is it time to make peace with yourself...?
If the answer is yes, you are invited to embark on a supported healing journey with me, Claire, your compassionate guide.
I offer integrative somatic therapy, combining trauma-informed mindfulness and somatic therapy techniques, hypnotherapy, breathwork + somatic yoga.
​
This is your time to lovingly reconnect with your body, befriend your mind, and move forwards more peacefully...
Trauma informed mindfulness and somatic therapy for stress and anxiety
what is integrative somatic therapy?
from the greek word 'soma' meaning the living body in it's wholeness, somatic techniques honour the connection between the body and the mind.
One of the principles of somatics is that the stories in your mind (your thoughts) follow the state in your body (your feelings), yet we often try to tackle our problems by changing our thoughts e.g. by "thinking positively", cognitive and talking therapy, and neglect tending to our bodies.
​
When our bodies feel unsafe, they adapt into survival states (fight, flight, freeze/shut down) to keep us safe. Sometimes, the body can get stuck in these states even when in reality we are now safe.
​
Somatic therapy techniques help us to gently reconnect with our bodies and pay attention to their sensations, and then help our bodies to learn we are safe now, so they can release the survival states and our symptoms helping us to feel better.
​
"Once you start approaching your body with curiosity rather than with fear, everything shifts."
​
– Bessel A. van der Kolk - The Body Keeps the Score
my approach to healing:
My trauma-informed approach honors the wisdom of the body; it is always trying to keep us safe and many symptoms such as anxiety, low moods, fatigue, dissociation can be a result of being stuck in survival states.
​
Our sessions will combine psychoeducation (using the polyvagal theory framework) to help you compassionately understand your symptoms and the therapeutic application of trauma informed mindfulness, breathwork and movement practices to gently help you reconnect to your body, regulate your nervous system and create a healing environment of safety.
​
In your sessions you'll come to know that I am your guide, but you are the healer. All of the healing comes from you, with tools that are already inside of you - I'll be here to help you to find them.
how might we work together?
After speaking with you in your free consultation, I usually recommend six or eight private 1:1 sessions, but we may also extend this into longer term work. Six sessions is usually the minimum I offer since there is no quick fix to healing; the brain, body and nervous system need commitment and repeated practices to retrain and retune to safety.
​
Sessions are available to people in Bournemouth & surrounding areas, as you can either choose to travel to Salisbury or we'll meet online from the comfort of your own home.Â
Your Questions Answered
-
Who is this course for?This course is for people who want to learn the tools, techniques and practices to live a more peaceful life. It might be that you are finding your emotions challenging, struggling with otherthinking or facing burnout. It might be that you are seeking an effective way to manage stress, anxiety or pain. It might be that you are seeking a way to be more present, patient, less judgemental and to be kinder to yourself. Or perhaps you have been recommended by a doctor or other healthcare professional to practice mindfulness.
-
How will I know if this course is right for me?If in reading through this page you are noticing a calling, a glimmer of hope, a curiosity or excitement...then I would suggest you take the next step on your journey with me - you won't be disappointed. The only thing I ask is that you are inspired to change and ready to put the work in for these 8 weeks. Mindfulness is like going to the mind-gym and I am your personal trainer - you can rewire your brain and retune your nervous system in these 8 weeks. Participants often notice changes in the way they think and feel in just a few weeks when they put in the work...it's incredible. It's not a quick-fix (spoiler: there are no quick fixes) but as long as you are ready to learn and practice...you really can change your life. There is plenty to keep you motivated. Not only will you attend weekly group sessions, you will also be sent weekly extensive interactive .pdf worksheets with all of the theory, many exercises, diagrams, links to videos, quotes, all of the latest research referenced, mini quizzes etc. In addition you will have a new set of audio practices each week. If you have specific health challenges or a history of trauma, please get in touch so we can arrange a call together (free of charge) to make sure the group program is the right choice for you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do get in touch (contact details on the contact page of the main menu).
-
Will this cure my *specific mental or physical health problem*?The British Psychological Society approved programme I teach is evidence based and has helped many people around the world with their health and wellbeing. However, I do not make any claims to treat or cure and specific mental or physical health issue. The information contained in this programme, or on this site, is not to be taken as medical advice and should not to be used in replacement of a mental or physical health treatment plan or prescription. You are encouraged to consult your doctor before making any health changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition. No information in this programme, or on this site, should be relied upon to determine health, or make a medical diagnosis, or determine treatment for a medical condition. The information in this programme and on this website is not intended as medical advice. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek professional medical treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 999.
-
Is this course certified/approved?This course includes the curriculum of a British Psychological Society approved mindfulness programme which combines Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction & Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. We cover this whole programme as well as material from other body-centred modalities such as yoga therapy, breathwork and somatics. This isn't a teaching certification (i.e. you will not be certified to teach this course on completion as this requires further training, to which I can sign post you onwards after completion) You will receive a certificate on completion of the course.
-
I have a history of trauma - is this course right for me?If you are working with the effects of trauma, or have a diagnoses of PTSD or C-PTSD, I recommend we book a discovery call to discuss before deciding the best way to work together. I'm a trauma informed practitioner so am sensitive to the effects of trauma on the mind and the body, however, a group setting will not necessarily be the right setting for you. It might be that working 1-2-1 will be more appropriate to ensure I can give you my whole attention and co-create a bespoke programme that will ensure you feel safe throughout. You can find out more about 1-2-1 coaching and book a free 30 minute discovery call here.
-
Will I get a certificate?Yes – you will get a certificate of attendance after completing the 8 week course (attendance at the live sessions or catching up on the video recordings is required). Please note this is an informational and educational course, not a certification programme.
-
Do you do 1-2-1 work as well?Yes. I take on a small number of clients for 1-2-1 work either over Zoom or in-person in Salisbury. This is particularly useful if you are working with specific challenges or if you have a history of trauma, as I can adapt the programme to you and your needs. You can find out more about working together 1-2-1 please book a free 20 minute consultation call here.
-
What qualifications & experience do you have?I am a licensed practitioner of the British Psychological Society approved Mindfulness Now programme. I am also a certified yoga teacher, have done additional training in meditation, yoga therapy, integrative somatic trauma therapy, counselling and trauma-informed practice. To see my full list of qualifications and experience please see the 'about me' page.
-
I can't attend some of the sessions - does it matter if I miss some?Usually there are a few people who have to miss some sessions, it is better to be at all of them, but you can still do the course with some gaps. I record all of the practices and also send comprehensive notes after each session, and anyone who misses a session I will be happy to have a catch up on zoom to make sure you are up to speed with anything missed.
-
I've done mindfulness (with you) before - can I do it again?Absolutely, if you want to repeat the course as a catch up or to reinvigorate your practice, you are very welcome to. If you have done a mindfulness course with another teacher before, some of the content may be similar but I put myself into this course too so it is unique. If you have done 1-2-1 mindfulness sessions with me, it is likely we have covered most of the material together but you are welcome to join if you would like the group experience and practcie accountability.
-
How much practcie do I need to do each day?The research tells us that 20 mins of mindfulness a day, for 8 weeks rewires our brain for greater wellbeing. Research also tells us that just 5 minutes of somatic breathing exercises a day can also enhance your wellbeing. So aim to do at least a few minutes of practice each day, or most days, and some longer practices as and when you are able to.
how to make an enquiry:
One of the most important aspects of any wellbeing program is the relationship between the client & guide...it's important we get on, trust each other and that you get a good feel from me.
I offer everyone a free, 20mins consultation over zoom to get to know each other and for you to ask any questions. Please click below to book your free, no obligation consultation or send an email enquiry. ​
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this programme, or on this site, is not to be taken as medical advice and should not to be used in replacement of a mental or physical health treatment plan or prescription.
You are encouraged to consult your doctor before making any health changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition. No information in this programme, or on this site, should be relied upon to determine health, or make a medical diagnosis, or determine treatment for a medical condition. The information in this programme and on this website is not intended as medical advice.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek professional medical treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 999.
Working 1:1 with Claire for stress, anxiety + trauma is also available to people in: Christchurch, Wimborne Minster, Ferndown, Ringwood, Verwood, New Milton, Highcliffe, Barton on Sea, Lymington, Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Bransgore, Sway, and Milford on Sea.