Somatic Arts Therapy Described

What is it? Why do it?

What is Somatic Arts Therapy?

Life is multisensory and so are we humans. We use our eyes, ears, bodies, hearts, minds, touch, smell, imagination, gestures, voices and more, to gather information and interact with the people and places around us. While this is going on, on the outside, our inner worlds are full of sensations, feelings, imaginings and ideas as well. At times this can be a lot, trying to manage all the things can be overwhelming.

The work I do invites you to engage this amazing multisensory nature to explore pathways through ups and downs, new ways of looking at things and strategies for coping. Somatic refers to things related to the body - feelings, sensations, movement. Together, we have creative conversations for your wellbeing through making, drawing, movement, play, music and conversation. This is a therapeutic process that generates insight, strength, healing, and self-understanding. Individually or in a group, you are offered a safe, engaging space to explore your inner and outer worlds – to give them form so that you can see them, touch them, pick them up, move them around, consider them from different angles, and reform them. It’s not about being “good” at art, it’s about your curiosity, courage and expression.

Why do Somatic Arts Therapy?

I’ve worked with people of all ages, here are some of the ways young people describe why they do Somatic Arts Therapy…

It’s not about ‘being good at drawing or movement’ or even about ‘making art’ at all. This is about the process of being creative, not the finished product. It’s about exploring and playing in different ways - using your senses, trying new things, and seeing where it takes you. It can help you generate ideas, look at things from a fresh perspective, learn cool stuff, boost your mood, or even change the way you feel.

I acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Woi Wurrung & Boon Wurrung language groups of the Eastern Kulin Nation - the traditional custodians of the land, Naam, where I live, dance, make and play. As a New Zealander, I acknowledge the Māori people, the tangata whenua - the indigenous people of Aotearoa. Entwined in Country, I acknowledge the eternal reciprocal relationship between soil & cell, air & breath, waterways & fluid. I pay my respects to elders past, present & emerging.