What is a Rolfing® session like?
At the first Rolfing® session a short informal interview is conducted in order to learn about your history, health and current needs. We then begin with a body reading, wherein I will observe and assess the way you currently walk, stand and breathe. These observations inform how we will then begin the Rolfing® work together.
Work is done on a comfortable table. The touch itself is focussed, precise and mindful of your needs. As I work I intuitively listen to and respect your response. As a client, you will be actively engaged in the process of each sessions. Unlike most other forms of bodywork, you will occasionally be asked to participate by moving in specific ways that increase the effectiveness of the hands-on work. Our goal, together, is to free any areas of restriction and to enhance a new sense of body awareness that you are able to take with you into your life. Rolfing® includes re-education in how to use your realigned body properly, and an exploration of the issues that may arise as your perception of your body and posture changes. Sessions are closed very gently and with enough time to discuss what may have arisen during the work.
Rolfing® sessions usually last approximately 60-90 minutes. In most cases sessions are spaced a few weeks apart.
What is a Somatic Experiencing® Therapy session like?
Somatic Experiencing® is not primarily a ‘talking therapy; our main focus in a session will be the moment to moment experience and awareness of sensations in the body. We will work with processes aiming to release the ongoing imprint of physiological survival states; tracking sensations, feelings, images, beliefs and movement in your body.
Many people who have experienced trauma, especially those who have experienced physical trauma can dissociate or disconnect from their bodies. Somatic experiencing® helps them have an increased sense of awareness of their internal experience. I will teach you simple and effective skills to activate your body’s innate self-healing and self-regulating abilities. Sometimes simple exercises will be done and homework given. Sessions may require gentle therapeutic touch.
We both gauge the pace of what you can work with and will slowly work towards re-establishing connection with your body and its natural capacity for resilience and healing. This is practiced in the safety of therapy so that you become familiar with these sensations and, once learned. You will be better able to regulate on your OWN.
My approach is one of deeply listening to what you bring and need. First, we will do a pre-interview to learn about your trauma and overall health history and answer any questions about your expectations. They will centre around assessing how your body is currently responding to trauma and stress.