Biodynamic psychotherapy

The word “somatic” refers to a group of therapies that work with the nervous system and address both the body and mind. Within this field, there are many different approaches, and I offer Biodynamic psychotherapy.

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What is Biodynamic psychotherapy?

Biodynamic psychotherapy recognises how your experiences — both positive and painful — aren’t held only in your thoughts, or in the way you respond to life. They also live in your nervous system, muscles, breathing and posture.

In our work together, we explore what is troubling you through conversation, while also noticing how these experiences are felt and held in your body. We might include gentle movement, visualisation, mindfulness, and biodynamic massage (read more about it here). We work not only with insight, but with the deeper physiological patterns that shape how you experience life. This process facilitates grounding (living fully present in your body), and organic change.

Somatic therapy invites us to experience the body from within — as a living presence that feels, responds, and remembers.

When words aren’t enough…

Sometimes we don’t have words for what we’ve been through. At the time, it may have been too overwhelming, too early in life, or simply too much for the system to process. Trauma can leave us stuck in states of fight, flight, or freeze — long after the original situation has passed.

Or perhaps there is a lot of shame, fear or embarrassment and talking about the experience feels too difficult. Somatic psychotherapy offers a non-verbal way to process these experiences safely and gradually, helping your nervous system integrate them a little at a time, without becoming overwhelmed.

This therapy is for you if you you want to:

  • Process unresolved emotions, trauma, PTSD
  • Address ongoing stress or burnout
  • Treat anxiety and depression
  • Enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation
  • Deepen connection with oneself
  • Regain ability to respond rather than react
  • Increase self-trust
  • Feel more grounded and embodied

Biodynamic approach

In the 1960s and 70s Norwegian physiotherapist and psychologist Gerda Boyesen combined insights from psychoanalysis, Reichian therapy, and physiotherapy into her own unique framework – Biodynamic psychotherapy. A therapeutic method that integrates psychological exploration with bodily awareness, massage, and restoration of the body’s natural self-healing abilities.

Boyesen proposed that every emotion and feeling generates a direct physiological response, whether through the release of hormones or shifts in the state of the nervous system. A person is physically embodying their psychological and emotional life.

Health, according to this perspective, depends on the capacity to process experiences fully and to return to a state of relaxation and balance – a process known as self-regulation. When this natural ability is compromised, unprocessed emotions and accumulated stress can become stored within the tissues of the body, resulting in various psychosomatic ailments and psychological distress.

At its core this therapy recognises that the body and psyche are constantly trying to return to balance. And therapy works best when we support and encourage this movement rather than force change. Given sufficient time and space, the person can learn and start to trust that it is ok to let go. Slowly coming back to themselves, and releasing what is no longer needed on the way.

This work is for you if you feel:

  • Your body holds tension, pain, or restriction
  • You react strongly to stress
  • Anxiety, overwhelm, or exhaustion never seem to go away
  • You feel depressed, numb or disconnected
  • Your nervous system feels chronically “on edge”
  • You want to feel more present and grounded in your body
  • You sense you’re ready to work through past trauma at a deeper level

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FAQs

In our first session we will cover the contract and confidentiality. We will also look at your situation and what you are bringing to therapy. It is also a chance for you to ask any questions and feel if working with together feels like a good fit.

In somatic therapy we work with both your thoughts and your body’s experience.

We might begin by talking about what brings you, but there is no pressure to explain everything or find the “right” words. Alongside this, we gently bring attention to what you are noticing in your body—such as breath, tension, sensations, or impulses. We can also use Biodynamic massage or gentle movements to support you.

Many forms of therapy focus mainly on thoughts, behaviour, or talking through experiences. Biodynamic psychotherapy also values this, but places equal importance on the body and nervous system.

It works with how experiences are held physically, not just how they are understood mentally.

Another key difference is the pace and approach. Biodynamic work is typically gentle and non-invasive. Rather than analysing or pushing for change, it supports the body’s own self-regulating processes. This often allows for deeper, more lasting shifts over time.

No, not at all.

Touch or massage is always optional and only included if it feels right for you. We would talk about it together beforehand, and it would only happen with your clear consent.

I offer different pricing for Lichfield and Birmingham, see below.

Lichfield fees
Birmingham fees

Therapy can be both short-term and longer-term, depending on what you’re looking for and what support you need. Usually I work with an open-ended contract, there is no fixed number of sessions. Some people come for a shorter period to work with a specific issue or during a particular time of difficulty. At the same time, psychotherapy is often a longer-term process. Many of the patterns we carry—especially those linked to stress, anxiety, or earlier life experiences—developed over time, and can take time to gently unfold and shift.

I usually suggest starting with an initial block of around 6 sessions. This gives you a chance to experience the work and see how it feels for you.

That depends on your needs. Most people come weekly or once every two weeks.