Somatic Story Work
a safe space for introspection & healing
Welcome to the transformative world of Somatic Story Work, a healing journey that integrates the body's wisdom with the narrative of your life. Rooted in the belief that our bodies are repositories of memories, stories, and traumas, our approach is designed to guide you through a process of deep understanding and healing.
At the core of Somatic Story Work lies the conviction that healing is not just a mental process but a bodily one. I embrace the principles of The Allender Theory, which emphasizes the importance of engaging our core narratives to confront and heal from trauma, heartache, and disconnection. This modality is influenced by Dr. Dan Allender's Story Work and integrates elements of somatic experiencing, internal family systems, narrative therapy, and emotionally focused therapy. Our work together is non-diagnosing and is designed to support you within a consulting framework.
About Somatic Story Work
Somatic Story Work is a pathway to reclaiming peace, joy, and wholeness. By focusing on body awareness, storytelling, and emotional release, we help you unpack traumatic events stored in your body and mind. This integrative approach fosters a profound connection between your physical sensations and your life’s story, facilitating a healing journey that is both deep and transformative.
My approach is rooted in the understanding that the body holds and expresses our most intimate experiences. Through our work together, we aim to bridge the gap between mind and body, allowing for a more comprehensive and holistic healing process.
Embodied Soul Healing Approach
Core Principles and Influences
My approach to Somatic Story Work is deeply influenced by The Allender Theory's commitment to engaging core narratives. I believe that healing involves moving from a state of contempt, shame, and ambivalence to one of compassion, goodness, and wholeness. This journey is facilitated through a process of storytelling where truth and integrity are paramount.
In our work together, I guide you to:
Connect with Your Body’s Wisdom: Uncover the stories and memories held within your body, recognizing how these physical sensations and experiences shape your inner world.
Engage in Guided Reflection: Through imagery, visualization, and reflective practices, we explore the narratives that influence your life and well-being.
Experience a Gentle, Mindful Approach: Allow your body to relax and release stored memories, facilitating a process of healing that is both compassionate and profound.
Healing and Transformation
Somatic Story Work is grounded in the understanding that true healing and transformation begin when we acknowledge the shattered shalom—the perfect peace that was once ours. By recognizing our trauma and the defensive structures we've built, we pave the way for restoration and healing. This journey of healing is a move towards authenticity and deep, lasting relationships with ourselves, others, and the divine.
When you engage the particularities of your story gradually, you begin to expand your consciousness.
The Four Phases of Somatic Story Work
Phase One: Storytelling – Uncovering Your History
In this foundational phase, we create a safe and supportive environment for you to share your life stories. This exploration helps us understand the experiences that have shaped you and how they have impacted your mind, body, and soul. We examine different parts of your identity and their significance within your overall narrative, laying the groundwork for achieving wholeness and coherence. We also consider the interplay between your stories and your sense of self, recognizing how your narratives shape your beliefs, behaviors, and relationships. This comprehensive approach helps us identify areas where you may need healing or integration, setting the stage for the subsequent phases of our work together.
Phase Two: Mapping – Connecting the Dots
With your stories outlined, we focus on identifying and connecting the various elements of your inner world. This involves mapping out the different parts of your psyche and understanding their roles and interactions. We also address trauma and work on restoring balance to your nervous system. This may involve techniques to regulate emotional responses, process past experiences, and build resilience. By connecting these elements, we help you achieve alignment and clarity within your personal narrative. This process helps you see how different aspects of your life are interconnected, providing a deeper understanding of your personal story.
Phase Three: Embodiment – Bringing Stories to Life in Your Body
In this transformative phase, we delve into the profound connection between your narratives and your physical body. The body serves as a vessel for your stories, offering insights and wisdom that are not always accessible through the mind alone. The body never lies; it acts as a truthful mirror, expressing what the mind may suppress or overlook. Through physical sensations, postures, and movements, your body reveals the deep-seated emotions and experiences that shape your inner world. By tuning into these bodily expressions, we can uncover and explore how your physical self holds and communicates your stories. We will engage in practices that help you sense and feel the presence of each part of yourself within your body. This somatic awareness allows us to connect with the physical manifestations of your narratives, facilitating a deeper understanding of how these stories are embodied. It opens up a dialogue between your mind and body, enabling you to address and integrate the emotions and experiences stored within. Through this process, we aim for a profound level of healing and alignment. By acknowledging and embracing the wisdom held in your body, we work towards bringing your stories to life in a way that fosters harmony and unity between your mind, body, and soul. This deeper connection supports a more integrated sense of self, enhancing your overall sense of well-being and wholeness.
Phase Four: Integration – Weaving a Unified Narrative
The Integration phase is where we bring together the insights and experiences gained from the previous phases into a cohesive and unified whole. This phase is about synthesizing the various elements of your personal narrative to foster a sense of unity, coherence, and balance within yourself. We will focus on exploring the subconscious to uncover any fractured parts or unresolved issues that may still be affecting you. This process involves delving into deeper layers of your psyche to identify and address any lingering fragmentation or disconnection. By bringing these fractured parts back into alignment, we work towards restoring a sense of wholeness and integration. Through various techniques and practices, we aim to help you reattach these parts to your overall sense of self. This involves a careful process of integration where we align your different parts, facilitating a more harmonious and balanced existence. By achieving this state of inner union, you will experience a greater sense of clarity, purpose, and well-being. The ultimate goal of the Integration phase is to help you achieve a unified and authentic sense of self. This integration supports a more fulfilling and aligned life, where all aspects of your being work together in harmony. It allows you to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you.
We find our humanity hidden within our story at the intersection of beauty and brokenness.
-Lillie Duncan
questions you may have
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Counseling is a form of therapy in which a trained and licensed mental health professional helps a person work through personal issues. It typically involves talking through problems, exploring solutions, and developing strategies to improve mental health and well-being.
Somatic story work is a type of healing technique that uses engaging story to explore a person’s life and experiences. It focuses on understanding the meanings of stories and how they relate to the individual’s life and identity. Story work is about uncovering and discovering personal truths and understanding the stories that have shaped the individual.
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Sessions are $125 per hour.
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All Somatic Story Work sessions are online meeting through Zoom.
If you have a question that I haven’t answered yet, please reach out!