Somatic is Latin for "of the body." In this practice it refers to the way the body "remembers and stores" emotions and trauma. This isn't literal, but it's a good way to visualize the way unprocessed emotions and trauma can affect us, even years later. 
We also address current grief, trauma, and emotions so that they can process without becoming stifled into the body. 

Somatic work involves learning how to feel your body, learning how to listen to what the body is trying to tell you. This can mean tuning in to sensations and places that feel uncomfortable as well as places that feel neutral or pleasant. It involves offering the body different techniques to allow the unprocessed emotions and trauma to move out of the body. Breath work, yoga, dance, humming, meditation, and self-massage are all examples of somatic techniques. I am trained in dozens of somatic practices that we can choose from, together, to help your unique body process the grief and trauma it's been holding. 

The word "ritual" can be uncomfortable for some of us. We get images in our minds of dark, secret things. But anything can be a ritual. The church has the rituals of baptism and communion. Making tea can be a ritual. 
In grief work the rituals are ways of using symbolism to facilitate and support grief. Using water as a symbol for tears, for example

Rituals work for several reasons. They are actions we take with the body. And somatics is all about working with the body. Whether you are putting your hands in water, or your feet in mud, it's a physical action. The body likes that. 
Another reason they work is that our subconscious mind "thinks" in metaphor and symbolism. Rituals are often both of those things. 
And because of quantum physics and a lot of things I don't completely understand, I think that water, earth, and other natural things are actually healing for us. 
You have complete control over what we do in our work together. You will never be expected to do anything that doesn't feel aligned to you. 
 

As a Spiritual Director I offer deep listening and help you connect with your higher power. I can help you notice where God of your understanding is moving and working in your life. 

This service is totally at your discretion and I will never push my personal beliefs on anyone.