Somatic Therapy | Sacred Sadhana

The basis of somatic therapy is the soma or body, which is biologically wired to maintain life and homeostasis. Another way to think of the body is "anything which requires care to stay alive."

Due to genetic, environmental, cultural factors and trauma exposure, the nervous systems of children can become wired to remain at high alert (hyperactivated) or shut down (hypoactivate), or fluctuate between these two extremes. Teens and adults who struggle to engage in meaningful relationships and work could be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, OCD, dissociative or personality disorders. But they could also be seen as having a nervous system which is "stuck" in a particular state or pattern, often because it helps or has helped them to survive.

Somatic therapy offers context for symptoms as well as invitations to track sensations and emotions, befriend Your body and shift beliefs. It can be matched to the needs of an individual, while recognizing the ways Your environment impacts Your body and mind.

As a disabled person, in a queer/trans body, I offer this modality through a healing justice lens, where the goal isn't elimination, but rather integration of mind and body.

Logistics

Western, medical model approaches often separate mental health and physical health conditions, while pathologizing experiences such as alternative mental states (ex: psychosis,, dissociation), and substance use. As a licensed social worker, I have been trained to navigate and advocate within the medical model, which can include diagnosis, treatment planning and writing letters of support as needed. As a registered yoga teacher/ trauma sensitive yoga facilitator, I do not have to work within the medical model.

I can offer somatic therapeutic approaches to folks within NY as a psychotherapist under clinical supervision or as a registered yoga teacher/ trauma sensitive yoga facilitator. For folks outside of NY, I can offer somatic therapy as a registered yoga teacher/ trauma sensitive yoga facilitator, ONLY. This limits my capacity to engage in psychotherapy, case management and advocacy.

We can discuss which approach is right for You. There is no difference in rates or session durations.

My standard rate is $100 per session (45 - 55 minutes long). While I do not accept insurance, I can accept HSA and FSA as well as all major credit cards. I do offer reimbursement documentation (called "super bills") that You can submit to Your insurance, who will consider me an out of network provider. For folks outside of NY, You'll need to check with Your insurance regarding reimbursement.