Somatic is Latin for "of the body." In this practice it refers to the way the body feels and processes emotions and trauma. 
Therapy and most support groups address emotions through verbal language. This is helpful and necessary for healing, but we need more. 
The somatic approach addresses emotions through the language of the body and the nervous system. Grief happens to the body. It happens in the nervous system and the brain. We don't always think about this aspect of grief, but there can be many physical effects that we may not realize are connected. 

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. 

This approach also uses what is called titration and pendulation. That's just lingo that means I provide guidance that keeps you from feeling more than you can handle. I help you feel what you need to, but in small, manageable pieces. 

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 and rituals exist in every culture. The church has the rituals of baptism and communion. Making tea can be a ritual, and is in some cultures. You can make a ritual of your evening bath. It's something that is done in a specific way and holds a deeper meaning. 
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. My spirituality aligns best with contemplative Christian mysticism but I learn much from other spiritual traditions as well. 
All beliefs are welcome and those who are non-religious or atheist are welcome as well.