Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions that are not addressed below please email me at contact@lilliankemanis.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is somatic therapy and how can it help me?
Somatic Movement Therapy (SMT) is a wholistic therapeutic model to assist the health and well-being of your body, mind, and spirit. It can help heal all types of trauma, overcome psychological and emotional challenges (such as anxiety, depression, dissociation, etc.), and help improve self perception and overall felt-connection. SMT is considered a “bottom up” approach, meaning, it uses the information of bodily feeling and sensation as the foundation for healing.
The main methods used in a somatic therapy session center around bringing your awareness to your body through sensation, feeling, movement, touch, and/or sound. There are many different kinds of Somatic Therapies! Each practitioner has their own lineage of modalities that they draw from, so it is important to explore the approach that feels right for you.
What can I expect from a 1:1 Session?
A Somatic Therapy session is a space for you to connect with your inner body. I will facilitate your awareness to notice bodily sensation, movement, feeling, and mental image.
I always like to begin a session with some dialogue. You will share how you are arriving in the moment, any intentions, and/or challenges you are facing. Together we will inquire deeper through slowing down mental activity, piecing apart any belief or story you carry, and tune into the body to locate your inner experience. I call it “taking a dive.” We begin at the surface of the conscious mind and then descend deeper into the subconscious experience of the body. The session will end with a dialogue to reflect on your experience.
You can expect to walk away with a deeper felt-connection to yourself and some somatic tools and practices you can work with on your own time.
How does somatic therapy differ from other types of therapy?
The main distinction between Somatic Therapy and other therapeutic modalities is the attention placed on one’s “soma.” Soma means “living body,” or the body as sensed from within. It is as much of a philosophical orientation as it is a method of practice. The field of Somatic Therapy believes in the mind-body connection and considers the whole human experience within the healing process. As a methodology, Somatic Therapy centers its practice around bringing attention to and source information from the body.
Other therapeutic models such as psychoanalysis, cognitive, or behavioral therapy do not center focus around the soma. Many therapists and practitioners blend modalities to create their own unique healing container. However, when you work with a Somatic Therapist you can always expect for the body to be involved! As with any healing process, it is important you find the approach and therapist that is right for you.
What are your rates?
Somatic Therapy Sessions are 1 hour (sliding scale $75-$175) and are held over Zoom.
Do you offer refunds?
I offer refunds on a case by case basis. Please reach out to me if you'd like a refund on any online product or service and provide your reason for the request.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel a session I ask that you give 24 hours advance notice. Any cancellation made within 24 hours will incur a charge of half the session price.
Do you offer in person or virtual sessions?
I currently offer sessions online via Zoom. If you are located in the Hudson Valley or NY Tri-State area and are interested in an in-person session please let me know! I am happy to discuss in-person options.