Hey There

Q: What is Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice?

A: ISTP is a body-centered approach to healing, big T and little T, trauma in the body and mind. This type of healing is often used in combination or as an alternative to talk therapy. Through breathwork, mindfulness, meditation, and movement, we are able to access the body’s innate wisdom and healing potential. Our sessions provide a safe and nurturing space for you to explore and heal the physical, mental, and emotional symptoms arising in your body.​

 

Q: Who is ISTP for?

A: ISTP is for anyone wanting to create more ease, awareness, clarity, and regulation in their lives. Many somatic therapists use this type of treatment for people experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. What I have noticed is that this somatic healing can benefit us all. Yes, it most definitely can assist those who have experienced PTSD and also benefit anyone who is feeling stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain, lacking control, discomfort, and pain.

 

As human beings, we’ve all experienced forms of trauma in our lives, whether it be big T or little T trauma, and we can gain so much wisdom from the pain that we hold in our bodies. Through somatic healing, we can begin to connect the dots that allow us to regulate the nervous system, change disruptive thought patterns and create more ease in our daily lives.

 

​Q: What are the benefits of ISTP?

A: ISTP can provide measurable benefits such as a significant reduction in feelings of distress, a calmer and more regulated nervous system, greater control of self, greater self-awareness, improvements in relationships, improvements in sleep, relief from pain and physical discomfort in the body, improved mood, greater self-acceptance and/or solutions to difficulties may also be experienced. It works by using simple and gentle movement with breathwork and mindfulness to release tension and restore balance in the body.

 

Q: What are the risks associated with ISTP?

A: ISTP is generally considered safe when practiced under the guidance of a trained practitioner. However, as with any form of therapy, integrative somatic therapy can involve accessing unpleasant sensations and feelings, discussing difficult aspects of life experiences, and experiencing uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. Somatic Healing can also involve accessing repressed memories, which may greatly impact relationships, mood, sleep, and sense of self.​

 

Q: What type of training and experience do you bring?

A: I am a trained Integrative Somatic Therapy Practitioner. I also bring ten years of justice system experience in working with a population of people who were often in extremely traumatic and difficult times in their lives. Following that career, I owned and operated a boutique fitness studio in Calgary, where I taught group fitness classes.

 

In 2017 I created a somatic-based fitness class that encouraged people to focus on the sensations in their bodies while moving through the emotions that arose. I called this class, Rise Up. It was a powerful and profound offering that allowed class participants to create a deeper awareness of the body and brought clarity to the many struggles that we face as humans. In 2022 I enrolled in training to deepen my knowledge and become a somatic therapy practitioner. I believe in the benefits of this work, and the tremendous impact that it can make in people's lives.

​

I am not a registered talk therapist. I am an ISTP practitioner trained in somatic healing practices. Rather than talk, somatic healing guides participants to focus on the physical sensations in the body to heal. We heal from the parasympathetic nervous system. Through somatic practices, you can create homeostasis in the body to release disruptive patterns, thoughts, stress, pain, and trauma. If you are looking for a registered talk therapist, please find someone in your area that is a good fit for you.​

 

Q: What type of approach do you use in ISTP sessions?

A: My approach is simple. Together, we use movement, breathwork, mindfulness, and meditation to develop a felt sense in the body in a gentle and non-invasive manner. During my sessions, we often talk very little. I encourage you to share as much or as little as you would like about your current situation; however, rather than talk, somatic healing guides participants to focus on underlying physical sensations in the body. It’s also important to note that my approach does not involve any forceful manipulation or deep tissue massage but rather relies on slow, mindful movements, breath, and light touch that support the participant in releasing tension and stuck emotions to restore balance in the body.

​

Q: What kind of movement is involved in an ISTP session?

A: The movements involved are simple and gentle and are designed to help the body find its natural balance by releasing tension and stress. During the session, we focus on slow and mindful movements that encourage awareness of the body and its connection to the environment. The practice also includes breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques to deepen the experience further. These movements can be done in a seated, standing, or lying position, depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.