Here are some key aspects of Somatic Therapy:

Body-Mind Connection: Somatic therapy acknowledges that emotional and psychological issues can manifest in the body as physical sensations, tension, or discomfort. Conversely, physical experiences and traumas can impact mental and emotional well-being. The therapy aims to explore and address these interconnected aspects.

Awareness of Sensations: Clients in somatic therapy are encouraged to become more aware of their bodily sensations, such as tension, pain, warmth, or relaxation. By paying attention to these sensations, individuals can gain insight into their emotions and thought patterns.

Mindful Movement and Breathwork: Somatic therapy often incorporates mindful movement and breathwork exercises. These practices help individuals release physical tension, regulate their nervous system, and develop greater awareness of their bodies.

Trauma-Informed Approach: Somatic therapy is particularly useful for individuals who have experienced trauma. Trauma can be stored in the body, and somatic techniques can help release and process these stored emotions in a safe and controlled manner.

Expressive Arts and Movement: Some somatic therapists may integrate expressive arts, dance, or movement techniques into their sessions. These creative approaches can provide alternative ways for individuals to express and explore their emotions.

Integration of Body-Centered Techniques: Various body-centered techniques, such as Bioenergetics, Hakomi, or Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, may be used in somatic therapy. These methods focus on the body’s role in emotional healing and personal growth.

Client-Centered Approach: Somatic therapy is often tailored to the unique needs and experiences of each client. The therapist collaborates with the individual to explore and address issues, fostering a client-centered and empowering therapeutic relationship.

Overall, somatic therapy seeks to promote holistic well-being by integrating the body into the therapeutic process. It can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges. It’s essential to work with a trained and qualified somatic therapist to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the therapeutic process.

Welling Centre has two psychotherapists on staff that specialize in Somatic Therapy.

Meet Wendy Myshak and Deanna Clarke. To learn more about their approach to therapy, read the profiles below.

WENDY MYSHAK, BA, RCT, CT

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Psychotherapist

Each 50-minute session with Wendy is available for a $125 fee and may be eligible for extended health benefits through some insurance companies.

Wendy is a heart centered, intuitive, counsellor who takes an integrative approach to therapy in the areas of substance abuse and recovery, stress, depression, spiritual emergency, and generational trauma. Wendy is trained in Transpersonal Counselling Psychology, and is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with integrated and lived experiences that support deep healing.

Her work in the counselling field began with a focus on supporting individuals with substance use disorders and recovery, as well deep work with groups. She has 5 years of clinical experience in individual and group therapy. Wendy has been influenced by the work of Chuck Spezzano, Carl Jung, Stanislav Grof, and Rupert Spira. Her holistically integrated therapy approach is based on Transpersonal theories, and helping individuals wake up to who they really are. Wendy’s goal is to help people understand their issues and uncover positive ways to move past them and integrate this new awareness into their lives. She is skilled at creating a psychologically safe space to do this deep work and to wake up from the illusions of the ego mind of form and fear.

She supports people to come into flow with life and the divine using a psychotherapeutic approach that is informed by non-dual understanding, which bridges the gap between spirit and psychotherapy. As well, Wendy is trained in relational therapies such as, Experiential, Family Systems Theory, Yalom and Gestalt, Breath-Work, Individual, Group, and Somatic Therapies, as well as Eastern Mindfulness and Meditation practices. She is skilled in various forms of consciousness raising methods including, Buddhist Meditation, Holotropic Breathwork ™, Jungian Dream work, and uses Archetypal-based Tarot cards as a supplemental tool. She has an interest in, and experience with, the healing potential of non-ordinary and non-dual states of consciousness. Through Wendy’s experience with these deep healing states, she can hold space for deep-rooted change; and meet people in their deepest shadows with presence, embodiment, compassion, and grounding.

In her off time, Wendy practices mindfulness, Tarot, travel, exploring with like-minded friends the true nature of who we are. She has spent time in Buddhist retreats, non-dual contemplation retreats, assisting Holotropic Breathwork ™ retreats, and increasingly sitting quietly, enjoying the beauty of life.

Deanna Clarke, BHSc, CCYC, CCAC, RTC

Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, Psychotherapist

Deanna Clarke (Dee) is driven by an authentic and non-judgemental curiosity. Her goal is to provide a safe and sacred space for clients to feel empowered to create change in their lives. She is an experienced therapist who specializes in counselling for individuals, couples, children and youth, dependencies and recovery therapy, and transpersonal psychotherapy. She creates a nurturing environment for young individuals, offers empathy and evidence-based methods in dependencies and recovery therapy, and focuses on spiritual aspects in transpersonal therapy. Deanna tailors therapy sessions to promote healing, empowerment, and overall well-being.

Deanna started her career working with children and youth and persons with disabilities in 2009 while completing her Child and Youth Counselling Diploma. Upon completion of her undergrad in Dependencies Counselling, she began working with people struggling with dependancy issues and mental health and working with children and youth in care until completing her diploma in Transpersonal Therapeutic Counselling in 2023. She is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists and continues to work with adults and youth in the dependancies and mental health capacities while working with clients in her private practice.

As a result of Deanna’s own healing journey, she has been able to change the story of her life. She strives to live her life experiencing all that comes, without judgement or expectations. Deanna is deeply committed to the idea that spirituality serves as a cornerstone of recovery and mental wellness. Embracing spirituality provides us with a profound sense of purpose, belonging, and inner resilience that guides us through life’s challenges. She believes that when we challenge ourselves, we create an opportunity for healing and growth. Her intention is to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive space where clients can explore and nurture their spiritual journey as an essential component of their healing process. Deanna’s holistic approach to therapy is centered around discovering who people are and what they need. She is committed to supporting those she works with in making connections between their spiritual, mental, physical, social, emotional, creative, and intellectual needs to create the change they are seeking.

Each professionally supervised 50-minute session with Deanna is available for a $130 fee and is eligible for extended health benefits through some insurance companies. She is currently offering in person, video, and phone sessions.

If you are interested in an appointment with Deanna, call 780-222-7405 or book online by clicking the ‘Book an Appointment’ button.

Ready to book now? Call us directly at 780-222-7405 or book an appointment online here.