Today's guest, Sarah Rollins of Embodied Wellness, shares insights into somatic experiencing and its importance in therapy.

Sarah describes her unique journey, including performing at Carnegie Hall with a klezmer band during her middle school years. Despite initially pursuing somatic experiencing training during her time as a mental health therapist, she found it challenging to integrate this body-focused trauma treatment within her agency's traditional framework. The pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity for her to launch Embodied Wellness, allowing her to address the rising need for trauma-informed care.

We explore the mind-body connection, a core concept of somatic experiencing. Sarah explains how physical symptoms, such as stomach aches or chest fluttering, can be manifestations of trauma. This understanding challenges the often-separate view of physical ailments and mental health. Jon shares his own experiences with anxiety, reinforcing Sarah’s points about the profound impact of emotional distress on the body.

The episode takes a practical turn as Sarah demonstrates a brief somatic exercise with Jon, highlighting the process of identifying and addressing physical sensations linked to stress. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing these sensations without overwhelming the client, suggesting techniques like focusing on a smaller percentage of the sensation to make it more manageable.

We also delve into various therapeutic techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), where bilateral stimulation helps reprocess traumatic events to reduce distress. Sarah explains that while the memory of the trauma remains, the distress associated with it diminishes.

Additionally, the discussion touches on the importance of mental health in the workplace. Sarah underscores the necessity for employees to learn emotional regulation and effective communication to foster a healthier work environment. We discuss how emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial for professional interactions, a sentiment echoed by Jon's anecdote about workplace dynamics.

Lisa shares her own strategies for managing stress and anxiety in her real estate career, highlighting breathing techniques and the significance of addressing the nervous system. This practical advice aligns with Sarah's emphasis on having a variety of tools to handle different situations.

Sarah’s key takeaway for listeners seeking therapy is the importance of finding a therapist they feel comfortable with, comparing it to the process of dating. Comfort and trust in the therapeutic relationship are crucial for effective treatment.

We wrap up the episode with our guest reflecting on her educational journey, notably influenced by a graduate student instructor who helped her understand her own biases without shame. Sarah’s contact information is provided for listeners interested in exploring somatic experiencing or other holistic treatments offered by her team.

This episode provides valuable insights into the somatic approach to therapy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind and body in addressing trauma and anxiety.

Embodied Wellness: https://embodiedwellnesstherapy.com/

More on Somatic Experiencing: https://traumahealing.org/

Learn more about the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce: https://www.royaloakchamber.com/

Connect with our hosts:

Jon Gay from JAG in Detroit Podcasts - http://www.jagindetroit.com/

Lisa Bibbee from Keller Williams - http://soldbylisab.com/