Frequently Asked Questions
What is somatic psychotherapy, and how is it different from talk therapy?
Somatic psychotherapy is a body-centred approach to awareness, which may include subtle head movements and eye movements that indicate the body is reacting to sensations in its nervous system.
Its a gentle, body-centred way of working with what you’re going through. We don’t just talk about thoughts and feelings — we also explore where your experiences might be held in your body. This helps you release what feels stuck and reconnect with a sense of ease. It can help you reconnect with your body’s wisdom, releasing what feels stuck and restoring balance.
How can my body hold on to past experiences?
Yes — our bodies are excellent storytellers.
They can retain memories of stress, pain, or joy, even when our minds have moved on.
You might observe this in muscle tension, fatigue, anxiety, or that “always on edge” feeling.
Together, we explore this to foster curiosity, listen to those signals, and help your body find greater balance.
How do I know if my body is asking for change?
It can show up in many ways — It can include pain, tension, fatigue, feeling emotionally shut down, constant alertness, frequent anxiety, or feeling disconnected from yourself. Exhaustion, shutting down emotionally, being constantly on alert, or simply sensing that something’s “off.”
These signals are your body’s way of inviting you to slow down, release, and reconnect. Your body may be signalling it’s time to slow down, release, and reconnect.
Who can benefit from somatic psychotherapy?
I support people from all walks of life — those feeling stuck or disconnected, living with anxiety or depression, moving through grief, exploring identity or relationships, recovering from trauma, or just wanting to feel more grounded in themselves.
What kinds of concerns do you work with?
I support my clients with a wide range of concerns, as stated before anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, sensory overwhelm, identity exploration, a feeling of low self-esteem, or feeling stuck or disconnected including trauma and PTSD, intergenerational trauma, sensory sensitivities, grief and loss, sexuality and gender exploration, culturally safe practice for Kin, Whanau Maori, Pasifika, First Nations and Indigenous peoples, relationships and diversity (including non-monogamy), phobias, motivation challenges, and more.
Is somatic psychotherapy safe for anyone who has experienced any overwhelm or hurt?
Yes. Sessions are collaborative, gentle, and paced according to your needs. We work together to create a safe environment, supporting you and what works within your nervous system to signal and recognise any place of hurt and help you to be curious about your signals of survival needs and find a space to move towards regulation without overwhelm.
Do you work with NDIS participants, and can I see you if I live outside Melbourne?
Yes. I work with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. I can meet with you and discuss during our discovery call and plan for future sessions.
Thanks to secure online (telehealth) sessions, I can support clients anywhere in Australia so that you can access somatic psychotherapy no matter your location.
I identify as neurodiverse or/& LGBTIQA+.
Is your practice inclusive?
I hope so — because this is deeply important to me. I bring my own lived experience of neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identity, cultural and Indigenous worldview, and I am committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and culturally safe space for everyone.
I am a LGBTQIA+ Queer psychotherapist with ties to Aboriginal Kin and also a lineage to my Māori tīpuna.
It is committed to providing support for all ages, from 14 to 85 years old, to promote cultural safety, inclusivity, and respect for all identities, stories and people of all walks of life. When working with a youth-aged client, 14 years old, I will ask
We have supported costs for individuals studying as well as those within various pension types.
I identify as neurodivergent / LGBTIQA+ /community. Is your practice inclusive?
Absolutely. Lived experience shapes my practice as I identify as part of these. My practice is committed to providing all-aged support, from 14 to 85 years old, to promote cultural safety, inclusivity, and respect for all identities, stories. We have supported costs for individuals studying as well as those within various pension types.
What can I expect in a session?
Your pace and comfort guide each session. It starts with understanding what’s important to you, what is subtle, and what is below the surface. What is connecting to your inner knowing…slowly.
We might combine an awareness of how your nervous system relates to the discussion with subtle yet supported awareness, such as your eyes, head, neck, breathing support, slight movement, and reflective conversation, to explore what’s beneath the surface.
It’s about creating space for your mind and body to work together.
Where do we start?
We progress together, one step at a time. In our initial counselling session, we’ll discuss why you are here, the challenges you encounter, and the support you seek. Everything you share remains confidential. I’ll meet you where you are and focus on what matters most to you. Together, we’ll set therapy goals and create a safe, supportive environment. This session is about building trust and ensuring there is a feeling of security for both of us.
What do I need to do?
You bring yourself, your thoughts, feelings, or planned goals —you decide what you want to share. There is no judgment, no fears needed, just people sharing and providing a reciprocity of trust.
How long do sessions last?
Individual initial sessions typically last 60-70 minutes, which is also applicable for couples. Ongoing sessions usually last for 45-50 minutes in total.
Often, individuals or couples may require separate sessions from their partners to explore specific issues with a therapist.
This structure enables the discussion of significant matters or sharing during times of need.
It is essential to note that all types of relationship structures, including polyamorous relationships, are considered.