About The Work
Somatic Occupational Therapy
Somatic occupational therapy helps clients to find relief from a chronic condition so they can live their life to the fullest, engage in activities they love, and optimize wellness. Interventions are uniquely designed to best meet each client’s needs and goals.
These interventions may include:
- body mind therapy
- therapeutic dialogue
- myofascial release & self-myofascial release instruction
- craniosacral therapy
- energy work
- therapeutic yoga
- sensory integration strategies & education
- somatic movement education
The specific modalities utilized depends on what is present in each session and honors the fluid nature of the healing process.
Specific descriptions of some of the modalities and frameworks utilized in a somatic occupational therapy session are detailed below.
TENSEGRITY MEDICINE™ (TM) is an approach and methodology developed by Kelly Clancy, OTR/L, CHT, LMT. The work includes assessing three dimensional balance of the body, biotensegral testing, and targeted manual therapy (myofascial release and other light-touch fascial techniques) to address the unique challenges of each individual and restore optimal health and well-being. It is a person centered approach to therapy using the concept of biotensegrity as its foundational principle.
Differing from a traditional reductionistic therapy approach that treat symptoms and body parts in isolation, TM instead examines and treats the global adaptive patterns from a systems approach, examining patterns as they develop following injury, trauma, repetitive movement patterns, outdated belief systems, or unprocessed emotions.
This unique form of therapy derives its inclusive foundation on the latest research related to connective tissue science, neuroscience, and trauma-informed care. These concepts are utilized in a relational way as a means to understand global patterns within a client’s system.
JOHN F BARNES MYOFASCIAL RELEASE (JFB MFR) approach is a highly effective hands on body therapy that applies gentle sustained pressure to areas of restriction in the connective tissue (fascia). JFB MFR uses multiple kinds of techniques to release and soften these restrictions, rehydrate the fascia, and release the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response. With this approach, pressure is taken off sensitive structures resulting in pain relief, improved body awareness, increased freedom of movement, and the activation of the body’s relaxation response.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY (CST) is a gentle hands-on therapy that focuses on the craniosacral system, which is made up of the bones of the skull, spine, and pelvis, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that flows through these structures.
The craniosacral system is connected to the rest of the body and therefore when restrictions are present it can affect the entire body. The opposite is also true, any restrictions in the body can affect the craniosacral system.
In this approach, light touch is used to assess and release restrictions affecting the craniosacral system. Gentle pressure is also applied as needed to help the bones of the skull, spine, ribs, and pelvis move more freely. It is a whole-body, whole-person approach that relieves pain and promotes healing.
SENSORY INTEGRATION
Sensory integration education and strategies can include:
- Education about sensory processing disorder
- Understanding motor skills as it relates to sensory processing
- Accommodation suggestions for the work-place or classroom
- Education about sensory processing and neurodiversity in general
- How to and what strategies to implement in your home and routines
What is a Somatic Occupational Therapy Session Like?
Somatic occupational therapy sessions are offered in-office, on zoom, or in your san luis obispo county home.
Evaluations and interventions are always dependent on the clients needs and goals. Regardless of your condition, diagnosis, or pain points your somatic occupational therapy sessions will draw from a variety of somatic and mind-body based interventions.
Sessions will include client-centered dialogue, and creating a space for inner connection and accessing self-agency. This approach recognizes that the mind, body, nervous system, and sensory system are not separate and what the physical form is experiencing and expressing is directly influenced and informed by ones inner world.
Within a somatic occupational therapy session we will assess and explore your physical tension patterns, sensory processing needs, beliefs, values, emotions, habits, and perceptions through a non-pathologizing lens. All parts of you are welcome. The somatic healing process can include both hands-on intervention, sensory integration and mind-body education, as well as creating space for attunement, self-empowerment, self-determination, and co-regulation.
Every session is individually crafted to support your unique needs, holding space for movement toward healing and wellness without pushing or forcing.
As a trauma informed and somatic-based occupational therapist, my focus is on safety and embodiment. Sessions are centered on curiosity and exploration to assist in identifying patterns within your body, beliefs, movements, and life routines.
I weave together approaches that will enhance client awareness of the messages and wisdom coming from the body, nervous system, sensory system, and soul system. In our sessions we will not bypass any part of you that needs attention and care.