SOMATIC PSYCHOTHERAPY
NeuroAffective Relational Model for Healing Attachment (NARM)
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing Touch Therapy
Attachment-Focused EMDR
Spiritual Healing
"Trauma is the invisible force that shapes our lives. It shapes the way we live, the way we love, and the way we make sense of the world. It is the root of our deepest wounds." -by Dr. Gabor Mate
A revolutionary approach to healing trauma
After years of training and experience, I have developed a unique treatment approach using a combination of psychotherapy, NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Experiencing touch therapy, attachment-focused EMDR, and grief work, together with spiritual and intuitive resources.
This blended approach supports nervous system regulation, healing, and reconnection to self. Through this process, your body is better able to organize, "digest" and settle, which often leads to a felt sense of safety and healing. When the nervous system senses safety, it relaxes and moves out of survival mode. During this process, the system will release trapped energy, emotions, and memories. By creating energetic space, the body can do what it is designed to do, heal. Sessions are dynamic and often bring relief.
"Connection: Our deepest desire and our greatest fear" -by Dr. Laurence Heller
NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) - NARM is a relational model that focuses on attachment, relational trauma, and developmental trauma, also known as complex PTSD. By working with lifelong attachment patterns, we address psychobiological symptoms and interpersonal difficulties. In a session, I start by asking the question, "What would you like from our time together?" This question is a way for you to name what it is you are yearning for, and it helps guide the session. The work is based on the present; we explore the conscious and unconscious beliefs and strategies that may be getting in the way of what you truly want for yourself. Through this heartfelt process, you may come to understand that you are not "crazy".
"Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence." -by Dr. Peter Levine
Somatic Experiencing for Shock trauma - Somatic Experiencing is different than traditional talk therapy. In traditional talk therapy, you may describe a traumatic experience in detail, which may over-activate your body and inadvertently retraumatize your nervous system. In Somatic Experiencing, you may begin to describe a traumatic event; however, very early on, I'll ask you to pause and notice your body. Often times, clients will notice tension in their legs or pressure in their chest, or a trembling in their body. From there we stop, we move away from the story, and the somatic process begins. Throughout the process, we are tracking sensations and exploring what the body is trying to communicate. This process allows the body time to react, express, and reorganize, which often leads to a physiological release and then self-regulation. We repeat this process throughout the session. Over time, you will develop a better understanding of your body and what your nervous system needs. Ultimately, you will develop a deeper connection with yourself.
"Knowing oneself comes from attending with compassionate curiosity to what is happening within." -by Dr. Gabor Mate
I work with individuals who are healing from chronic stress, anxiety, depression, developmental trauma, childhood abuse, shock trauma, and unresolved grief. I also work with many physicians and clinicians who are on their own personal healing journey.
"I was completely blown away by the power of somatic psychotherapy. And still am. It's a whole new level from the other healing modalities I've worked with. Every session astonishes me. I leave feeling safer, freer, calmer, and more knowledgeable about myself than ever before. My body has never felt so calm. And my soul has never felt so honored and seen". Client - Greenwich CT - 11/2021
"Valerie's approach to therapy has been truly life-changing for me. As a psychology doctoral student who has been a psychotherapy patient for about 10 years, I felt like I had a lot of insight into my problems and childhood relational trauma, but somehow that insight never translated into actually feeling better when I would get trigered. Working with Valerie, I somehow managed to achieve what I had been looking for for so long - significant improvement in my ability to emotionally regulate and stay grounded and centered, even when I'm feeling triggered. The improvement in my quality of life was rapid and dramatic. If you feel like you've been stuck at the level of insight and you're looking for real change and relief, I would reallly encourage you to give this kind of work a try!" Client - Bronx, NY 11/2021
"I started Somatic Psychotherapy to address trauma that I had experienced several years ago. Improvements to my physcal well being began at my first somatic touch appointment! After working through that trauma, I decided to continue attending as a form of self care. In addition to somatic touch, Valerie provides a judgement free environment for open conversation and her encouraging and caring spirit leaves me feeling calm. These sessions are an invaluable tool for managing the stress of daily life, as well as a way to continue to heal and grow." Client - Monroe, CT 11/2021
I have offices in Stamford and Southbury, CT. Please call 203-616-5045 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Blessings,
Valerie Candela Brower
Copyright, Valerie Candela, 2017. All rights reserved.