Somatic Bodywork Therapy
A 4-part series that explores nervous system mapping to aid regulation and resilience, develops mind-body awareness for reconnection, and uses bodywork touch therapy to provide support for the physical responses experienced during emotional and mental processing.
Reconnect with your body’s ‘inner intelligence’ when the mind is no longer helping or resolving the way the body is feeling. Understand and map out what drives the way you think, feel, and behave and how this is related to your body’s nervous system regulating in pursuit of your safety and survival. Bring awareness, compassion, safety and connection to the way your body is experiencing and communicating the challenges you might be facing in life and find a different way of processing the mental and emotional currents associated.
A 4-part series of 75-minute treatments that introduces the use of polyvagal-informed nervous system mapping, a ‘clean language’ somatic enquiry to draw out different ways of thinking to your current challenges and slow, considered bodywork delivered through clothing to provide support, healing, and regulation to your body's response to the work.
The experience can be deeply relaxing, deliver strong sensations as the body releases tension, and create vivid experiences as you connect with the somatic intelligence of your nervous system and the way it communicates your lived experiences.
If you find yourself struggling to 'switch off', always 'primed' for the next thing, and disconnected from your own needs, this work offers a pathway back to being reconnected, regulated and present with your life and the world around you.
What is involved in a session?
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Befriending Your Nervous System: Many of us live in a constant state of "high alert" (Fight/Flight) or "quiet withdrawal" (Freeze), making it hard to feel vibrant or stay connected to what we value most. We will map these states using Polyvagal Theory, honouring your nervous system as a deeply sensitive and emotive part of you that is always trying to keep you safe. By befriending and drawing somatic awareness to the unique ways our body communicates stress and regulation, you can begin returning to a life where you feel rooted with a better understanding of yourself.
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A Gentle Inquiry: Using Clean Language, we explore your "something"—that knot of tension or quiet worry—through focused, non-judgmental questions. This allows you to listen to your body’s wisdom and go beyond normal ways of thinking about a problem to find a compassionate insight into what is happening and what might help. This approach can be done through talking or through visual drawing and pictures depending on what comes easiest to you.
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Touch through Bodywork: Through-clothing bodywork serves as a grounding anchor and support during the session. Whether the touch is a light, calming presence or a deep, steady hold, this guided approach to 'massage' is rooted in providing the support your body is asking for most. The approach helps relax and settle a busy mind, helping you find peace, comfort and clearer awareness of how your body wishes to be supported.
Lola B
"Very gentle, helpful, knowledgeable & kind. Highly recommend for anyone with a frazzled or overactive nervous system ✨"
Heidi R
Sam's has helped me process and resolve some very negative self talk and the effects they were having on my body. After the 3rd session, his techniques have enabled me to balance my body and mind through his words guiding me and gentle holistic massage releasing what I was holding in my most. I would recommend anyone to Sam who needs their foundation of mind and body connection to be healed. Thank you Sam, I'll be back to see you soon!
Philip
"I've been seeing Sam for several months. His approach goes well beyond a standard massage, helping develop a deeper awareness of mind/body connection and how to ground yourself in times of stress. He's open, professional, and creates a really comfortable environment that makes it easy to relax and tune in. I'd highly recommend him to anyone looking for supportive, body-focused work that genuinely makes a difference."
When talking and thinking are no longer helping you understand how you feel, reconnect with your body’s 'inner intelligence'. This treatment helps you understand how your nervous system shapes and communicates the way you think, feel and respond. Get support in understanding how emotions are held and communicated by the body to support you in navigating your current challenges in life. Through developed awareness, tools for regulation and guided bodywork sessions, bring comfort, relief and a deeper sense of connection to yourself.
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Connect: Please contact me to arrange a chat to learn more at: freetomoveholisticmassage@gmail.com
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Frequency: Start with the 4-part series as a block to help introduce and bed in the tools and practices used; following this, sessions can be received on an ad hoc basis.
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Accessibility: If you need financial support, a sliding scale is available.
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Suitability: This work is trauma-informed and centred on creating safety and connection through touch. If you are, or feel you may be, experiencing developmental or complex trauma, please get in touch so we can explore whether this is the right support for you.