Somatic Coaching Techniques
“Church says the body is a sin.
Science says the body is a machine.
Advertising or capitalism says the body is a business.
The body says ‘I am a fiesta.”
Eduardo Galeano, about what we’ve learned about the body in most Western cultures.
Somatic or Embodied coaching
- Is based on neuroscience.
- Creates sustainable change - transformation has taken place when we can be, act, and relate in ways that are more aligned with our values and visions.
- Treats people as a whole being: the body includes the mind, other body parts, emotions, sensations, internal narratives, how we relate to others, actions and non-actions.
- Sees the body is inseparable from the self and therefore transformation occurs through and with the body.
- Helps identify and address negative mental habits that manifest physically and automatically under stress.
- Provides grounding techniques for stability and presence.
- Comes from the Greek word: soma, which means “the living organisms in its wholeness”.
Through our somatic work together, Karin has taught me to ‘read’ my body, helped me to feel where I carry stress, and process what that means. Over the course of our sessions, I’ve learnt how to take that physical stress and work with it, rather than against it. ‘Listening’ to and scanning my body has given me the confidence to tackle past traumas in a positive way. In every session, Karin has helped to create a safe environment where I explored rather than ran from the past. I am calm, confident and ready to take on any challenges.
Andrea Strik
MYP Coordinator
International School Breda
Karin’s somatic exercises have been a game-changer for me. Her guidance has helped me feel more grounded and supported in my body, easing my social anxiety and giving me more confidence in public speaking. Her approach is gentle yet powerful, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking to connect with themselves on a deeper level.
Sarah Pearl
Assistant Director International Student Transitions, CIS
