Frequently Asked Questions About Somatic Therapy and Counselling

If you're unsure which approach is right for you, you don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

Somatic Therapy and Trauma Recovery

• What is somatic therapy, and how does it work?

  Somatic therapy, or somatic psychotherapy, explores the connection between your body, emotions, thoughts, beliefs and lived experiences. Rather than focusing only on talking about problems, we also pay attention to bodily sensations, emotional responses and nervous-system patterns that may influence how you feel, think and relate to others.

  We can't separate the body from the mind. Usually, core beliefs about ourselves, such as fears of rejection, abandonment, being alone, not being liked, setting boundaries, anxiety, and depression, are the ones that keep us unwell. We need to explore them. We also explore overwhelming childhood situations that created disconnection from our bodies and our authentic selves. Our childhood environment shaped our nervous system, beliefs, etc. We explore how past experiences may continue to shape your present life, including your sense of safety, self-worth, relationships and ability to set boundaries.

  We need to connect with our bodies so we can understand what's going on within them, make sense of it, build awareness, and create change.

  Our bodies express what we repressed in the past, and we need to learn to listen.

  But rather than focusing primarily on analysing thoughts or revisiting past experiences, we would also gently explore what is happening in your body, emotions, and nervous system in the present. The aim is to help you develop a greater sense of safety, become more aware of your body’s responses, and gradually build your capacity to navigate sensations and emotions without becoming overwhelmed.

  We would work at your pace, without needing to relive traumatic experiences or push you into anything you’re not ready for. There is no expectation that you need to process everything at once.

  The aim is to help you understand yourself more deeply, recognise patterns that no longer serve you, and build greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and choice in how you respond to life's challenges.

  Somatic therapy isn't simply about relaxation or feeling good all the time. It's about developing a deeper relationship with yourself, reconnecting with your needs and moving towards a more authentic way of living.

• What is the difference between Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?

  Both Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy are body-based, trauma-informed approaches that explore how overwhelming experiences can influence the nervous system, body responses and emotional wellbeing.

  Somatic Experiencing focuses particularly on nervous-system responses to perceived threat, including fight, flight, freeze and shutdown. We gently notice bodily sensations and protective responses, helping you develop greater awareness and capacity to work with activation without becoming overwhelmed.

  Sensorimotor Psychotherapy integrates body awareness with emotional and cognitive processing. It explores how early experiences and relationships may shape posture, movement, defensive responses, beliefs and habitual ways of relating to yourself and others.

  In my practice, these approaches complement one another. We explore both what happens in your body and the emotions, memories, beliefs and relational patterns connected to your experiences.

• What is trauma-informed therapy?

  Trauma-informed therapy recognises that overwhelming experiences can affect how you feel, think, behave, relate to others and experience your body. These experiences may include childhood neglect, abuse, relationship difficulties, accidents, loss or other events that have affected your sense of safety.

  My approach prioritises safety, collaboration, consent and respect for your individual pace. You aren't expected to disclose everything, revisit painful memories before you're ready, or push through overwhelming feelings.

  We work with what is happening in the present while exploring how earlier experiences may influence your current responses. The aim is to help you develop greater awareness, self-trust and flexibility in how you respond to yourself and the world around you.

• Can somatic therapy help with childhood trauma and attachment wounds?

  Yes, somatic psychotherapy may be helpful for people who are experiencing the ongoing effects of childhood trauma or difficult early relationships.

  Our early environments can influence how we understand ourselves, relate to others and respond to stress. You may have learned to please others to avoid conflict, hide your feelings to maintain connection, stay alert to other people's moods, or disconnect from your own needs to feel safe.

  These strategies may have helped you cope in the past, but they can become limiting in adulthood.

  Together, we explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion. We pay attention to the beliefs, emotions and bodily responses associated with them, helping you understand why they developed and discover alternative ways of responding.

  The aim isn't to blame your childhood or your family. It's to understand your experiences and how they may continue to affect you today.

• What does embodiment mean in therapy?

  Embodiment means becoming more aware of how your thoughts, emotions and experiences are felt and expressed through your body.

  For example, you might understand intellectually that you deserve care and respect, yet accept relationships where your needs aren't met. You might know that you can say no, but notice anxiety, tension or guilt when you try to set a boundary.

  In somatic psychotherapy, we explore the gap between what you understand intellectually and what you experience emotionally and physically.

  As your awareness develops, you may become better able to regulate yourself, recognise your needs, understand your responses and make choices that align with your values.

• What if I can't feel or connect with my body?

  That's completely okay. Not everyone finds it easy to notice bodily sensations or emotions, especially if disconnecting from them was once an important coping strategy.

  You don't need to arrive at therapy already feeling connected to your body. We can begin with what feels manageable, including talking about your experiences, noticing your surroundings or exploring emotions and thoughts.

  We gradually develop awareness at a pace that feels appropriate for you. You won't be forced to focus on bodily sensations or explore experiences you're not ready to approach.

• Can somatic therapy help with anxiety, depression, PTSD or emotional overwhelm?

  Somatic psychotherapy may support people experiencing anxiety, emotional overwhelm, difficulties with emotional regulation and the effects of trauma, including PTSD. It may also help you explore recurring relationship patterns, low self-worth, difficulties with boundaries and a persistent sense of being on edge or disconnected.

  We look at how your thoughts, emotions, nervous-system responses and life experiences interact, rather than assuming there is one explanation for everything you experience.

  Therapy is individual, and outcomes vary. I don't promise to eliminate symptoms, but we can work towards greater self-understanding, emotional awareness and the ability to navigate difficult experiences with more flexibility.

  If you have a diagnosis or are receiving other mental health care, we can discuss whether my approach is suitable for your needs.

• Can we explore my attachment style and relationship patterns?

  Yes. Early relationships can influence how you experience closeness, trust, conflict, separation and emotional intimacy.

  You might notice you put others' needs before your own, fear rejection, withdraw when relationships get difficult, or struggle to express what you need.

  We can explore these patterns and the experiences and beliefs that may contribute to them. Attachment styles are useful ways of understanding relationship patterns, not fixed identities or labels that define who you are.

  The aim is to help you develop greater awareness of your needs, communicate more clearly, establish healthier boundaries and build relationships that feel more secure and authentic.

• Will I stop feeling anxiety or emotional pain?

  Therapy isn't about creating a life in which you never experience anxiety, sadness, grief or discomfort. These are part of being human, and no therapist can guarantee that they will disappear.

  Instead, we work towards changing your relationship with these experiences. You may gradually become more aware of what you're feeling, recognise your triggers and understand the protective responses that arise when something feels difficult.

  Over time, the aim is to develop greater capacity to navigate challenging emotions without becoming as overwhelmed, disconnected or caught in familiar patterns.

  Progress looks different for everyone, and we regularly consider what is changing and what support you need.

Getting Started with Therapy

• What happens in the first somatic therapy session?

  The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, discuss what has brought you to therapy and explore what you would like help with.

  I'll listen to your experiences, ask questions to understand your needs and explain how my approach may support you. We'll also consider whether working together feels like a good fit.

  We don't need to explore your most painful experiences straight away. Depending on what you need, we may begin by developing awareness of your emotional responses, identifying patterns or exploring what helps you feel more settled and present.

  There is no expectation that you need to tell your whole story in the first session. We work collaboratively and establish a pace that respects your needs.

  What happens in your first somatic therapy session?
• Do I have to talk about my traumatic experiences?

  No. You don't need to describe every detail of what happened to you for somatic therapy to begin.

  We can explore your present-day experiences, emotions, bodily responses and relationship patterns without requiring a detailed retelling of traumatic events.

  If you choose to talk about your past, we'll approach it with care and at a pace that feels manageable. You remain involved in decisions about what we explore, and you can let me know if something feels too much.

  The aim is not to relive trauma, but to understand how your experiences may affect you today and develop new ways of relating to yourself.

• How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?

  Choosing a therapist involves more than finding someone with the right qualifications. It's also about whether you feel listened to, respected and able to work at a pace that suits you.

  My approach may be a good fit if you're interested in exploring the relationship between your body, emotions, thoughts, beliefs and past experiences, rather than focusing exclusively on cognitive strategies.

  I offer a warm, collaborative and trauma-informed space where we explore your experiences without judgement.

  If you're unsure, you can book an initial session to explore whether we're a good fit. If I believe your needs fall outside my scope of practice, I'll discuss this with you and, where possible, suggest a more appropriate service.

• How long does somatic therapy take?

  The length of therapy depends on your circumstances, the difficulties you're experiencing, how in tune you are with your body, whether you are afraid to feel, your goals, and the support available to you.

  Some people seek help with a specific recent experience or life transition, while others want to explore longstanding patterns associated with childhood experiences, attachment, relationships or complex trauma.

  We can review your progress and goals together as therapy continues. After we've had time to understand your needs, I'll discuss my clinical impressions and the possible direction of our work.

  There is no fixed timeline, and you don't need to commit to a predetermined number of sessions.

Fees, Medicare and Funding

• Can I claim somatic therapy sessions through Medicare?

  No. My counselling and psychotherapy sessions are not eligible for Medicare rebates, including under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

  I am a PACFA-registered clinical counsellor and somatic psychotherapist. My services are provided in this professional capacity, rather than as a Medicare-funded psychology service.

  If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may wish to discuss eligible services with your GP. You can also check whether your private health insurance or WorkCover Queensland may contribute to the cost of my sessions.

• Does private health insurance cover counselling or psychotherapy?

  Some private health insurance extras policies provide benefits for counselling or psychotherapy, but eligibility depends on your insurer, policy and the provider categories covered.

  Before booking, contact your health fund and ask whether your policy covers sessions with a PACFA-registered clinical counsellor or psychotherapist, and what annual and per-session limits apply.

  If your policy covers my services, I can provide an invoice for you to submit to your insurer. Reimbursement is determined by your health fund.

• Can WorkCover Queensland pay for my therapy sessions?

  WorkCover Queensland may fund counselling or psychotherapy for an accepted workplace injury, subject to its approval and funding requirements.

  You will need to follow WorkCover's process and confirm whether my services and the proposed treatment are approved under your claim.

  For the initial appointment, you book through my online booking system and pay at the time of booking. You can seek reimbursement from WorkCover directly, subject to its decision.

  Once I have written approval for direct payment, I can invoice WorkCover for subsequent approved sessions in accordance with the arrangements confirmed for your claim.

  Please contact WorkCover or your claims manager to clarify your eligibility and reimbursement requirements before relying on funding.

  The first session needs to be paid by you.

• Do you offer somatic therapy sessions in Spanish?

  Yes. I offer therapy in both English and Spanish.

  You can choose the language in which you feel most comfortable expressing your experiences, emotions and needs. For many people, being able to speak in their first language makes it easier to communicate subtle feelings and personal experiences.

  If you would like Spanish-speaking counselling or trauma-informed psychotherapy, you can book an appointment through my online booking system.

• Can I have somatic therapy online?

  Yes. I offer online counselling and psychotherapy by video, allowing you to access sessions from home or another private location.

  Somatic therapy can be adapted to online sessions because much of the work involves noticing your own bodily sensations, emotions, thoughts and responses while we talk together.

  For the best experience, I recommend using a desktop or laptop computer where possible, with a stable internet connection and a private space where you feel comfortable speaking openly.

  Online sessions are available to clients across Australia. International appointments may also be possible, subject to availability and relevant professional requirements.

• Does somatic therapy involve physical touch?

  Somatic therapy does not always involve physical touch. Depending on the therapeutic approach, the practitioner's training and your individual needs, touch may sometimes be incorporated as part of the therapeutic process.

  Somatic psychotherapy explores the connection between your body, emotions, thoughts and nervous system. We pay attention to bodily sensations, breathing, posture and nervous-system responses to better understand how stress, trauma and past experiences may continue to affect you in the present.

  In my practice, which integrates Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Compassionate Inquiry, I may incorporate gentle, therapeutic touch when clinically appropriate. This may help support grounding, body awareness or a greater sense of stability when you feel overwhelmed or disconnected.

  Touch is never a requirement for somatic therapy. Before incorporating any physical contact, we discuss it together, and your explicit consent is essential. You can decline touch, withdraw your consent at any time, or choose to work entirely without physical contact. Your preferences and boundaries will always be respected.

  Therapeutic touch is not massage, physical manipulation or bodywork. It is considered carefully within the context of our therapeutic relationship, your needs and your sense of safety.

  The aim is to help you develop a deeper awareness of your body, understand your responses and gradually build a greater sense of safety and connection with yourself. We work collaboratively and at your pace, without pressure to do anything that doesn't feel right for you.

• What is your cancellation and payment policy?

  Session fees must be paid at least three hours before the appointment.

  My cancellation policy is:

  • Less than 48 hours' notice: 50% of the session fee.
  • Less than 24 hours' notice or non-attendance: 80% of the session fee.

  Please refer to your booking terms and intake agreement for the full policy and any applicable exceptions.

  Cash payments are not accepted. If a balance remains outstanding, payment is handled in accordance with the payment authorisation and terms agreed during intake. A card surcharge may apply where payment is processed during a session.

  If you are unwell, we can generally move an in-person session online, subject to suitability and availability. If I am unwell, I will discuss an online appointment or rescheduling with you.

  These policies help protect the time reserved for each client and support the continuity of the practice.

Somatic Couples Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is somatic couples therapy?

  Somatic couples and relationship therapy explores how emotions, nervous-system responses, past experiences, and relationship patterns shape how partners connect with one another. Rather than focusing only on what happens during disagreements, we also explore what happens within each person when they feel hurt, misunderstood, rejected, criticised or disconnected.

  You may notice recurring patterns such as becoming defensive, withdrawing, shutting down, people-pleasing or escalating during conflict. These responses often stem from earlier experiences, attachment wounds, learned beliefs about yourself and relationships, and protective strategies developed long before the current relationship began.

  Together, we explore the deeper patterns that contribute to recurring conflict, emotional disconnection, communication difficulties and emotional reactivity. We consider how each partner’s personal history, attachment style, emotional needs, core beliefs, and nervous-system responses shape your dynamic, often in ways that are difficult to recognise in the moment.

  In our work together, we pay attention to how you relate to yourself and one another, particularly when you feel vulnerable, threatened, misunderstood or emotionally overwhelmed. By developing greater awareness of your bodily sensations, emotions and protective responses, you can begin to recognise underlying attachment wounds, understand your reactions and express your needs more clearly. This creates opportunities to explore new, more authentic ways of relating to one another.

  Rather than focusing solely on resolving individual conflicts, somatic relational therapy helps you understand what is happening beneath the surface. As you become more aware of the patterns shaping your interactions, you can develop greater compassion for yourselves and each other, respond less reactively and make more conscious choices about how you communicate and connect.

  In my approach, I integrate somatic and trauma-informed psychotherapy with relational and attachment-informed perspectives. We explore bodily sensations, emotions and nervous-system responses alongside your thoughts, beliefs, needs and experiences. The aim is to help you develop greater self-awareness, emotional safety and understanding, so you can move beyond repetitive relationship patterns and build a more authentic, secure and connected relationship in which both partners feel heard, understood and supported.

• How do somatic couples therapy sessions work?

  Sessions provide a space for both partners to explore their experiences, understand recurring relationship dynamics and develop new ways of responding to one another.

  We may explore what happens in your body and emotions during moments of tension, what each of you needs to feel heard and understood, and how past experiences may influence your reactions in the present. Rather than deciding who is right or wrong, we work towards understanding the cycle you get caught in together.

  The process is collaborative and paced according to your needs. You do not have to share every detail of your past or relive traumatic experiences. The focus is on increasing awareness, understanding one another more deeply and creating opportunities for meaningful change in the relationship.

• Can each partner have individual sessions with the same couples therapist?

  Occasional individual sessions within couples therapy: You meet separately with each partner, for example, during the assessment phase or when an issue needs to be explored individually before returning to joint sessions. These meetings remain part of the couples therapy process.

• When Couples Therapy May Not Be Suitable for this approach

  Couples therapy works best when both partners are willing to engage and can participate safely. However, it is not appropriate for every relationship or situation.

  Couples therapy may not be suitable when:

  • Domestic Violence, Abuse or Coercive Control: There is ongoing physical violence, coercive control, intimidation, or abuse that compromises one partner’s safety or freedom to speak openly. In these circumstances, individual support and specialised domestic violence services are more appropriate than joint therapy.
  • Active, Unmanaged Substance Use or Addiction: Severe or unmanaged substance use significantly affects a partner’s ability to participate safely and meaningfully in sessions. Individual treatment or specialised addiction support may be needed before couples therapy can be considered.
  • Conflicts of Interest or Individual Therapy Arrangements: One or both partners are already receiving individual therapy from me, or there is an expectation that I will keep significant relationship information or ongoing affairs secret from the other partner. These situations can compromise therapeutic neutrality, trust, and the integrity of the couples therapy process.
  • Little or No Willingness to Participate: One or both partners are unwilling to engage in the process or lack genuine willingness to explore their individual and relationship dynamics. Couples therapy requires a basic level of participation and openness to reflection, even when partners have different goals or are uncertain about the future of their relationship.

  If any of these circumstances apply, couples therapy may not be the right starting point. I encourage you to seek support from a suitably qualified professional or specialised service that can better meet your needs.

• Is what I share in an individual session confidential from my partner?

  Confidentiality is especially important in couples therapy because the therapist works with both partners and their relationship. However, do not ask me to keep secrets or to tell me anything you would not tell your partner.

  Before beginning, we will discuss how confidentiality applies to joint and any individual sessions, including how information shared privately may be handled and what the agreed boundaries are. I will explain these arrangements clearly so that both partners understand them before sharing sensitive information.

  I encourage openness and transparency where appropriate, while respecting professional, ethical and legal obligations. If you have concerns about sharing something in an individual session, we can discuss these before proceeding.

• When might somatic couples therapy not be appropriate?

  Couples therapy may not be suitable in every situation. Both partners' safety and wellbeing are essential.

  Joint sessions may not be appropriate where there is ongoing domestic or family violence, coercive control, intimidation, fear of retaliation or a lack of physical or emotional safety. In these circumstances, individual support, specialist domestic and family violence services or safety planning may be more appropriate than working together in the same room.

  Couples therapy may also be unsuitable when severe, unmanaged substance use or addiction significantly affects a partner’s ability to participate safely and meaningfully, or when an acute mental health crisis requires more specialised or immediate support.

  If one or both partners are unwilling to participate in the process, or if the relationship circumstances fall outside the scope of my practice, I may recommend individual therapy or referral to a more suitable service. We can discuss your circumstances to determine whether couples therapy is an appropriate option.

• Do both partners need to want to work on the relationship?

  It is helpful when both partners are willing to participate, reflect on their own responses and consider how they contribute to relationship patterns. You do not need to have the same goals or agree on everything before beginning therapy.

  Sometimes one partner feels more hopeful about the relationship than the other. We can explore what each person wants, what has become difficult and whether there is a willingness to engage in the process. The aim is not to force reconciliation or keep a relationship together at all costs, but to support greater understanding, clarity and healthier ways of relating.