Somatic therapy recognizes the integral connection between the mind and the body. I believe that the quality of our lives and psychological wellbeing is directly impacted by whether or not the mind and body can operate as one cohesive, feeling organism. For example, when we feel disconnected or numb to sensations in our bodies, it can generate and/or reflect a sense of deadening in all areas of a person’s life. My approach to Somatic therapy is rooted in the work of Wilhelm Reich, pioneering psychoanalyst that studied how the body plays a role in the functioning of the psyche.

“…the goal of Contemporary Reichian Body-Mind Therapy is to undo emotional distress via systematically helping an individual to first recognize and then lessen chronic patterns of armoring. As armor can manifest itself in all aspects of one's life: style of thinking, beliefs and attitudes, interpersonal behavior (that which Reich termed 'character armor'); and in posture, breathing style, and pattern of muscular and visceral tensions (that which Reich termed 'muscular armor'), it makes sense that therapy must address all of these aspects of living in the world. Using Reich's terminology, therapy consists of the gradual elimination or softening of character and muscular armoring” - Daniel Schiff, Ph.d

“The creative process transforms life…” - Shaun McNiff, Art Therapist

Expressive Art Therapy is the practice of using art for the purpose of providing a therapeutic experience. In expressive art therapy, the focus of art making is centered around the creative process and emotional response to that process. Using art in therapy sessions whether it be drawing, writing, acting, singing or dancing, has a variety of benefits; the creation of art transforms pain into something new and life affirming, it allows for a way of expressing oneself that doesn’t rely on words and it provides a path to making the unconscious, conscious