When we encounter emotionally challenging situations, often our body takes over to determine our response – rationality and conscious thought take a back seat or drop away entirely.
This is normal. We’re animals. We evolved to be sensitive to risk and avoid it. Our limbic system handles our emotions, and we react a lot more quickly (get to safety now!) when we use it without involving the reasoning areas of our brain, which are much slower. That’s immensely useful in dangerous situations.
Our limbic system remembers when we were hurt (important memories!), and it’s distinct from areas of the brain responsible for conscious thought. As a result, when we’re working on things that make us feel unsafe in therapy, often the most efficient path to healing starts not by thinking (or talking), but by tuning in to our body sensations.
Our nervous system is tracking our level of safety at all times. When we perceive that things are unsafe, our Sympathetic Nervous System activates (“fight or flight”): heart rate and blood pressure increase, bronchioles (lungs) dilate for higher oxygen intake, pupils dilate to improve distance vision, glucose release increases for instant energy, digestion is inhibited, blood vessels in peripheral systems (skin and viscera) constrict to prioritize blood flow to muscles, stress hormones are released. When we perceive safety, our Parasympathetic Nervous System activates (“rest and digest”), and the reverse happens.
Somatic experiencing invites our body sensations to be center stage as we work together in therapy. Our body stores important information on what it perceives as safe and unsafe. By tracking felt body sensations during therapy, we have access to valuable information about safety.
In tracking body sensations, we learn what people, contexts, behaviors, etc. trigger which specific sensations. We develop resources by discovering what things bring us body sensations in which we feel centered, stable and confident. We expand our window of tolerance for discomfort.
I tend to sprinkle Somatic Experiencing approaches into most sessions, inviting folks to notice their body sensations. Full Somatic Experiencing sessions are available upon request.
I'm currently accepting new clients.
I’m not taking new clients paying with insurance at this time. I can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company if you’d like.
I offer a sliding scale - learn more here.
You’re invited to book a first session or a free 20 minute consultation (on zoom or in-person) to explore what it might be like to work together. To set up a first session or free consultation, or if you have any questions, feel free to call/text me at (512) 736-9065 or email me at ryan@qualityofbeing.com
Thanks so much!
May the Goodness that's within you shine brightly.