Somatic Release Intensive

What makes this different from regular therapy?

Traditional therapy often keeps you in your mind: talking about patterns, understanding why they exist, developing coping strategies. The Somatic Release Intensive works directly with your body to release what's been stuck. We use interoception (your ability to feel sensations from within your body), not just words. This creates lasting nervous system change, not just intellectual understanding.

How is this different from other somatic approaches?

This intensive combines multiple body-based modalities (including Neo Emotional Release, Integral Somatic Psychology, Internal Family Systems) within a focused, time-bound container. You get comprehensive between-session support, not just weekly appointments. The structure is designed specifically for emotional release work, with proper preparation and integration built in.

Why only 1 month? Isn't that too fast?

We're not rushing your healing, we're working at the speed of your nervous system, rather than endless analysis. The intensive structure creates the safety and momentum needed for deep release work. One focused month, with comprehensive support, often creates more lasting change than years of weekly talk therapy. That said, the work continues after through integration, at your own pace, and optional ongoing support is available.

Do I need to have done somatic work before?

No. The preparation sessions teach you what you need to know and build your capacity for the release work. However, some level of self-awareness is advantageous - e.g. you can recognise your pain points or patterns, even if you can't change them yet. If you're completely new to any form of inner work, this may not be the right starting point.

What happens in Session 1?

Session 1 is a 75-minute foundation session. Before we meet, you'll complete an in-depth questionnaire exploring your family history and patterns. During the session, we map what's been keeping you stuck, establish nervous system safety, and explore whether the intensive is right for you. Session 1: Foundation & Pattern Mapping is designed so you can gain valuable insight, regardless of whether you continue.

What if I do Session 1 and decide not to continue?

That's completely okay and there's no pressure. Session 1 provides genuine value on its own: you'll gain significant insight into your patterns, understand what's keeping you stuck, and have clarity about your next steps. I will also send you a full summary of our time together, so you can reflect and go back to it whenever needed. You've invested £150 in understanding yourself in a whole different level, with no obligation whatsoever.

How do I know if I'm ready for this work?

Session 1 helps us determine this together. Generally, you're ready if you: have already begun your healing journey, understand your patterns intellectually but can't change them, feel exhausted from temporary fixes, and sense your body holds the missing piece. If you're unsure, book Session 1 and we'll explore readiness together.

Can I book the full intensive directly without Session 1?

Session 1 serves as the foundation and ensures we're a good mutual fit. This protects both of us and makes sure the intensive is appropriate for you. If after our initial conversation you're certain you want to proceed, we can schedule all remaining sessions immediately.

What actually happens in an emotional release session?

Using precise somatic techniques, we work with emotions and survival responses your body learned long ago and has been holding - and recreating- ever since. This might involve breath work, gentle touch/pressure points, movement, vocalisation, or simply being with sensation. You stay present and aware throughout - this isn't hypnosis or "losing control." Your body leads; I facilitate the safe completion of what got interrupted.

Is it safe? What if I get overwhelmed?

Safety is paramount. That's why we spend the initial sessions building your capacity and establishing nervous system regulation, before any release work. I'm trained to recognise when you're at the edge of your window of tolerance and help you stay within it. Between-session support means you're never alone with what emerges. We work at your body's pace, not faster.

Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

Not necessarily. Somatic work doesn't require you to narrate your trauma story. We work with what your body is holding, which is often pre-verbal or beyond what words can capture. You share what feels relevant, but the release happens through sensation and body-based processing, not storytelling.

What if nothing happens during the release sessions?

"Nothing happening" is actually quite rare when the groundwork has been properly laid. Release happens in many forms. Sometimes it's dramatic and obvious: cathartic expression, visible shifts, tears, or vocalisation. Other times it's subtle: a softening in your tissues, deeper breath, a sense of space opening, or quiet peaceful integration. Both are valid and valuable. Your body knows what it needs, and when proper preparation is in place, something meaningful always moves. We trust your body's wisdom and timing completely.

Will this bring up difficult emotions?

Yes, likely. That's the point - emotions that have been stuck need to move through. However, "difficult" doesn't mean overwhelming or unsafe. We create the conditions for you to feel and release in a contained, supported way. This is why preparation, pacing, and integration support are built into the structure.

Where do sessions take place?

Online sessions:
All preparation and integration work (Sessions 1, 2, 5) takes place online via secure platform. Emotional release sessions (3, 4) can also be done online.

In-person option:
If you're in London or near Hertfordshire, Emotional release sessions can be held at my private space (Hertfordshire SG12) or I can come to you. Contact me to check and arrange.

What you need:
A quiet, private environment where you can move freely and express emotions without interruption.

How long are the sessions?

Preparation and Integration Sessions (1, 2, 5): 75 minutes
Emotional release sessions (3, 4): Up to 2 hours

We allow enough time for your body's process without rushing.

What happens between sessions?

You'll have reflective activities, pattern-tracking tools, and somatic practices tailored to where you are. You also have messaging access to me for questions, processing, or when something comes up. I'm available on weekdays and check messages on weekends if you need support - you're not alone with what emerges.

Can I spread the sessions over longer than a month?

The intensive is designed as a focused container, and spreading it out too much can reduce effectiveness. However, life happens. If you need to extend by a week or two due to illness or circumstances, we can discuss flexibility. The key is maintaining momentum and continuity.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Life is unpredictable. I have a cancellation policy that allows rescheduling with adequate notice (48 hours for regular sessions, 5 days for Session 1). Once we've begun the intensive, we work together to maintain the container, while being realistic about life's demands.

Will I need ongoing therapy after this?

Not necessarily. Some clients feel complete after the intensive and move forward with their transformed nervous system. Others choose occasional maintenance sessions (monthly, quarterly, as-needed) or return when new challenges arise. Some continue with other therapeutic work. There's no "should" - you'll know what you need.

What's included in the Connected community?

Connected is my private, invitation-only online community exclusively for clients. You'll have complimentary lifetime access where you can integrate alongside others on the same healing journey, share experiences with peers who understand this work, and access ongoing resources and support. It's hosted on a secure platform where you can stay anonymous if you prefer, and it's a safe space for continued growth.

What if my patterns come back?

Patterns or pain may resurface - that's part of life and part of your healing process, not a sign you're back at square one. What changes is your relationship to them. You might notice: you catch yourself sooner, the intensity is less consuming, you return to regulation faster, or you have more choice in how you respond. These shifts in awareness and resilience show nervous system change is happening, even when challenges arise. Often, new life circumstances activate old responses while deeper healing is happening beneath the surface. You'll have tools from the intensive, access to the Connected community, and the option for additional sessions at a discounted rate if needed.

I'm currently in therapy with someone else. Can I do this intensive?

Yes, with coordination. Let your current therapist know you're doing focused somatic work. The intensive can complement talk therapy beautifully - you're adding the body-based component that talk therapy might not provide. However, if you're in crisis or acute instability, it's better to stabilise first.

Are there any conditions that would make me unsuitable for this work?

This intensive isn't appropriate if you're currently in acute crisis, experiencing active psychosis, have severe dissociative disorders without treatment, or are using substances in ways that would prevent you from participating fully in sessions. You don't need to already be able to stay with difficult emotions - that's what we'll work on together. You do need enough stability that this depth of work can be safely integrated. When in doubt, we assess this together in Session 1, and I can refer you to more appropriate support if needed.

I'm on medication for anxiety/depression. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Being on medication doesn't exclude you from this work - many clients are. Somatic work can complement medication by addressing what's held in the body, that medication alone cannot reach. 

What's your cancellation/refund policy?

Session 1 (£150) is non-refundable once booked, but can be rescheduled with 5 days notice. If you decide not to proceed with the full intensive after Session 1, no further payment is required. Once you've paid for the full intensive, refunds are not available, but we can pause or reschedule sessions if needed due to genuine emergencies.