Today I want to talk about creating safety in the body. You might have heard this term before in the world of somatic work, but what does it really mean? And more importantly, how do we actually do it?
Let’s start with the basics. Somatic work is a type of therapy that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. It’s based on the idea that our physical experiences and emotions are deeply intertwined, and that by working with the body, we can help to heal emotional wounds and promote overall well-being.
One of the key concepts in somatic work is creating safety in the body. This means helping the client to feel safe and secure in their physical body, which in turn can lead to a greater sense of emotional safety and well-being. When we have greater access to a felt-sense of safety, we have a greater capacity to resolve trauma. But what does that actually mean, and what might it feel like?
At its most basic level, creating safety in the body means helping the client to feel comfortable and at ease in their own skin. This might involve helping them to become more aware of their physical sensations, or helping them to release tension and relax their muscles. It might also involve teaching them breathing techniques or other practices that can help them to regulate their nervous system and feel more grounded.
But creating safety in the body goes beyond just physical comfort. It also means helping the client to feel emotionally safe and supported. This might involve building a strong practiioner-client relationship based on trust and empathy, or helping the client to explore and process difficult emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
So how do we actually create safety in the body? There are a variety of techniques and practices that somatic practitioners might use, depending on the needs and goals of the client. Some common techniques include:
Ultimately, the goal of creating safety in the body is to help the client feel more connected to themselves and to the world around them. By fostering a sense of physical and emotional safety, somatic practitioners can help their clients to heal old wounds, build resilience, and find greater joy and fulfillment in their lives.
So there you have it – a brief overview of what we mean when we talk about creating safety in the body in somatic work. If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating field, I encourage you to explore it further and see how it might be able to support your own journey toward greater health and well-being.
Find out how somatic work might be supportive for you by booking a consult with me: https://jotucker.as.me/freesession
I’m moving from 6-month coaching program commitments to a pay-as-we-go model.
Want to meet every week for a few weeks? Great.
Want a session once a month? Perfect.
Want to set up bi-weekly sessions for 3 months straight? Let’s do it.
Fees remain sliding scale from $150-250 per 75 min session with the *dream* of dropping that price even more as my practice fills.
Why make the change?
It starts with integrity. I had to ask myself: am I in a place where I’m able and willing to commit hundreds of dollars to my own support in the form of a “package”.
And the truth is… I’m not. I’m restarting my business after mat leave, I now have a baby (!?), and we’re all navigating massive fluxes in the global economy that are hitting hard.
A long-term commitment, even if technically “doable”, feels unsafe in my body. There is too much uncertainty in the field, my body is a no.
In this season of my life, I lean into models that feel more flexible, even if they actually look the same as a six-month commitment. It FEELS different.
In this season of my life, I want access to multiple practitioners to meet my changing needs.
In this season of my life, I want to get even clearer on what consent actually looks like in my practice. As someone who works with clients on attachment issues, I know that it’s not enough to simply say “you’re not beholden to this agreement” – I want to make sure my clients feel truly empowered and in control.
So, out with the old model of hundreds up front, in with a pay-as-you-go model.
The goal remains the same: supporting you in slow, doable, long-term somatic care. The container just looks different.
Finally, this choice wasn’t made in a vacuum! I’m so grateful to be in a supportive network of folks who are ever circling around integrity in service, watching the landscape, and experimenting with their practice.
To name a few: thank you Bear Hebert for the seeds, thank you Varvara for the possibility, thank you Carmen Spagnola for creating a space where conversations like this happen.