I get asked this a lot — what's the difference between somatic exercises and yoga? What about somatic experiencing? What about therapy?

In somatic experiencing — which is a related but distinct approach — there's a lot of verbal processing. You talk through what's happening, what you're noticing, the theory behind it. In somatic exercises, we keep talking to a minimum. We get you in your body quickly. Because the body learns through experience, not through understanding.

Yoga, especially Western yoga, is largely focused on flexibility, strength, and physical form. Somatic exercises have one specific goal: nervous system regulation. That's it. We're not here for your flexibility. We're here for your nervous system.

My goal is never to have you depend on me for years. I want you to leave a session knowing what to do and when to do it — for yourself, in your own life, whenever you need it. That's the whole point.

Here’s a quick look:

Somatic Movement: The focus is on body movement + release. Less talking, more doing. The goal is nervous system regulation. It can be done standing or sitting on the floor or your bed or a chair. Self-sufficiency is the end goal - you should be able to walk away from lessons and continue the practice without oversight.

Somatic Experiencing: The focus is talk + body awareness. Significant amounts of discussion. The goal is trauma processing vs regulation. Sessions completed in a clinical setting. Ongoing sessions are the norm vs teaching self-sufficiency.

Yoga: The focus is on stretching and strength. Sessions completed via instructor led cues. The goal is fitness and flexibility. Physical ability needed to work through positions. Taught via regular classes with little focus on self-sufficiency.