“There is a deep wisdom in our very flesh, if we can only come to our senses and feel it.”
— Elizabeth Behnke, My Grandmother’s Hands
Have you ever felt like you’ve talked about your stress, your anxiety, or your past over and
over—but still felt something was stuck?
Like your body never got the memo that you’re safe now?
You’re not alone. Many people—especially women, caregivers, and those navigating
anxiety, depression, or chronic sleep struggles—find that talk therapy alone doesn’t fully
unlock the healing they long for.
That’s because our bodies hold stories that words alone can’t reach.
This is where Somatic Exercise steps in: gentle, science-backed movement designed to
release long-held tension, retrain the nervous system, and bring body and mind into
compassionate partnership.
What Is Somatic Exercise?
Somatic means “of the body.”
Somatic Exercise is a gentle, slow, and intentionally curious exploration of sensation—
tiny movements that help you notice where your body is holding stress, fear, pain, or
frozen tension. These practices are designed to repattern the nervous system, calm
stress responses, and rebuild the mind-body connection.
Rather than pushing, forcing, or “working out,” somatic work invites you to listen inwardly,
soften what’s braced, and allow your body to unwind.
And the best part? You don’t have to talk, explain, or relive painful memories for this
work to be powerfully healing.
What It’s Not
Many people ask:
Is it like yoga? Not quite.
Is it like therapy? Not exactly.
Is it exercise? Well, sort of—but not the way you think.
Let’s clarify:
🧘♀ It’s not yoga. There’s no stretching into poses or flowing through sequences.
While yoga and somatic work both support embodiment, Somatic Exercise is slower,subtler, and focused on releasing deeply held tension—especially trauma-related
bracing.
🧠 It’s not talk therapy. You don’t need to speak. Instead, you gently tune into
sensation and invite the body to show what it needs.
💪 It’s not fitness. There’s no “no pain, no gain” here. In fact, pain = no gain in somatic
work. If it hurts, we’re pushing too far. This is about healing, not performance.
What It Is
Grounded in neuroscience and trauma research
Based on practices like Feldenkrais, Pilates, Biomechanics, and Polyvagal Theory
Built on principles of neuroplasticity—your body and brain can rewire and heal with
practice
Designed to help you:
Notice your body’s stress signals
Unlearn chronic bracing or tension patterns
Feel safe, grounded, and at home in your body again
What Does a Session Look Like?
Private Sessions
Tailored 1:1 to explore your unique patterns of stress or pain. Each includes:
Education on the nervous system and stress responses
Gentle guided movements
Simple home practices
Optional journaling prompts to deepen integration
Small Group Classes
Intimate, supportive spaces (typically 6–10 participants) offered in 4-week cycles or
rolling admission. Each class may focus on:
Sleep and rest recovery
Releasing anxiety and holding patterns
Reconnecting with body trust and flow
Nervous system education + movement pairing
Who Is It For?
Somatic Exercise is for people who are ready to:
Let go of chronic stress and physical tension
Sleep better and feel calmer
Find what talk therapy may have missed
Reconnect to the wisdom of their body
It’s especially helpful for:
Caregivers and helpers feeling emotionally exhausted
Women juggling roles, responsibilities, and internal pressureThose managing chronic anxiety, overwhelm, or unexplained body tension
Anyone ready to explore a gentler, more embodied path to healing
Who Shouldn’t Do Somatic Exercise?
If you are currently in active crisis, experiencing psychosis, or suicidal, stabilization comes
first.
in your healing.
Once you are in a grounded, safe place, somatic work can become a powerful next step
Ready to Begin?
If you’re curious to know more or want to try a private session or upcoming class, I’d love
to hear from you.
📧 Contact me: Farah.VanGenderen@mendedmind.hush.com
🌀 Let’s help your body finally exhale what it’s been holding for too long.