SOMATIC MOVEMENT

“The human body is not an instrument to be used, but a realm of one's being to be experienced, explored, enriched and, thereby, educated.” — Thomas Hanna

The practice of somatics is about getting to know ourselves by experiencing the body from the body’s perspective (“soma” is the Greek for “living body”). Through movement and bodywork, we tap into our embodied experience and move towards integrating body, mind & spirit.

Somatics was coined by Thomas Hanna who defined the practice as "the study of the self from the perspective of one’s lived experience, encompassing the dimensions of body, psyche, and spirit.”

So in learning the language of the body through somatics, we recognise the connection between our physical sensations and emotional being. This awareness helps us regulate our experiences, and navigate the ups and downs of life with more resilience and ease.

Somatic practices also support us on a physical level. Just one small example, mindful movement can re-educate the nervous system to relax and communicate differently with muscles that may have become tight or restricted as a result of trauma, injuries, emotional stress, habitual patterns, or early development experiences.

Somatic movement can help us to:

  • create greater body awareness so we can better support our own wellbeing

  • welcome ourselves just as we are

  • cultivate self-trust

  • improve mobility, strength and posture

  • reduce symptoms of chronic pain

Who is Somatic Movement for?

Somatic movement is beneficial for everyone and anyone. The only prerequisite is that you have a body. Individual sessions in somatic movement may be of interest to you if:

  • you’re interested in moving differently

  • you’re seeking to recover from physical injury and/or illness

  • you want support in dealing with stress, anxiety and/or low mood

  • you’re looking to improve your overall physical and mental health

  • you want to dedicate time to your own well-being

  • you’d like to support a young person/child in your family who may be:

    • struggle with movement, balance or coordination

    • experiencing difficulties at school

    • living through a period of stress, anxiety or low mood

    • coming to terms with being adopted

  • Infant and developmental movement (coming soon!)

About Somatic Movement sessions

Somatic Movement sessions are always tailored to you. This means that the things we explore are led by you. I am here to guide and support you in, movement & body work, reflecting on and enquiring into the experiences that come up for you during the practice. Some examples of what might be practised during a Somatic Movement sessions include:

  • movement (rolling, jumping, developmental movement patterns, moving from or with the intention of a specific body system, moving freely, moving through specific shapes/forms in the body etc.)

  • body work with permission (where therapist and self touch is used)

  • use of props to explore movement (bolsters, blankets, chair, surfaces like a wall)

  • sounding or vocalising

  • resting/restorative practice, relative stillness, guided body scans

  • creative activities such as drawing and/or journalling

“after years of practising yoga I came to Ashley to build a different relationship with my body . . . through moving with Ashley I have gained a greater awareness of my body and how I move . . . I also feel A LOT less muscular tension.”

— J