Somatic Movement

Somatic Movement is an embodiment practice in movement that listens deeply to our personal internal bodily feelings and experiences. Simple movement or gesture exploration will lead us into a rich world of sensations, feelings and perceptions. The interactive process is intended to touch some deeper part of the self and then integrate it. This can be healing and insightful. The process is very unique and creative for each of us. Come as you are – with or without physical, emotional or movement concerns. There is no need for dance or particular movement experience. We shall see what wise message your bodymindsoul has to tell.

I am a Master Somatic Movement Therapist (MSMT) registered with ISMETA. I trained with Patricia Bardi in Amsterdam, certified as a VMI Somatic Practitioner. VMI Somatic Practice is an offspring of Body-Mind Centering®. Additionally, I studied Somatic Psychology at IBMT and Process Oriented Psychology at Processwork UK. I am an Authentic Movement teacher mentored by Linda Hartley. My practice has also received great influence from many innovative process-oriented artists I have worked with.

Alongside 1:1 individual work, I have led Somatic Movement workshops for specific groups of people such as adults with visual impairment (BlindAid), the elderly (Azuki Foundation), young people (Royal College of Art outreach) and dance / performing arts students (University Campus Suffolk, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo Ballet Academy).

1:1 case study

Client P was in her 60’s and had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME), hypersensitivity, and pains in her knees and back, which had stopped her walk. We were aware of multiple layers of trauma tangled behind these, and there seemed to be no pathological issues for the pains, especially on the right knee. This knee hardly bent, and to me, it felt like a manifestation of her emotional trauma. P, her physiotherapist and I tried different approaches including Somatic visualisation, meditation, exercises, electric stimulation, nutrition, and learning about pain perception etc. Over 16 months of weekly sessions, P improved in her pace. Today, she returned to her own home in the country and restarted an independent life. This is the message I received from her after the final session;

“Katsura, as usual, your session has really helped my body, feeling much looser in hips and general movement. Also as usual balanced me on other levels. I will so miss your therapy! It has been light during dark times. It is really beyond words how much you have helped, supported and encouraged me through this challenging period of my life. I so appreciate your generous care and patience and I am so thankful you came into my life to help me. I knew right from the start that your insight, experience and intuition were exactly right for me. I thank you with all my heart.”