About Somatic Counselling
Somatic therapies focus on the mind–body connection, using awareness of physical sensations, movement, and the nervous system to support emotional well-being.
Somatic therapy is usually guided by a trained therapist, especially when it involves trauma. Some simple grounding or awareness practices can be done on your own, but deeper work is best done with support.
Some of the somatic therapies I offer include:
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Helps people notice body sensations (like tension or warmth) and gently release stress or trauma responses, instead of only talking about thoughts.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Combines talk therapy with attention to posture, movement, and physical reactions to emotions.
Body Scan Practices
Guided attention moving through the body (head to toe) to notice sensations without judging them.
Grounding Techniques
Activities that help you feel present and safe in your body, such as feeling your feet on the floor or noticing physical surroundings.
Breath-Based Somatic Work
Using slow, intentional breathing to calm the nervous system and increase body awareness (not intense breathwork).
Movement-Based Therapy
Gentle movement (stretching, walking, shaking out tension) used intentionally to process emotions stored in the body.
Trauma-Informed Yoga
Yoga adapted to focus on choice, safety, and body awareness rather than performance or flexibility.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
Tensing and relaxing muscle groups to reduce stress and help recognize bodily tension.
What to expect from
somatic-based sessions
Individual counselling
Individual somatic therapy focuses on the mind–body connection to help a person become more aware of physical sensations and how they relate to emotions, stress, and life experiences.
Sessions are personalised, meaning I tailor the work to your unique history, needs, and goals, and move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
By gently noticing body signals such as breathing, tension, or movement, you can learn ways to regulate your nervous system and respond to challenges more effectively.
A strong emphasis is placed on choice and boundaries, encouraging participants to listen to their bodies, decide how much to participate, and develop a sense of control and safety. Being witnessed by others in a respectful, nonjudgmental way can reduce feelings of isolation and help normalise natural body responses to stress and emotion.
Overall, group somatic therapy can improve emotional regulation, increase feelings of belonging, strengthen social awareness, and help participants practice grounding and self-regulation skills in real time, making these skills easier to use in everyday life.
Group therapy
Group somatic therapy works by combining body-based awareness with the healing effects of being in a supportive group setting. Participants learn to notice physical sensations such as tension, ease, or changes in breathing while also being aware of others, which helps them understand how their bodies respond in social situations. The group environment supports shared regulation, meaning that calm or grounded states can spread naturally from person to person, helping everyone feel safer.
Communication in these groups often goes beyond words, with attention to posture, movement, facial expression, and tone, allowing emotions to be recognized and processed through the body rather than only through talking.
Acknowledgment of Country
I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on the Sunshine Coast, the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) and Jinibara peoples, and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
I am committed to creating a space that is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all people, including the LGBTQIA+ community.
Contact
Erica Fernandez
0427 453 208
elftol@gmail.com