Our Somatic Therapy Services

Step 1: Getting Started with Somatic Therapy

Welcome to Your Healing Journey

Taking the first step toward healing through somatic therapy is an act of courage and self-compassion. At Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching, we specialise in helping you reconnect with your body's wisdom and release the patterns that no longer serve you. This initial step is about getting to know each other and understanding how somatic therapy can support your unique needs.

What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy works with the understanding that our bodies hold onto our experiences, emotions, and trauma. When we experience difficult events or ongoing stress, our nervous system can become stuck in protective patterns. These patterns often show up as tension, numbness, anxiety, or disconnection from our bodies.

Through somatic therapy, we gently help you:

• Develop awareness of what your body is communicating
• Release stored tension and emotional patterns
• Rebuild your sense of safety and trust in your body
• Develop new ways of responding to life's challenges
• Experience greater ease, presence, and connection

Our Approach to Somatic Therapy

Kotone Frankowski, our Registered Therapeutic Counsellor, brings a compassionate, trauma informed approach to somatic work. Her practice integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic experiencing, polyvagal theory, cognitive behavioural approaches, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy. This means your sessions are tailored specifically to what your nervous system needs.

Every session honours your pace. There is no pressure. We work collaboratively, with you always in control of what feels safe and manageable.

How to Begin: Your First Contact

Step 1: Reach Out

Contact us through any of these methods:

• Visit our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling
• Email us at info@turningtidestoday.com
• Call us at (1) 778-321-6058

Step 2: Schedule Your Free 20-Minute Consultation

This brief conversation allows us to understand what brings you to somatic therapy and to answer any questions you might have. It's a chance to see if we're a good fit for your needs. There is no obligation, and this time is completely confidential.

Step 3: Book Your First Session

If you decide to move forward, we'll schedule your first somatic therapy session. Standard sessions are 50 minutes long, giving us plenty of time to begin this important work together.

What to Expect in Step 1

Your initial session is about building trust and understanding your story. Here's what typically happens:

Creating Safety

We begin by establishing a warm, welcoming environment where you feel respected and heard. Kotone will explain how somatic therapy works and what the process looks like, so you know exactly what to expect.

Getting to Know Your Experience

Through conversation, we'll explore what brought you to seek support. This might include your history, current challenges, physical sensations you've noticed, and what you hope to experience through therapy. This isn't clinical questioning. It's a genuine conversation about your life and your body's needs.

Introduction to Somatic Awareness

You may experience some gentle, guided exercises that help you notice what's happening in your body right now. This might involve noticing your breath, areas of tension, or places where you feel calm. These exercises are always optional and move at your pace.

Collaborative Goal Setting

Together, we'll identify what you'd like to work toward. Whether it's feeling more grounded, releasing anxiety, healing from trauma, or simply reconnecting with your body, your goals shape the direction of our work.

Grounding and Integration

We always end sessions with techniques that help you feel stable and present as you return to your day. You'll leave feeling resourced, not overwhelmed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Started

Do I need to have experienced trauma to benefit from somatic therapy?

No. Somatic therapy supports anyone who wants to deepen their connection with their body, manage stress, or work through difficult emotions. You don't need a trauma diagnosis to benefit from this work.

What if I'm nervous about the first session?

That's completely normal. Many people feel nervous before their first therapy session. Your free 20-minute consultation is a perfect opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of how Kotone works. You're always in control of the pace.

Can I do somatic therapy online?

Yes. All sessions are offered online through a secure, private platform. This means you can access somatic therapy from anywhere in British Columbia or beyond, from the comfort of your own space.

What if I'm not sure somatic therapy is right for me?

That's what the free consultation is for. Kotone can help you understand whether somatic therapy aligns with what you're looking for, or whether another approach might serve you better. We want you to feel confident about your choice.

How much does somatic therapy cost?

Sessions are offered at an affordable rate. We accept major insurance providers including Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross. Coverage may be available based on your individual policy. A sliding scale option is also available for those who need it. We accept Mastercard, Visa, and PayPal.

What should I wear to a somatic therapy session?

Wear whatever feels comfortable to you. Since somatic work involves noticing sensations in your body, many people prefer clothing that allows them to move freely and feel their body. There's no dress code.

Will my information be kept confidential?

Absolutely. Everything you share is held in strict confidence. We follow all privacy regulations to protect your information. The only exceptions are situations where there's immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, which we would discuss with you.

How often should I come to sessions?

This is something we'll discuss together based on your needs and goals. Some people find weekly sessions helpful for building momentum, while others prefer every other week. We'll create a schedule that works for you.

What if I need support between sessions?

We offer between-session email support. You can reach out with questions or reflections, and Kotone will respond within a reasonable timeframe. This helps you feel supported throughout your healing journey.

Our Service Areas

Our somatic therapy services are available to clients throughout British Columbia. Whether you're in Vancouver, the Okanagan, Vancouver Island, the Fraser Valley, Northern B.C., or any other part of the province, we can support you through online sessions. We also serve clients internationally.

Reassurance for First-Time Clients

If you've never tried therapy before, you might have questions or concerns. That's completely understandable. Here's what we want you to know:

You are not alone in seeking support. Many people find that somatic therapy offers something different from talk therapy alone. Your body has wisdom, and we're here to help you access it.

There is no 'right way' to do this. You set the pace. You decide what feels safe. You're always in control.

Healing is possible. People experience real, meaningful change through somatic work. You can too.

Your story matters. We're not here to judge or fix you. We're here to witness your experience and support your healing.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Getting started is simple. Choose the contact method that feels most comfortable to you:

Online Booking	Visit our booking platform
Email	info@turningtidestoday.com
Phone	(1) 778-321-6058
Website	www.turningtidestoday.com

A Final Word

Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your body has carried you through everything you've experienced. Through somatic therapy, you can develop a more compassionate, connected relationship with it. We're honoured to support you on this journey.

Let's begin together.

Step 2: Your Intake and Goal Setting Session

Welcome to the next phase of your somatic therapy journey with Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching. This is where we get to know you, understand what brought you here, and create a personalised roadmap for your healing.

What Happens in Your Intake Session

Your intake session is a collaborative conversation, not an interrogation. We'll spend about 50 minutes together exploring your story, your body's responses to stress and emotion, and what you hope to achieve through somatic therapy. Kotone will ask thoughtful questions to understand how trauma or emotional challenges show up in your physical experience. You might notice tension in certain areas, difficulty breathing, or a sense of disconnection from your body. These are all valuable information that helps us tailor your care.

This first real session is about building trust and safety. You're in control of how much you share and the pace at which we move forward. There's no rush, and there are no wrong answers.

What to Bring and Prepare

To make the most of your intake session, please gather the following:

• A quiet, comfortable space where you won't be interrupted
• Any relevant medical history or notes about physical symptoms you've experienced
• A list of current medications or supplements you're taking
• Insurance information if you plan to claim sessions through your provider
• A notebook to jot down any thoughts or questions that come up
• Your calendar so we can schedule ongoing sessions that work with your schedule

If you're joining us online, test your internet connection and camera beforehand. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Have water nearby. These small details help you feel grounded and present.

How We Explore Your Experience

During our time together, we use several collaborative approaches to understand your unique situation. Rather than formal questionnaires, we have thoughtful conversations about your history, your relationships, and how your body responds to stress. We might ask you to notice sensations in your body as we talk. We might explore what emotions feel stuck or blocked. We listen carefully to your words and your silences.

We also pay attention to how you describe your experiences. Do you feel disconnected from your body? Do certain situations trigger physical reactions like tension or shallow breathing? These observations help us understand where somatic therapy can offer the most support.

Understanding Your Goals

Goal setting in somatic therapy is deeply personal. This isn't about fixing yourself. It's about moving toward what matters to you. Together, we'll explore questions like these:

• What would it feel like to move through your day with less anxiety or tension?
• How might your relationships shift if you felt more grounded and present?
• What does emotional freedom look like for you?
• Where in your body do you want to experience more ease and calm?
• What strengths do you already have that we can build upon?

Your goals might include healing from past trauma, learning to regulate your nervous system, reconnecting with your body, improving your relationships, or simply feeling more at home in yourself. All of these are valid. We'll write down your goals together so we have a shared understanding of where we're heading.

Addressing Common Concerns About This Process

Will I have to relive my trauma? No. Somatic therapy works gently with your body's wisdom. We don't force you to talk about difficult experiences before you're ready. We focus on what your body is telling us right now and build safety and resilience from there.

What if I don't know what I want to work on? That's completely normal. Many people come in feeling confused or overwhelmed. Kotone will help you explore what feels most pressing or important. Sometimes clarity emerges through our conversation.

Is this session confidential? Absolutely. Everything you share is held in strict confidence. The only exceptions are situations involving immediate danger to yourself or others, which we'll discuss upfront.

What if I get emotional during the session? Emotions are welcome here. Crying, frustration, or even laughter can all be part of the healing process. We create space for whatever comes up.

How do I know if somatic therapy is right for me? If you're experiencing physical tension, anxiety, difficulty with emotions, or the effects of past trauma, somatic therapy can help. The best way to know is to try it. Your first session will give you a real sense of whether this approach resonates with you.

What Happens After Your Intake

After your intake session, Kotone will send you a follow-up email summarising what you discussed and the goals you've set together. This gives you time to reflect and ask any questions that come up. You'll also receive information about your ongoing sessions, including scheduling, how to prepare, and what to expect moving forward.

Between sessions, you'll have email support available if something comes up or you want to share a reflection. This keeps the healing process continuous and supported.

Session Format and Accessibility

Your somatic therapy sessions are offered online through a secure, private platform. This means you can participate from anywhere in British Columbia or beyond, in a space where you feel comfortable and safe. Sessions run for 50 minutes, giving us enough time to do meaningful work without feeling rushed.

Our trauma informed care approach means we move at your pace. We honour your boundaries. We celebrate your strengths. We believe in your capacity to heal.

Insurance and Investment

Coverage may be available based on your individual policy with providers such as Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, or Pacific Blue Cross. We recommend checking with your insurance provider about your specific coverage. Sliding scale options are available for those who need them.

Ready to Begin?

Your intake session is the foundation of everything that follows. It's where we build the trust and understanding that makes somatic therapy effective. You're taking an important step toward healing, and we're honoured to walk alongside you.

If you have questions before your session or need to reschedule, please reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Step 3: Your Somatic Therapy Journey Unfolds

Welcome to the heart of your healing work. Step 3 is where the real transformation begins. This is where you move from understanding what happened to you into experiencing healing in your body and nervous system. We call this the active healing phase, and it's designed specifically around your unique needs and pace.

What Happens in Your Sessions

Each session lasts 50 minutes and follows a rhythm that supports deep, sustainable healing. Here's what you can expect when you arrive.

Opening and Grounding (5 to 10 minutes)

We begin by creating safety. You'll settle into a comfortable space, and we'll start with a gentle check-in about how you're feeling in your body right now. This might include simple breathing practices or grounding techniques that help you feel present and connected to the moment. Think of this as preparing the soil before planting seeds.

Exploring Your Experience (10 to 15 minutes)

You'll share what's been happening since we last met. We pay special attention to how your body responds to different situations. Maybe you notice tension in your shoulders when you think about a particular memory. Perhaps your breathing changes in certain moments. We're learning to read your body's language together, understanding what it's trying to tell you.

Somatic Work and Nervous System Healing (20 to 25 minutes)

This is the core of somatic therapy. We use several evidence-based approaches tailored to what your body needs.

• Internal Family Systems work helps you understand different parts of yourself and how they're responding to past experiences
• Somatic Experiencing techniques help release trauma stored in your nervous system through gentle awareness and guided movement
• Breathwork practices calm your nervous system and increase your sense of safety
• Mindfulness practices grounded in body awareness help you stay present without judgment
• Gentle movement exploration allows your body to process and release what it's been holding
• Nervous system regulation strategies teach your body how to shift from stress responses back to calm
• Cognitive Behavioural approaches help you understand patterns and build new responses
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy supports you in living according to your values even while healing
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills help you manage intense emotions and build distress tolerance

These aren't just techniques we do to you. They're collaborative explorations we do together. You're always in control, always able to pause or adjust the pace.

Integration and Reflection (10 to 15 minutes)

After the somatic work, we pause to notice what shifted. What did you feel? What became clearer? We talk through what happened in your body and what it might mean for your healing. This is where insight deepens and new understanding takes root.

Closing and Stabilisation (5 to 10 minutes)

We bring the session to a gentle close. You'll practice grounding techniques that help your nervous system settle before you return to your day. We'll talk about what you might notice in the coming days and what practices will support you at home.

Your Homework and Between-Session Practices

Healing doesn't happen only in the therapy room. The practices you do at home are where real transformation takes root. Think of these as your personal healing toolkit.

Daily Body Awareness Practices

You'll learn to do a simple body scan, usually taking about 5 to 10 minutes. Lie down or sit comfortably and slowly bring your attention through your body from head to toe. Notice where you feel tension, ease, warmth, or coolness. There's no right or wrong here. You're simply learning to listen to what your body is telling you. This practice reconnects you with sensations that trauma often numbs.

Grounding is another essential practice. When you feel overwhelmed or disconnected, you'll stand or sit with your feet flat on the floor and feel the weight of your body being supported. Notice the contact between your feet and the ground. This simple act brings you back to the present moment and reminds your nervous system that you're safe right now.

Breathwork You Can Use Anytime

Breathing is one of the most powerful tools you have. We'll teach you gentle breath awareness practices that calm your nervous system. You might spend just 3 to 5 minutes focusing on the rise and fall of your breath. We'll also explore resourcing breath techniques where you pair slow breathing with a safe or comforting memory. When distress arises, this becomes your anchor.

Movement and Reconnection

Your body wants to move and express itself. You'll explore gentle, spontaneous movement for 5 to 10 minutes. This might be stretching, rocking, swaying, or simply noticing what movements feel good and safe. Movement helps release stored tension and reconnects you with joy and aliveness in your body. We also encourage playful activities like gentle shaking or light dancing. Healing doesn't always look serious. Sometimes it looks like play.

Journaling and Reflection

After your home practices, you'll jot down what you noticed. Where did you feel emotions in your body? What memories or feelings came up? You might also keep a simple log of moments during the week when you felt triggered or disconnected. What did your body do? How did you respond? This tracking increases your self-awareness and gives us valuable information for your next session.

Self-Compassion Practices

Healing requires kindness toward yourself. When you notice difficult sensations or emotions, you might place a hand on your heart and offer yourself gentle words. This practice nurtures emotional healing and builds your sense of worth. It's a way of telling your nervous system that you deserve care and support.

Integration in Daily Life

Choose one daily activity, whether that's walking, eating, or showering, and bring mindful body awareness to it. Notice the sensations, your breath, and your emotional state. This simple shift transforms ordinary moments into healing opportunities.

How We Track Your Progress

Progress in somatic therapy looks different than you might expect. We're not measuring things on a scale or filling out forms. Instead, we're noticing real changes in how you experience your body and your life.

In each session, we'll have conversations about what's shifting. Are you noticing less tension in your shoulders? Do you feel more present during conversations? Can you sit with difficult emotions without becoming overwhelmed? Are you sleeping better? Do you feel more connected to your body? These are the markers of real healing.

We'll also notice changes in how your nervous system responds. Maybe situations that used to send you into panic now feel manageable. Perhaps you recover from stress more quickly. You might find yourself breathing more easily or feeling calmer throughout your day. These shifts happen gradually, and we celebrate each one.

Between sessions, you'll receive email support where you can share observations about your practices and how they're affecting you. This ongoing dialogue helps us understand what's working and where we might adjust your approach. Your feedback shapes your therapy. You're not a passive recipient of treatment. You're an active partner in your own healing.

The Therapeutic Approaches We Use

Somatic therapy at Turning Tides draws on several evidence-based approaches, all woven together to support your unique healing journey.

Internal Family Systems work recognises that you have different parts of yourself, each with its own protective role. Some parts might be hypervigilant, always watching for danger. Others might be frozen or numb. Through this work, you learn to understand these parts with compassion and help them work together toward healing.

Somatic Experiencing focuses specifically on how trauma lives in your nervous system and body. We help your body complete the protective responses that were interrupted during traumatic events. This allows your nervous system to return to a state of calm and safety.

Mindfulness practices grounded in body awareness help you stay present without judgment. Instead of being lost in thoughts about the past or future, you learn to anchor yourself in the sensations of right now.

Breathwork and gentle movement give your body direct tools for regulation. Your nervous system responds to these practices, learning that it's safe to relax.

Cognitive Behavioural approaches help you understand patterns in how you think, feel, and act. You'll learn to notice unhelpful patterns and gradually build new, more supportive responses.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps you clarify what matters most to you and take action aligned with your values, even while you're still healing.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills teach you practical ways to manage intense emotions, tolerate distress, and build a life worth living.

What Makes This Different

Somatic therapy is different because it recognises that your body holds wisdom. Trauma isn't just something that happened to you. It's something your body is still responding to. By working directly with your body's responses, we help your nervous system learn that it's safe. We help your body complete what it needs to complete. This creates lasting change that goes deeper than talk therapy alone.

Our approach at Turning Tides is informed by trauma research and grounded in compassion. We move at your pace. We respect your boundaries. We celebrate your strengths. And we believe deeply in your capacity to heal.

Ready to Begin?

Step 3 is an invitation into active healing. It's where you'll experience your body becoming a source of wisdom and strength rather than pain and fear. It's where you'll learn that healing is possible, that your nervous system can shift, and that you can reclaim your life.

Our somatic therapy services are available throughout British Columbia, including Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, and communities across the province. We offer flexible online sessions that fit your life.

If you're ready to take this step, we'd love to support you. Book your first session through our online booking platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling or reach out to us directly at info@turningtidestoday.com or 778-321-6058.

Your healing journey is waiting. Let's walk it together.

Step 4: Integration and Completion

You've reached a significant milestone in your somatic therapy journey. This final step focuses on consolidating your progress, recognising the shifts you've made, and establishing practices that will sustain your healing long after our sessions conclude.

Evaluating Your Progress

As we move toward completion, we'll reflect together on the changes you've noticed. This isn't about clinical measurements or formal testing. Instead, we'll have conversations about what feels different in your body, how you respond to stress now compared to when you started, and the ways your relationships and daily life have shifted.

You might notice:

• Greater ease in recognising what your body is telling you
• Increased capacity to stay present during difficult moments
• More flexibility in how you respond to triggers
• Deeper sense of safety within yourself
• Improved connection in your relationships
• Enhanced ability to move through emotions without becoming overwhelmed

Signs You're Ready for Completion

Readiness looks different for everyone. There's no single timeline or checklist. However, you may be approaching completion when you:

Feel resourced and grounded. You've developed reliable ways to calm your nervous system and access a sense of safety, even outside of sessions.

Understand your patterns. You recognise your body's signals and what they mean. You know what helps you return to balance.

Have tools that work for you. You've discovered somatic practices, breathing techniques, movement, or grounding strategies that genuinely support your wellbeing.

Experience increased resilience. Difficult moments still happen, but you move through them with greater confidence and less prolonged distress.

Feel ready to continue independently. You trust yourself to apply what you've learned and to reach out if you need support again.

Maintenance Strategies for Lasting Healing

Completion doesn't mean the work ends. It means you're stepping into a new phase where you become your own guide, supported by the practices we've developed together.

Daily somatic practices. Dedicate time to the techniques that have helped you most. This might be a few minutes of grounding each morning, mindful movement, or body awareness check-ins throughout your day. Consistency matters more than duration.

Honour your body's wisdom. Continue listening to what your body communicates. When you notice tension, numbness, or restlessness, pause and explore what it might be telling you.

Maintain your support network. Whether through our community groups, trusted friends, or other resources, stay connected to people who understand your journey.

Revisit your toolkit when needed. The practices we've explored together remain available to you. Return to them whenever you need grounding, processing, or reconnection.

Notice and celebrate small wins. Healing isn't always dramatic. Recognise the quiet moments when you respond differently, when you feel more present, or when you move through something that once felt impossible.

Follow-Up and Ongoing Support Options

Our relationship doesn't end with your final session. We understand that life brings new challenges, and sometimes you may benefit from additional support.

Periodic check-in sessions. Many clients find value in returning for occasional sessions, perhaps monthly or quarterly, to process new experiences or deepen their practice.

Between-session email support. You can reach out between sessions if questions arise or if you'd like to share reflections on your practice.

Community groups. Our somatic therapy book club and support groups continue to meet. These spaces offer connection, learning, and shared healing with others on similar journeys.

Refresher sessions. If you encounter a significant life transition, experience new stress, or simply want to reconnect with your somatic practice, you can book sessions as needed.

Referrals and resources. We're happy to recommend complementary practices, workshops, or other practitioners who align with your healing goals.

What Completion Means

Completing somatic therapy is an achievement worth celebrating. You've done profound work. You've learned to listen to your body, to trust its wisdom, and to respond to yourself with compassion.

This isn't an ending. It's a transition into a new chapter where you carry forward the awareness, skills, and resilience you've cultivated. You've developed a relationship with your own nervous system. You know how to resource yourself. You understand that healing is possible.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're ready to explore somatic therapy or would like to discuss whether this approach is right for you, we invite you to connect with us. Our trauma informed care serving all of British Columbia, including Vancouver, Kelowna, Victoria, and communities across the province, is available both online and tailored to your unique needs.

Book your initial conversation through our online platform at https://www.colib.io/booking/turning-tides-coaching-counselling or reach out directly to discuss how somatic therapy can support your healing journey.

You've already taken the courageous step of seeking support. Let's continue that journey together.