Somatic & Parts Work
Frequently Asked Questions

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What is somatic therapy or somatic work?

Somatic work is an approach to healing that includes the body as an essential part of the process. Instead of only talking about your experiences, we also pay attention to what your nervous system, body sensations, emotions, breath, movement, and internal responses are communicating.

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Many of the patterns we struggle with (people-pleasing, anxiety, perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, difficulty setting boundaries, chronic stress, or feeling disconnected from ourselves) live not only in our thoughts but also in our nervous system and body.

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Somatic work helps you build awareness, increase nervous system flexibility, and create lasting change by working with both your mind and body.

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What is parts work?

Parts work is a compassionate approach that recognizes we all have different "parts" of ourselves.

You might notice a part of you that wants to rest while another part feels guilty. A part that longs for connection while another protects you from getting hurt. A part that wants to speak up while another fears rejection.

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Rather than trying to get rid of these parts, we become curious about them. Together, we'll explore what they're protecting, how they developed, and what they need in order to soften. This approach helps reduce inner conflict and creates more self-compassion, clarity, and freedom.

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My work is informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS) principles while being deeply integrated with somatic practices.

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What happens during a somatic and parts work session?

Every session is different because every person and nervous system is different.

We begin by checking in with what's most present for you. From there, we'll gently explore your experience through conversation while also noticing what your body is communicating.

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Depending on your needs, a session may include:

• Nervous system regulation

• Awareness of body sensations

• Breathwork

• Gentle movement

• Grounding practices

• Parts work

• Mindfulness

• Emotional processing

• Reflection and integration

• Use of Sound or Vibration

There is never pressure to move faster than your system is ready for. Healing happens through safety, curiosity, and relationship, not forcing breakthroughs.

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Do I have to talk about my trauma?

No.

While understanding your story can be helpful, you never have to share more than feels safe.

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Many people find that healing happens without retelling every painful experience. We focus on helping your nervous system process what it is holding in a way that feels supportive, respectful, and paced for you.

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Will I be lying on the floor or doing intense breathwork the entire session?

No.

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Somatic work includes many different practices. Some sessions may include movement or breath, while others may involve sitting, talking, noticing sensations, or exploring parts of yourself. 

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You will also have an option to stay seated in a comfortable chair, sit on meditation cushions or lie down on a cozy mat. 

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Everything is collaborative. We choose practices based on what feels supportive for your nervous system, not based on a predetermined formula.

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What can somatic and parts work help with?

Clients often seek this work when they're experiencing:

• Anxiety or chronic stress

• Burnout

• Feeling disconnected from themselves

• Difficulty regulating emotions

• People-pleasing

• Perfectionism

• Overthinking

• Relationship patterns

• Low self-worth

• Childhood wounds

• Trauma recovery

• Difficulty setting boundaries

• Feeling "stuck" despite years of personal growth or traditional therapy

Many of my clients have already done mindset work or talk therapy and are looking for a deeper, more embodied approach to healing.

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What is a 3-hour Somatic Intensive?

A Somatic Intensive is an extended healing session that allows us to work more deeply than is often possible in a traditional appointment.

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Instead of feeling like you're just getting started when the session ends, the additional time allows space to slow down, explore root patterns, move through emotional experiences, and integrate what emerges.

 

I have found that most people finally feel settled and ready to get into the "topic" or deeper layers after about 45 minutes. A standard therapy sessions of 55 to 60 minutes does not leave enough time to really get into those topics or for regulation and integration. I desigened 3 hour sessions with this in mind. This gives us plenty of time to follow the pace of your own system, really sink into the deeper layers and still have space for regulation and integration before you head back into your life. 

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Many clients choose an intensive when they're navigating a major life transition, feeling deeply stuck, or wanting focused support around a specific issue.

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What's the difference between a 90 minute session and a 3-hour intensive?

A 90 minute somatic and parts work session offers ongoing support, nervous system regulation, and gradual healing over time. We can address patterns, parts and topics in bite size pieces. 

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A 3-hour intensive creates space for deeper exploration and integration in one extended experience.

Neither option is "better." It depends on your goals, availability, and the kind of support you're looking for.

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How will I feel after a session?

Everyone's experience is unique.

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Some people leave feeling lighter, calmer, more grounded, or emotionally clear. Others notice fatigue, increased awareness, or emotions continuing to unfold over the following days.

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Healing isn't always about feeling instantly better. It is often about creating more capacity, connection, and understanding within yourself.

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We always end sessions with integration so you leave feeling supported, resourced and have a plan for support.

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Is this the same as talk therapy?

No.

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Conversation is certainly part of our work together, but we don't rely solely on talking.

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Somatic and parts work invites your body, nervous system, emotions, and inner experience into the healing process. Rather than only analyzing patterns intellectually, we explore how those patterns are experienced and held within you so lasting change becomes possible.

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Do I need experience with meditation, yoga, or breathwork?

Not at all.

Everything is guided and adapted to meet you where you are.

You don't need prior experience with mindfulness, movement, or somatic practices. Curiosity is enough.

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Is this right for me?

This work may be a good fit if you:

• Feel like you've done "all the right things" but still feel stuck.

• Are ready to understand the deeper roots of recurring patterns.

• Want to feel safer and more connected in your body.

• Desire healthier relationships with yourself and others.

• Value a gentle, collaborative approach to healing.

• Are looking for support that integrates both the body and mind.

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You are able to book a free consultation call with Kelly to discuss your particular journey and goals. This conversation can help you to determine what is the best fit for you.

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Do you offer in-person somatic sessions in Metro Detroit?

Yes, my office is located in St. Clair Shores on Harper just south of 10 Mile Road.
 

I offer in-person somatic and parts work sessions in the Metro Detroit area for adults who are ready to deepen their healing. These sessions provide a calm, supportive space where we can work with the body, nervous system, and inner experience without rushing the process.

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If you're searching for somatic therapy in Metro Detroit, parts work near Detroit, nervous system regulation sessions in Southeast Michigan, or an embodied healing approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy, you're in the right place.

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I do offer virtual 90 minute Somatic Sessions for those who live outside of the Metro Detroit area.

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How do I get started?

The first step is scheduling a consulatation session where we'll explore what you're experiencing, what you're hoping for, and whether this approach feels like the right fit.

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Healing isn't about becoming someone different. It's about reconnecting with the wisdom, resilience, and wholeness that's already within you.