More Than Working With Muscles
Our physical bodies stores all of our experiences. Hours spent sitting. Repetitive movement. Physical effort. Busy schedules. Periods when we barely notice how tightly we’re holding ourselves until we finally stop.
Massage can provide welcome physical relief and relaxation.
Somatic bodywork introduces another element: awareness.
At Soul Recovery Service in Wauchope, Joel Mervyn-Jones combines hands-on bodywork with a somatic approach, creating an opportunity not only to experience therapeutic touch, but to reconnect with your body from within.
What Is Somatic Bodywork?
The word somatic relates to the lived experience of the body. While conventional massage generally focuses on muscles and soft tissue, somatic bodywork also invites awareness of sensations, breathing, movement and the way different areas of your body feel.
You may become aware that you’ve been holding your shoulders tightly, clenching your jaw or breathing more shallowly than you realised. Sometimes we don’t recognise how much we’re holding until we’re given an opportunity to stop.
Meet Your Body Where It Is
Our approach to somatic massage and bodywork is responsive to the individual. Your session may involve hands-on massage and somatic techniques, with the treatment adapted according to your comfort, needs and preferences. Communication is important throughout. You are encouraged to notice what feels comfortable and communicate what doesn’t.
Holding Space
Bodywork involves trust. We aim to provide a supportive environment where you can experience the session without being pressured towards a particular outcome. Sometimes that experience may be deeply relaxing. You may also become more aware of your body and the ways you habitually hold yourself.
Feeling Safe in Your Body
Feeling ‘safe’ in your body may mean feeling comfortable enough to let your shoulders soften, being able to take a fuller breath, recognising where your body meets the table beneath you, knowing that you can communicate what you need, feeling that you have choices, and being able to notice a sensation without immediately needing to change it.
These small experiences can contribute to a greater sense of being present and at home within yourself.
The Body and Mind Aren’t Separate
Our emotional and physical experiences continually influence one another. Somatic bodywork invites us to become curious about that relationship and start asking “What am I noticing?”
Massage & Somatic Bodywork at Soul Recovery Service
Massage & Somatic Bodywork is one of several ways Joel works with the connection between awareness, the body and the nervous system at Soul Recovery Service. For some people, touch is the pathway that resonates most. For others it may be movement, vibration, sound or light.
Have questions before you begin?
Massage & Somatic Bodywork is offered as a complementary wellbeing service and does not replace appropriate medical or psychological care.
Massage & Somatic Bodywork FAQs
What is the difference between massage and somatic bodywork?
Massage generally focuses on muscles and soft tissues. Somatic bodywork adds awareness of your internal experience—the sensations, breathing, movement and physical patterns you notice within your own body.
Do I need experience with somatic practices?
Not at all. There isn’t a technique you need to learn before your appointment.
What does “somatic” mean?
In this context, somatic refers to experiencing the body from within. Rather than only thinking about your body intellectually, somatic awareness might involve noticing your breathing, muscular tension, movement, temperature, pressure or other physical sensations.
What if I don’t want a particular area touched?
Tell Joel. Consent and communication are important throughout bodywork. You can express your preferences and boundaries before and during your session. You can communicate whenever you need to.
Is Somatic Bodywork a form of psychological therapy?
No. While somatic awareness acknowledges that physical and emotional experiences can influence one another, Joel’s Massage & Somatic Bodywork should not be presented as a replacement for psychological treatment. If you require mental health treatment, seek support from an appropriately qualified professional.
