Somatic Therapy in Melbourne
In-person sessions in Abbotsford and Northcote, with online therapy across Australia.
You might understand why you react in certain ways, yet still find yourself tensing up, becoming overwhelmed or shutting down in difficult moments.
Somatic psychotherapy explores these reactions as they happen, paying attention to physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, memories and impulses to act. By noticing how these different aspects of an experience connect, we can begin to understand familiar patterns in a different way.
I integrate this way of working into relational, attachment-informed psychotherapy, exploring how our experiences and relationships shape the ways we respond to ourselves and others.
I'm Josh Wasniewski, a PACFA Certified Practising Member with a Master of Counselling. My approach integrates relational, attachment-informed psychotherapy with somatic approaches, informed in part by my training in Somatic Experiencing.
What is somatic therapy?
"Somatic" refers to the body. Somatic psychotherapy recognises that our physical responses are closely connected to our emotions, thoughts and experiences.
You might notice your chest tightening when someone is upset with you, or an urge to withdraw during conflict. These reactions can happen quickly, sometimes before you've had an opportunity to recognise what you're feeling.
Rather than trying to make these responses disappear, we become curious about what is happening, what they might be connected to, and how we might respond differently.
What does somatic therapy involve?
Sessions are a space to talk through what's been happening in your life, the things you're struggling with, and what you'd like to understand better about yourself. As we talk, we might slow down at certain moments to notice what you're feeling, what happens in your body, and how you respond.
For example, you might be describing a disagreement with your partner and notice your jaw tightening, a heaviness in your chest or an urge to stop speaking.
Rather than moving straight past that moment, we could explore what you're feeling, what you might be holding back, and what you imagine might happen if you spoke up.
We might also pay attention to what changes when you give yourself more time, adjust how you're sitting or allow yourself to experience an emotion without immediately pulling away from it.
Sometimes this means exploring feelings that have been difficult to express. At other times, it involves recognising when something is becoming overwhelming and finding ways to feel more present.
The aim isn't to force a particular response, but to better understand these experiences and gradually find different ways of responding.
When might somatic therapy be helpful?
A somatic approach may be particularly relevant if you:
Experience persistent anxiety, physical tension or a sense of being on edge.
Become overwhelmed, freeze or shut down during difficult situations.
Feel numb, disconnected or find it difficult to recognise what you're feeling.
Automatically withdraw, appease others or become defensive in relationships.
Find certain emotions, such as anger, fear or vulnerability, difficult to express.
Understand your reactions intellectually but continue to experience the same patterns. If anxiety is a particular concern, you can also read more about my approach to anxiety therapy in Melbourne.
These responses can develop for many reasons, including prolonged stress, difficult experiences and earlier relationships.
You don't need to know why you respond in a particular way before beginning therapy. Understanding that can become part of the work.
Common questions about somatic therapy
Do I need to be good at noticing sensations in my body?
No. Some people notice physical sensations easily, while others experience very little or find it unfamiliar.
We can begin with whatever you notice, including emotions, thoughts or a sense of disconnection. There is no expectation that you experience your body in a particular way.
Is somatic therapy mainly about breathing exercises or relaxation?
No. Although grounding or settling can sometimes be helpful, somatic psychotherapy is not primarily about learning to relax.
The work may also involve exploring emotions, understanding automatic reactions and finding ways to approach experiences that would ordinarily lead to withdrawal, avoidance or overwhelm.
Do I have to talk about traumatic experiences?
No. We can work with how difficulties affect you in the present without needing to describe earlier experiences in detail.
If exploring the past becomes relevant, we can approach it gradually and collaboratively.
Can somatic therapy be done online?
Yes. Somatic approaches can be incorporated into online psychotherapy through conversation and attention to emotional and physical experiences as they arise.
Somatic therapy appointments in Melbourne
I offer individual somatic-informed psychotherapy in Abbotsford and Northcote, as well as online across Australia.
Sessions are 60 minutes and cost $180.
If you're interested in working together, you're welcome to send an enquiry with any questions, including whether you'd prefer to meet in Abbotsford, Northcote or online.
You can also book an individual session directly. A free 15-minute introductory call is available through the booking page if you'd prefer to speak before making an appointment.