What to Expect in Your First Somatic Therapy Session

If you’re curious about starting to work one to one with me, or you’ve booked your first session and you’re feeling a bit nervous, this is for you.

Starting any form of therapy can be nerve-wracking. And that’s to be expected. You are moving into a space of the unknown and uncertainty is not a pleasant experience for most of us.

I’ve written this article to offer some support and guidance around your first session with me.

The Techniques I Use

I use a combination of different techniques in session. My favoured one is Internal Family Systems (IFS) which an incredibly effective approach for people who have experienced trauma, or are feeling depressed, anxious, or out of touch with themselves.

I also bring in techniques from Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and lots of somatic practices, such as connecting to breath, body sensing, grounding and meditation.

This combination of approaches allows me to tailor my approach to each individual and your goals and needs.

The driver behind somatic therapeutic approaches - for me - is to create a loving relationship with your Self and all your parts.

Getting to Know Each Other

The main purpose of the first session is to get to know each other. It’s an opportunity for you to offload what has brought you to therapy. And to have someone listen without judgement and validate your experiences.

This is a crucial step. Yes, I will be seeking to understand your childhood, and if you’ve experienced any Adverse Childhood Experiences (to give you an ACE score) and your resilience factors. I’m also finding out what parts are showing up in service of you today and starting to get an inkling of where they might have come from.

This is the beginning of building a trusting therapeutic relationship. Where you feel safe to share.

The Setting

Sessions take place in my little therapy hut surrounded by flowers and plants. It’s a safe, nurturing space away from the outside world. There’s cosy blankets, cushions, I have my singing bowls in there to play for somatic release. I provide you with water to drink, tissues, and fidget toys. Sometimes we stand in the garden to help with grounding or embodying.

Closing

The first session tends to be a little longer because there is a need for you to offload and share what has been troubling you. Sometimes I will give you a task to do before your next session, or a movement exercise to do at home.

I often do a grounding exercise or short meditation to close the session so you can return to the world feeling safe and nurtured.