Frequently Asked Questions about sessions

All emotional responses—whether that is tears, laughter, a sudden sigh, or deep stillness—are completely welcome and safe here.

Your body releases stored tension in its own way, and we always move at a rhythm that keeps you feeling grounded, safe, and supported.

That is completely normal and very common.

Feeling disconnected or numb is simply a protective response from an overloaded nervous system.

You don't need to be highly "tuned in" to your body before coming.

We work at a soft, manageable pace so your system feels safe enough to gently reconnect over time without overwhelm.

It depends on what you are navigating and where you are in your journey.

Relational somatic work excels at helping your nervous system build genuine stability, resilience, and baseline calm.

However, somatic bodywork is not a replacement for clinical mental health care or psychiatric treatment.

If you are navigating an acute psychological crisis or an active psychiatric condition, having a talk therapist or medical provider as your primary care team is essential.

For the vast majority of clients—especially those who have already done talk therapy, understand their story intellectually, or simply want to move beyond cognitive insights—relational somatic work offers the missing piece. It bridges the gap between understanding your life and actually feeling grounded, settled, and at ease in your body.

No, never. Your body created those protective responses for a good reason, and we honour them completely.

Relational somatic work is not about forcing your system to drop its defences or stripping away strategies that have kept you safe.

Instead, we focus on expanding your capacity for baseline calm, grounded presence, and subtle pleasure.

As your nervous system begins to recognise that it is genuinely safe in the present moment, those protective strategies no longer have to work so hard for you. They naturally soften when they are no longer needed, rather than being forced away.

Not at all.

Relational somatic work is for anyone seeking deeper connection with their body, baseline calm, and emotional ease.

Many clients come to decompress from everyday busy life, improve their relationship with their body, or simply cultivate a deeper sense of presence and vitality.

You don't need to choose at all.

Rather than trying to fit you into a rigid treatment protocol or specific technique, I seamlessly weave together elements of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, NeuroAffective Touch®, somatic coaching, and embodied exploration based on what your nervous system needs in real time.

Every session is entirely bespoke.

During our initial conversation, we check in on where your body is at, and your physiology guides how we blend dialogue, quiet stillness, or table-based touch.

You don't need to have it all figured out—or even fully trust your body's process yet. You can simply turn up as you are, and we will build that safety and trust together, one small step at a time.

While it shares physical contact with bodywork, relational somatic touch is fundamentally different from structural or muscular treatments.

There is no deep tissue pressure, manipulation, or effort to "fix" tight muscles.

Instead, I use quiet, attentive, contact-based touch and gentle exploration to help your nervous system recognise safety and self-regulate from the inside out.

Yes. Relational touch and somatic exploration are gentle, non-invasive, and completely adaptable to keep you supported and comfortable throughout every stage of pregnancy.

To support your system in receiving the full benefit of our time together:

1. Wear comfortable clothing: Loose, soft layers help your body feel completely relaxed and unrestricted.

2. Arrive with gentle curiosity: You don't need to have everything figured out—simply come with an open mind and a willingness to listen to your body.

3. Set a light focus: Having a simple intention or area of your life you'd like to bring awareness to can be helpful, though not required.

4. Allow time to integrate: Where possible, give yourself 15–30 minutes after your session to walk quietly, rest, or simply be before rushing back into a busy schedule.

Sessions are 60 minutes.

We begin with a gentle conversation to explore what is present for you and what you would like support with.

Depending on what your nervous system needs on the day, our work together may involve seated somatic exploration, coaching or table-based relational touch—typically lasting around 40 minutes.

We conclude with unhurried time to integrate your experience, track any subtle shifts, and discuss gentle ways to carry that felt sense of safety into your daily life.

Yes, absolutely.

All relational somatic bodywork and touch therapies are received fully clothed.

I recommend wearing comfortable, non-restrictive clothing (such as track pants, leggings, or soft tops).

Many clients like to bring a clean pair of warm socks.

Fresh blankets and bolsters are always provided to ensure you stay warm, cozy, and fully supported throughout.

Yes, there is a private client bathroom available for you to use.

Please note that the studio does not have a formal waiting room.

To protect the privacy and quiet stillness of the session before yours, please aim to arrive right at your scheduled appointment time.

If you arrive a few minutes early, you are welcome to enjoy the quiet surroundings of the garden sanctuary until your start time.

Sessions are $140 NZD.

Payment is due at the end of your appointment. I accept debit cards, cash, and direct internet banking.

If you prefer to pay prior to your session via bank transfer, you are very welcome to do so.

Because every nervous system is unique and carries its own history, the number of sessions varies.

Somatic change happens through gentle, repeated experiences of safety and regulation over time.

While many clients report feeling a noticeable sense of spaciousness and relief after their first session, lasting integration built on deep nervous system retraining typically unfolds over a series of regular sessions.

We will regularly review how your system is responding so you always feel in complete control of your care.

You can easily manage your appointments online through the link provided in your original booking confirmation email.

If you need to reschedule or cancel more than 48 hours before your appointment, you will need to contact me directly on 022 438 6360.

If you need to reschedule or cancel within 48 hours of your appointment, the online booking link will no longer allow changes.

In this instance, you will need to contact me directly on 022 438 6360 (text).

Life happens, and I understand that unexpected situations arise. However, because session times are reserved exclusively for you, changes or cancellations made within 48 hours will be charged the full session fee to honour the time set aside for your care.