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Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the FAQ section! Here, you'll find answers to common questions about coaching. Explore to discover how this practice can support your personal growth and well-being.
What is Somatic Coaching?
“Somatic” comes from the word soma, which means the body. In somatic coaching, we pay attention to emotions and sensations as they show up in the body. We work with the body, not just the mind. Trauma, emotion, beliefs - so much of these are stored in the body. Somatic coaching helps make contact with what's been stored and ignored, so you can live life with more safety, freedom, and flexibility.
What is a sounding board session?
A sounding board session is a coaching session that gives you a direct, supportive space to talk through a relationship, situation, or pattern with someone who understands relational abuse and unhealthy dynamics. Unlike a somatic session, which is more led by your internal experience and body-based exploration, a sounding board session is more conversational and focused on venting, asking questions, getting perspective, and receiving guidance and language for what you’re experiencing.
What does a somatic coach do?
A somatic coach helps you slow down and notice what’s happening in your body when you feel stressed, anxious, shut down, or overwhelmed. Somatic coaching uses simple body-based tools to support nervous system regulation so you can feel steadier and more like yourself.
Can somatic coaching help with trauma?
Yes. Somatic coaching can support healing after trauma by helping your nervous system feel safer in the present. Often, those of us with a history of trauma have not learned to put ourselves first. This work means stepping into the field of "you matter" - focusing on you - what's in your way, and what makes you happy - so you can move beyond the trauma.
How does somatic coaching support nervous system regulation?
Somatic coaching helps you notice stress signals in your body, and learn to listen to and have compassion for sensations or feelings that result. Over time you will find less overwhelm, and more comfort communicating with your body, and moving forward with your life.
What does “trauma-informed coaching” mean?
Trauma-informed coaching means there is an understanding that trauma can change how your nervous system reacts. It also means we go at your pace, with choice and consent, so the work supports healing, not overwhelm. If triggers come up, we hold space for these and offer exercises that promote feelings of safety and regulation. You will not be left alone with your feelings.
Can somatic coaching support recovery from narcissistic abuse?
Yes. Narcissistic abuse recovery often leaves you feeling on edge, confused, or shut down, because your nervous system has been under pressure for a long time. Trauma-informed somatic coaching supports nervous system regulation and rebuilding self-trust as part of healing after trauma.
Can I do somatic coaching alongside therapy?
Yes. Many people use trauma-informed somatic coaching alongside therapy to support nervous system regulation between sessions. If you attend trauma-specific therapy, sometimes healing can be held back by what the body is still storing, so somatic work can be complimentary in this case as well.
Do I need to talk about my trauma for somatic coaching to work?
No. Somatic coaching can support healing after trauma without you sharing details, because we focus on what your body is experiencing now. You are encouraged to share as little or as much feels right to you.
Do you deliver support to teams or businesses?
Yes. If you are interested in somatic coaching for your team or community group, please get in touch at hi.glimmerandbloom@gmail.com.
I've left a damaging relationship, I'm free.
Why would I need coaching?
When we leave dysfunctional relationships, it can sometimes feel like the pain is over; but that's often not the case. We are likely to enter into further damaging and dysfunctional relationships, unless we can reconnect with ourselves and find out what's drawing us into these dynamics.
Coaching helps with this process, and also can help you to decide what you DO want in a relationship - what feels more right to you. Establishing this deep inner knowing will help you to attract what you want, rather than what you're used to.
I have a question that wasn't answered here.
Feel free to send your question via the contact form below, or reach out to me at hi.glimmerandbloom@gmail.com.
I'll make sure to answer your question as quickly as I am able to.
