professional world, it was and is my hope that my own work would be of benefit, directly or indirectly, to others as they navigate their individual flavors of history + pain.
In my therapeutic odyssey, I explored every avenue of wellness imaginable: psychotherapy, yoga, Buddhism, rolfing, and acupuncture, to name just a few.
Don’t get me wrong, these are wonderful healing routes, and many continue to serve me well and meaningfully. But even with all of this support, I still felt stuck and some of my more deeply rooted issues, unresolved. When I was introduced to Somatic Experiencing®, it gave me the skills I needed to truly understand myself, my past as well as my potential, and for the first time in a long time, I could see the way forward.

Experiences to work with may include:

Chronic Pain
Sexual/Physical Abuse
Grief and Loss
Medical Procedures
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Falls or Head Injuries
Natural Disasters
Developmental Ruptures (neglect, abandonment, emotional/physical abuse)
Systemic Oppression
Transgenerational Trauma

Symptoms may present as:

Hyper-arousal – nervousness, anxiety + panic
Dissociation – zoned out, lethargic, sense of pervasive helplessness
Hyper-vigilance – being “on guard” at all times
Difficulty sleeping
Depression
Immobility – feeling stuck + without options
Diminished interest in life
Chronic fatigue or very low energy
Headaches, digestive + immune system issues
Muscle tension

What Clients Are Saying

“For two consecutive weeks I was suffering with a bad case of vertigo. I was dizzy any time I wanted to move around to do basic things and I was taking motion sickness pills the doctor suggested. Nonetheless, it didn’t help ease the discomfort 100%. I still felt sick. However, when I sat with Tiffany for a somatic session, she was able to guide me through the feelings + sensations in my body -which lead to my head- and helped me identify and release a strange energetic mass that was sitting there. It was absolutely amazing! Her guidance in helping me draw this energy out was incredible. I felt a relief INSTANTLY. What she showed me to do through breath, and in sitting with myself (somewhat meditative) is a tool for me to carry forward. When I feel vertigo coming on, I just have to remember to breathe and repeat the steps of her guidance. And I have to say, it has been more than two weeks since I have had to take motion sickness pills. I feel so much stronger. She is AMAZING and I absolutely recommend her. ”

“Upon entering my virtual SE session with Tiffany, I really had no idea what to expect. And even after, I can’t really express what happened but I definitely experienced a palpable shift - in my body, in my awareness, and in my energy. Tiffany intuitively and knowledgeably guided me to where she sensed I needed to go, always supportive, always encouraging, checking in to make sure I felt safe and held throughout. Her techniques were subtle and graceful yet powerful and resonant. I felt lighter and more expansive while also being able to hold the more contracted, tighter parts of myself, so that they too seemed to dissolve. Upon ending our session, she made sure that I felt cared for and ready to depart. I would highly, HIGHLY recommend a session with Tiffany. She has a depth of knowledge and experience with the body and mind and, at the same time, an ease and accessibility to her sharing of it. Such a fascinating experience!”

“Tiffany’s passion for her work absolutely shines through in her sessions. She is incredibly knowledgeable, wise, and her work is magical. She creates such a nurturing, gentle space for the wisdom of your body to emerge and guides you with the utmost honor, care, and love.”

FAQ

Q: Could you share details of what happens during the session?

A: In traditional therapy (of which I am an avid promoter), the focus is on the narrative of our experience. SE diverts some of that attention and redirects it toward how our experience lives in the body and shows up in the nervous system as patterns of tension or disconnection. Our work will center around connecting to the language of the body by noticing the channels it most clearly speaks through: sensation, imagery, movement, and emotion.

Q: I am a bit concerned/curious about ‘jumping right in’ to a session

A: It’s perfectly normal and natural to feel hesitation when it comes to approaching any kind of trauma or body related work. Cognitively working through something is not the same as physiologically addressing it. The residue of our experiences as we meet them in the body can be surprisingly potent. That’s why slow is the key. One of the main components of SE is titration, which is a term that essentially means a very little bit at a time. We won’t dive right into the deep end of a highly charged experience, rather we will work gently with the edges, or periphery, of what emerges where the experience is more manageable.

Q: Can SE help with physical pain/tension?

A: Sessions can help unravel physical tension that may be the result of unresolved emotions, experiences, or nervous system dysregulation. However, SE is not a replacement for medical assistance, so it is always important to get an evaluation by your doctor to rule out any necessary medical interventions.

Q: How frequently do you recommend doing sessions?

A: In general, every other week seems to be a good place to begin. Having some time between sessions gives the work we do with the nervous system time to settle, integrate, and reorganize toward greater coherence and clarity. It also gives the client time to observe the impact of the work on their daily lives. However, if you are working with something acute or feel that you need more support, having weekly sessions can be a helpful anchor during heightened moments of duress.