Why somatic therapy? Why the Triple Vagal Method?

Somatic therapy offers a deeper, more holistic approach to healing by honoring the profound connection between the mind and body. While traditional talk therapy provides an essential space for reflection, insight, and processing through words, somatic therapy recognizes that some experiences, particularly painful experiences and chronic stress, are also stored in the body. This is why somatic therapy and mindful connection to your body allows you to reach depths within yourself that talk therapy alone may not. 

 

Embodiment is an essential part of healing and connecting to ourselves. To be embodied means to fully experience yourself through sensation, movement, and awareness rather than just through thought. Many of the patterns held in the nervous system are not purely cognitive; they are physiological, shaped by how we have learned to protect ourselves and adapt to our environments. The Triple Vagal Method works directly with these patterns, using somatic bodywork to guide the nervous system toward greater regulation and ease. By cultivating deeper awareness of the body's signals and responses, we shift from operating in unconscious survival states to experiencing a more connected, grounded, and authentic sense of self. This is what it means to truly come home to yourself.

 

Unlike other somatic methods, TVM does not rely on movement or breathwork, making it especially accessible for individuals who might feel overwhelmed by more physically demanding techniques or even by talk therapy when words feel out of reach. Its unique focus on oxytocin production, the hormone responsible for safety and connection, adds another layer of healing. By activating the ventral Vagus branch of the parasympathetic nervous system and oxytocin receptor sites with precise touch techniques, TVM fosters feelings of safety and trust. This creates an environment where deep healing can occur, allowing the nervous system to shift naturally into a state of regulation and ease.

 

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What to Expect in a TVM Session

During a TVM session, I gently hold specific points on the front and back of your body with light to medium pressure. These points are held completely still, usually for 30 seconds to 20 minutes, and I do not manipulate or move the tissue. Sometimes I might add a gentle pulsing to help stimulate more oxytocin or incorporate rocking movements to further calm the nervous system.

 

The fascia, which is the connective tissue around your muscles and organs, responds really well to this kind of touch. With prolonged pressure, it can start to relax and release any tension or adhesions it is holding onto. By working with your fascia, your vagus nerve, & natural oxytocin production it creates the perfect environment for your nervous system to regulate and let go of any calcifications in the tissues or stuck “charges” aka stored emotions or painful memories.  

 

What you experience during a session really depends on your unique nervous system. Some people drop into a deep meditative state, others might feel an emotional release or have old memories resurface, and some just feel deeply relaxed and calm. Everyone’s body responds differently to the modality, and only brings to the surface what it feels safe to release. These sessions provide a safe and supportive space for your body to do what it naturally knows how to do, heal and come back into homeostasis.

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Having a regulated nervous system can help with an array of issues including but not limited to:

• Anxiety

• Depression 

• PTSD 

• ADHD 

• Mental illness 

• Chronic Pain 

• Autoimmune disorders 

• Sleep issues 

• Addictions 

• Unwanted behavioural/ relational patters 

• Low self worth 

• Lack of confidence 

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Some of the benefits you can receive from nervous system work:

• Better sleep 

• More resilience in the nervous system & the ability to navigate stress loads in a different way  

• Emotional regulation 

• More love, joy & peace 

• A deeper connection to your body & your inner world 

• More energy

• More access to your pre frontal cortex  

• Increased confidence & self worth 

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Each person has there own unique goals and nervous system so the benefits you can achieve and the isuess to be targeted are not limited to those listed above.

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Can anyone do TVM?

The Triple Vagal Method is generally suitable for anyone seeking a safe and gentle approach to healing. Its non-invasive nature makes it accessible to a wide range of individuals. However, those experiencing certain mental health symptoms, such as psychosis, active self-harm, or suicidal tendencies, should seek clearance from a licensed psychotherapist and may need to work in conjunction with one to safely engage in this modality. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive support during your healing journey. For those who are not cleared, alternative modalities such as Somatic Experiencing or EMDR can be helpful to work towards readiness.