About
Kristin &
Somatic Experiencing
About Kristin
I grew up in the German countryside where running around, playing with the local cats and climbing trees were the main activities available to kids. Bullied by my teachers, I preferred my freedom and learning from nature rather than school. Perhaps it was for that reason that I followed a more unusual career path, motivated by a personal quest for true connection to myself and the world, body and mind confidence and overall empowerment.
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I moved to the UK, went to University and gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts & Cultural Management. Working in this sector for a few years I still felt compelled to continue exploring movement and physical expression. I qualified in manual therapy, NLP coaching and Pilates teaching and subsequently became an anatomy lecturer in the fitness industry and a member of the Polestar Pilates UK education team, where I supported Pilates teachers in training for many years.
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In my private practice I always felt particularly passionate about helping people whose recovery or goals are not so straight forward. Dr. Peter Levine’s work "Somatic Experiencing", which is based in studies of how animals in the wild maintain mental and physical resilience in the constant eye of danger, has been a huge influence for me. It has allowed me to offer science-based and new solutions to my clients. Now Somatic Experiencing is the main modality I use to help my clients and I assist on SE Training courses in the UK to cenment and refine my skill and support professionals in integrating SE into their practice.
I am lucky to have been able to learn from Peter Levine himself, as well as from other inspiring practitioners, such as Dr. Maggie Phillips (author of “Freedom from Pain” and “Reversing Chronic Pain”), human rigths activist and somatic therapist Ditte Marcher and Movement Specialist and Trauma Therapist Betsy Polatin (author of “The Actor’s Secret” & "Humanual").
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My own journey has allowed me to address the things in myself that could have held me back and enables me to live a full life now, where I can help others. Some of the things I enjoy the most in life, besides inspiring and helping others, are cosy nights in, science fiction, practising aerial arts and connecting with animals and nature.
About Kristin's Approach
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My approach is a creative mixture of several modalities that I have found effective in improving physical and mental health. The main influence in my work is Somatic Experiencing (SE). SE is a body-focused approach to building resilience and resolving trauma. It suggests that our mental and physical well-being are profoundly interlinked through our autonomic nervous system (ANS). Our ANS regulates all basic and instinctive functions of our body and is the source of our survival responses.
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Another key aspect in my work is movement and physiological expression. My extensive background in therapeutic movement coaching and manual therapy gives me an in-depth understanding of movement patterning and how to support those who struggle with injury or permanent physical impairment to regain physical function. Other influences in my work are Bodynamics Somatic Developmental Psychology, Parts Work, Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique.
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My approach can help anyone who is willing to connect to their body, to explore a more resourceful, coherent and expansive self.
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It is ideal for anyone suffering with anxiety, burnout, stress, depression, chronic fatigue, PTSD, autoimmune disorders and complex syndromes. All of these can be results of a struggling ANS. My somatic approach can offer support in managing permanent conditions and promote healing where it is possible.
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As an artist myself I particularly enjoy helping creative professionals connect to their most productive and inspired self as well as supporting performers with in-depth explorations of personal material.
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To find out more about Somatic Experiencing please read on below.
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About Somatic Experiencing
"I have come to the conclusion that human beings are born with an innate capacity to triumph over trauma. I believe not only that trauma is curable, but that the healing process can be a catalyst for profound awakening—a portal opening to emotional and genuine spiritual transformation." - Dr. Peter Levine
What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing (SE), developed by Dr. Peter Levine, is a body focused therapeutic approach used to grow resilience and heal the impact of trauma and traumatic stress. Besides its application in trauma healing SE can generally help to restore our sense of inner balance, presence, wellbeing, embodiment, true aliveness and our ability to connect with our own empowerment.
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What can Somatic Experiencing help me with?
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Self-Development, Accessing Your True Potential, Finding inner Balance
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Chronic Symptoms or altered behaviour after an accident or an injury.
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Anxiety, Stress, Burnout, Exhaustion, Depression, PTSD
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Chronic Pain, Chronic Tension, Disembodiment, Fatigue
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Fibromyalgia, Autoimmune Disorders and complex Syndromes
How does Somatic Experiencing work?
SE explores all aspects of human experience within the felt sense of the body, its movements and expressions and the beliefs and meanings we attach to these. This approach "facilitates the completion of self-protective motor responses and the release of thwarted survival energy bound in the body, thus addressing the root cause of trauma symptoms. This is approached by gently guiding clients to develop increasing tolerance for difficult bodily sensations and suppressed emotions." (www.traumahealing.org)
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What happens in a Somatic Experiencing Session?
Usually both you and I will be seated during the session. I will guide and support you in safely exploring a relevant past experience or a sensation, feeling or believe you have. As SE is not a pure talking therapy this exploration will always link back to your felt sense and I may also offer a form of non invasive, therapeutic touch or invite you to stand up or to explore a movement. The general pace of SE is slow and I will always make sure that you are fully comfortable and exploring on a level that feels safe.
Where can I learn more about Somatic Experiencing?
Visit www.traumahealing.org or read "In an Unspoken Voice" or "Waken the Tiger" by Dr. Peter Levine.