What Is Embodied Counselling?
What Is Embodied Counselling? A Holistic Approach to Healing
Understanding Embodied Counselling
Embodied counselling is a therapeutic approach that integrates body awareness with traditional talk therapy. Unlike conventional counselling, which often focuses solely on cognitive and emotional processing, embodied counselling recognises that our bodies store experiences, emotions, and trauma. By working with both the mind and the body, this approach helps individuals reconnect with their physical sensations, emotions, and deeper psychological patterns.
At its core, embodied counselling acknowledges that our lived experiences are not just shaped by thoughts but also by the ways we hold and express emotions in our bodies. This practice draws from somatic psychology, neuroscience, and mindfulness techniques to create a holistic pathway to healing.
The Origins of Embodied Counselling
Embodied counselling is rooted in multiple disciplines, including:
Somatic Psychology – Developed through the work of pioneers like Wilhelm Reich, Alexander Lowen, and Peter Levine, somatic psychology emphasises the body’s role in emotional healing. Levine’s Somatic Experiencing, for example, is widely used for trauma recovery.
Mindfulness and Eastern Practices – Many embodied therapies draw from mindfulness, yoga, and meditation traditions, which help individuals cultivate present-moment awareness and self-regulation.
Polyvagal Theory – Stephen Porges’ research on the nervous system and trauma highlights the role of the vagus nerve in emotional regulation and social engagement, forming a crucial foundation for embodied therapeutic techniques.
Attachment Theory and Neuroscience – Studies on interpersonal relationships and early childhood development show that our nervous systems are shaped by relational experiences, reinforcing the need for body-based approaches to healing.
How Embodied Counselling Works
Embodied counselling sessions may involve a variety of techniques, such as:
Breathwork and Body Awareness – Learning to notice and regulate breath and bodily sensations to enhance emotional awareness.
Movement and Posture Exploration – Using gentle movement, posture shifts, and body-based exercises to access deeper emotions and patterns.
Somatic Experiencing and Touch – Where appropriate, guided somatic practices help clients release stored trauma and reconnect with a sense of safety in their bodies.
Guided Visualization and Mindfulness – Encouraging clients to explore sensations, memories, and feelings in a safe, contained way.
Rather than focusing solely on verbal analysis, embodied counselling helps individuals understand how past experiences are imprinted in their nervous system and find ways to release, integrate, or transform them.
The Benefits of Embodied Counselling
Embodied counselling is beneficial for a wide range of concerns, including:
Trauma and PTSD – Many individuals with trauma find traditional talk therapy insufficient. Embodied approaches help process trauma at the level of the nervous system.
Anxiety and Stress Regulation – Learning to work with the body’s natural rhythms and responses can reduce chronic stress and anxiety.
Emotional Dysregulation – By increasing body awareness, individuals can develop greater emotional resilience and self-regulation.
Chronic Pain and Psychosomatic Symptoms – The mind-body connection plays a crucial role in physical health, making embodied techniques useful for those experiencing pain or unexplained physical symptoms.
Embodied Counselling for Interpersonal Relationships and Sexuality
Many interpersonal and sexual difficulties stem from deeper somatic and emotional patterns. Embodied counselling can help with:
Attachment and Relational Patterns – Early relational experiences shape how we connect with others. By working with bodily sensations and nervous system responses, individuals can shift attachment wounds and develop healthier relationship dynamics.
Boundaries and Consent – Many people struggle with setting and enforcing boundaries due to past experiences of neglect, trauma, or coercion. Embodied practices can support individuals in feeling their ‘yes’ and ‘no’ in a visceral way, strengthening their capacity to advocate for their needs.
Sexual Trauma and Shame – Many individuals carry unconscious shame, guilt, or fear around sexuality. Somatic work can help release these imprints, allowing for a healthier and more connected experience of intimacy.
Pleasure and Embodiment – Many people are disconnected from their ability to experience pleasure due to stress, trauma, or societal conditioning. Learning to be present in the body can restore the capacity for joy and sexual fulfilment.
Desire and Relationship Dynamics – Exploring bodily responses to attraction, intimacy, and emotional safety can help individuals navigate complex relational and sexual dynamics with greater clarity.
Who Can Benefit from Embodied Counselling?
Embodied counselling is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their connection with themselves and others. It is particularly helpful for those who:
Feel disconnected from their emotions or body
Struggle with anxiety, stress, or trauma
Experience difficulties in relationships or intimacy
Have difficulty setting boundaries or advocating for their needs
Want to cultivate greater emotional resilience and self-awareness
Is it for you?
Embodied counselling offers a powerful pathway to healing, integrating body awareness with emotional and psychological exploration. By recognising the ways our experiences are stored in the body, we can unlock deeper self-understanding, cultivate healthier relationships, and reclaim a more vibrant and connected way of living.
If you’re curious about how embodied counselling could support you, reach out to explore whether this approach aligns with your healing journey.
NOTE: There may be conflicts of interest when engaging in counselling services if you also access full service offerings, please let me know if you have the intention of exploring more than just this service with me at any point in the future so we can discuss.