For both virtual and in-person sessions, (group classes and private sessions) I verbally guide you through the intricate steps as you perform the movements. Although I may briefly demonstrate, it is more about you listening to the steps and you learn by doing. It is not effective to simply mimic the movements you observe. Virtual sessions make sense if you have a device with a working camera, mic, and audio and you have a well-lit space where I can view you performing the exercises, often lying on your back on the floor, on a yoga mat. I do not offer virtual sessions to those who want to attend anonymously. Sessions are 1-hour, and typically include an opening awareness strategy, the teaching of usually two exercises*, and a closing awareness strategy. Dress comfortably and be shoeless. *Some exercises take longer than others so please note it is typically two exercises that will be taught. Sometimes it may be one and sometimes it may be three.

No. Not directly. There are many reasons that we can experience pain in our bodies. Psychological or emotional trauma is one reason. Some somatic modalities do focus on the processing of emotional trauma, which may manifest as physical pain in the body but that is not the orientation of my services. The somatic modality that I offer is oriented toward pain in the body as a result of unhealthy sitting, standing, or other repetitive positions and movements, and as residual pain from accidents/injuries that were not completely resolved through a medical approach.

Although it has “exercise” in the name, I think of Clinical Somatic Exercise as opposite-exercise. It is not “like” other forms of exercise. It is not like yoga, Pilates, cross-training, aerobic classes, or stretching. It is its own thing. You won’t sweat, lift weights, do a lot of sets, or need much equipment, if any, to perform it. It is a collection of gentle movements that are performed with intention in a slow and controlled manner. The result is a draining of chronic muscle tension which allows oxygenation and natural and healthy use of your musculature. Then, these muscles will no longer be pulling your bones out of their ideal position. These movements that you actively and intentionally perform retrain your neuromuscular pathways to operate through a fuller range of motion that they were designed to. It is a little bit like getting a clean slate on your muscle function and pain levels. It is ideally done on a yoga mat on the floor. A bed would be too soft, and the bare floor is too uncomfortable for most people. It is possible that a yoga block or exercise strap will come in handy but just about everything can be done by most people with just simply a yoga mat. Somatic exercises can make more of your body available to you so that you can improve your execution of other activities such as yoga, Pilates, Barre, spin, running, dance, soccer, rugby, and playing with your kids or grandchildren.

For in person sessions, yes, it can. It can be helpful to your body awareness if I make contact with an area of your body that is frozen, you have stopped moving, you are tensing when it should be relaxed, or if you are moving it too quickly. It is also helpful to assist you with the multitasking of operating more than one area of your body at the same time in a specific way. If you have a no-contact policy, simply let me know and I can utilize a visual aid to remind myself to use only verbal cueing.

Yes. Clinical Somatic Exercise and postural rehabilitation can help every person. This is because we all use our bodies in ways that cause dysfunction, chronic muscle tension, and pain. Examples of this are: Auto or other accidents, extended periods of sitting improperly for computer work or television time, overuse of a body zone due to handedness or repetitive motions, and positions as a result of hobbies, athletics, or work. These are the most common causes of chronic pain.

The most common feelings experienced may include: · The reduction or absence of pain · Reduction or absence of tension · A smoothness of your baseline muscle perception · More comfort as you execute everyday body functions such as sitting, standing, walking, lying down, getting up from a seated position, climbing stairs, and bending over · The ability to do things with less or no pain that you haven't been able to do before or for a long time such as dancing, running, gym workouts, yoga or Pilates classes, or soccer As with any exercise or other use of the body, you may feel the following effects as your body undergoes changes to improve its condition. Most people don't but it is possible: · Muscle fatigue · Muscle tenderness · Muscle spasm during exercise execution as you address a vulnerable muscle · Soreness, or discomfort in new areas or muscles, as your body adjusts to its "new" condition The above effects may not be felt by all people, and they would be temporary. If Clinical Somatic Exercises are performed effectively and the above effects are part of your experience, they are evidence that your body is changing and starting to work in a healthier way by being less reliant on the patterns that cause you pain. When functional parts of your body have been out of use, it can feel strange or even sore to start getting the use or sensation back. You just need to give your body some time to adjust.

No. Clinical Somatic Exercise and postural therapy are not considered medical treatments, and I am not a medical provider so, insurance will not take me. If you have a new injury that may require medical treatment, you should see a doctor to confirm the medical model can do nothing for you or to engage in a medical treatment plan until you are "released from care". I do not diagnose medical conditions.

Regarding Clinical Somatic Exercise: If you execute the movements correctly, it is possible to feel relief after one correct execution. Most people report feeling some immediate improvement and a higher level of relief and function with ongoing practice. If you are a person who does not have at least average body awareness, it will likely take you longer to learn how to effectively perform Clinical Somatic Exercise. Examples would be: Individuals who have Sensory Motor Amnesia in some area of their body Those who have difficulty noticing their internal sensations such as if their leg muscles are sore, they cannot understand which muscles are sore but only that their “legs” are sore Those who might be described as being highly analytical, always in their head, often feeling the need to academically understand a process fully before they can execute a physical process. None of these examples describe a better or worse match between the person and the modality. They only highlight that we are all diverse in our experiencing and in the way we interface with the universe around us. If you continue to engage in habits that reinforce the use of your body that cause or exacerbate your pain during the early stage of Clinical Somatic Exercise, such as jogging, gardening, working in a seated position for many hours at a time, or gaming on the computer for extended hours, your relief may be perceived as less either by percentage or by duration of relief. Regarding postural rehabilitation: Every person brings unique factors to the table so the schedule of improvements vary. While some improvements may be felt or seen soon after beginning a postural rehabilitation curriculum, most people feel a significant difference in their "new normal" at about the 3 month mark when their program adherence has been 4 or more days of at-home practice per week.