Somatic Therapy in Durham, NC
Transforming Touch® is a specialized approach to somatic therapy, developed by Dr. Stephen Terrell, designed to address developmental disruptions and chronic stress. This unique method emphasizes the connection between the body and brain, employing gentle techniques to nurture vital connections. Through whole-person somatic therapies, Transforming Touch aims to support the body's natural healing processes, contributing to overall well-being. Clients can expect a holistic and personalized experience that goes beyond conventional therapies, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and promoting emotional balance.
How it works
As with talk therapy, somatic therapy works best when the client and therapist work together over a period of time. This gives us both time to establish rapport and connection before moving into integration. I ask for an eight session commitment from each client, including the initial appointment, to do this.
In short, we need about eight sessions to calm the nervous system before we begin integrating the nervous system.
After the initial eight sessions, if it's the right time, we'll begin integrating primary movement patterns, also called primitive reflection integration. Transforming Touch® works with twelve reflexes: Fear Paralysis, Moro (Startle Response), Spinal Galant (Tickle Response), Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Tonic Neck, and Tonic Labyrinthine are just to name a few. Depending on how integrated the reflexes are, the number of sessions can range from one to a few for each one. The reflex exercises are performed after the initial contact points, HPA axis points, and bilateral foot contact, before limbic installation.
Overall, there is not an exact time frame for healing. In general, younger people may require less intervention and older people require more. But as we work together, we can figure that out as we go.
It would be a delight to help you heal.
Integrating Attachment & Your Experience-based Brain
Transforming Touch® Somatic Therapy and Integrative Attachment Theory are complementary modalities that focus on the body and the developmental reflexes that are often disrupted in the early years of our lifespan.
When these reflexes are disrupted, they become mute and are unable to help us thrive.
This form of somatic therapy works with the pre-verbal parts of the self.
It encompasses the relationships between attachment theory, polyvagal theory, and the felt experience in the body.
Neo-Natal Reflex Integration
Our goal is to integrate the primary reflexes, also called primary movement patterns, that are often not fully integrated due to in utero or early childhood stressors.
These are reflexes that help us learn behavioral and emotional responses, especially when it comes to behaviors we need for survival, such as feeding, reproduction and caring for young children, and the fight or flight responses.
They help us associate memories with various senses. They connect emotional content to our memories.