Somatic Movement beginner drop-in sessions
Somatic Movement beginner drop-in sessions are one-off, full-length sessions, designed for those new to the approach to get a sense of what it’s all about and how it can benefit you. These sessions are also useful for anyone who has done Somatic Movement before and who is wanting a refresher. If you are looking for a regular class, please visit our membership page.
There are 3 ways to access our Somatic Movement drop-in sessions (scroll down to the ‘Options’ descriptions for further details):
Content
These beautiful group sessions will give you an experience of the amazing practice that is Somatic Movement - so you can get a sense of what it’s all about, before you join us for our next full block of sessions!
These sessions are for you if:
You want to spend some time calming and settling your nervous system
You have chronic pain and want to learn an effective practice to support you to reduce your pain
You want to increase your awareness of your internal body sensations
You want a practice that helps with postural issues
You just want to take some time for yourself to relax!
You’ve never done Somatic Movement before and want to give it a try
You’ve done Somatic Movement before but want a refresher or a boost for your practice
You want to get a sense of my teaching style!
I won’t go into what Somatics is all about here - nor how beneficial it is!! - because you can get a sense of that by visiting this page. Or you can get in touch if you have questions. But if you already know this is something you want to try, read on for more info!
Option 1: On-demand session
This offering is a pre-recorded, ‘first steps’ session, to give you a taste of what Somatic Movement is all about. You will be introduced to a little of the theory, as well as experiencing some foundational movements that you can weave into your life as soon as you have watched the session. This is a very experiential session, designed to enable you to get a real feel for what Somatic Movement is all about - so come ready to move!
What you will learn
How do we do it?
In our pre-recorded 75-minute session (approximate timing), you will receive a grounding in the Somatic Movement approach, including the basis of the theory underpinning the practice, and you will experience some of the foundational Somatics movements.
This is a highly practical and experiential session - you will need space to lie down on the floor, on a carpet or exercise mat, and preferably with enough space to spread your arms out to the sides (as if you were doing a snow angel!). Wear comfortable, flexible clothing for the best experience.
Pre-requisites: none.
Requirements: preferably a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted; room to lie on the floor (carpet or exercise mat) and spread arms and legs out; ability to get down to/up from the floor to do the practice (this can be using a chair etc for support if needed); ability to lie on your back (this could be propped with cushions if needs be); internet access. Please get in touch if you are unsure about any of these requirements.
Investment: £7 for the session, including lifetime access to the session recording, as well as extra teaching videos. On signing up for this offering, you will receive access to all the resources you need.
Option 2: Online (live) session
Signing up to the live, online session allows you to attend the next upcoming live online taster session (click through the ‘Book now’ button below, or visit the calendar to find out the next upcoming date).
You will also be given access to a pre-recorded session and additional recordings, as described under option 1. Please note, this will not be a recording of the session you attend live, but will be an alternative session suitable for beginners. No refunds or postponements will be given if you are unable to attend the live session you have booked for, but you will have lifetime access to the recorded resources. You are booking for the next upcoming date.
Investment: £10
Option 3: In-person (live) session
Signing up to the live, in-person session allows you to attend the next upcoming live in-person taster session (click through the ‘Book now’ button below, or visit the calendar to find out the next upcoming date).
You will also be given access to a pre-recorded online session and additional recordings, as described under option 1. Please note, this will not be a recording of the session you attend live, but will be an alternative session suitable for beginners. No refunds or postponements will be given if you are unable to attend the live session you have booked for, but you will have lifetime access to the recorded resources. You are booking for the next upcoming date.
Session pre-requisites:
None.
Requirements:
Online classes: preferably a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted; room to lie on the floor (carpet or exercise mat) and spread arms and legs out if possible; adequate internet connection; Zoom (free download); ideally the ability to position the camera so I can see most or all of your body when you are lying on the floor (or at very least your torso) (optional, but recommended!); ability to get down to/up from the floor to do the practice (this can be using a chair etc for support if needed); ability to lie on your back (this could be propped with cushions if needs be).
In-person classes: ability to get down to/up from the floor to do the practice (this can be using a chair etc for support if needed); ability to lie on your back (this could be propped with cushions if needs be).
Please get in touch if you are unsure about any of these requirements.
These taster sessions are 1.25-hour group sessions (which includes discussion time - recordings do not include this), practising Somatic Movement, and are suitable for those who have no previous Somatic Movement experience, or for those who want a refresher. Taster sessions are offered every few weeks, in between themed blocks. Please visit the calendar or get in touch to find out more about upcoming dates.
On booking onto any of the taster sessions, you will receive access to our resources portal, where you will be able to access all resources available to you.
Monday evening sessions are held in Finchampstead, Wokingham RG40. Please get in touch to find out more details.
I am certified to deliver Somatic Movement education classes, in the tradition of Thomas Hanna. I am a Somatic Movement Center® Certified Exercise Instructor (level 3) (through Sarah Warren’s Somatic Movement Center training), and a certified Essential Somatics Movement Teacher (through Martha Peterson’s Essential Somatics training).
“Thank you so much Emilie, I loved it! I never expected to feel so relaxed afterwards. I really enjoyed listening to your recording last night to practice. I’m loving how much concentration and focus it needs to I work out how to do the pandiculation. It’s enough to engage my mind so I’m not away with thinking/worrying and the combination of this and the deep connection with the body seem to allow my system to relax which is really rare. I’m excited to see the effect of the practice on pain and flexibility too.”
“This week I noticed a new internal sensation when I get angry (I feel a tight band of muscles constrict around my upper chest, under my arms). I was quite surprised to feel it! This is great because I can make a mental note to watch for that sensation as a trigger that it’s time to be more intentionally mindful and step away if needed.”
“Thank you Emilie, it’s just been a real revelation, and such a door opening on a whole new sort of physical, mental healing opportunity, so I’m so grateful, just thanks so so much, it’s been brilliant.”
“I’ve really enjoyed connecting with you all and I feel a lot of optimism about the power of CS [Clinical Somatics] to help with ongoing pain and also with my work around calming my nervous system! Thank you for your work in bringing this information to the world.”
“I think your descriptions are so clear - that’s what I’m impressed by, I don’t have to look at you or see what you’re doing, it’s so easy to follow you.”
“You have obviously put so much thought and effort into the course and it really paid off, I felt in very safe hands. I’ve learnt so much, in such a short space of time, but I never felt hurried. Thanks again, it was a great experience.”
“I’ve really noticed a difference, like just that Standing Awareness, and how I might use it in normal things I’m doing - I realise I am checking with my body more. And that’s one of the things I really wanted to get from this, that’s great - even if it’s just a small step forward it feels really positive.”
“I went into the course feeling hopeful. I trust Emilie’s opinion and value her expertise and experience. I wasn’t disappointed! Although life has gotten in the way of me really using the Clinical Somatics exercises regularly, I still felt a huge shift in various ways as a result of participating in the class. I probably only practiced 8 times in 6 weeks. Each time I felt centred, grounded and more connected in to my own feelings and experience. My awareness of my body has really developed. Particularly my awareness of my posture, which is slowly improving. I’ve also found that I’m more able to notice sensations that might be a hint for me to step back from hard situations right at that moment - which has been very helpful! Emilie is a great facilitator, very knowledgeable and trauma informed, with a real focus on participants honouring our own needs and experience. Thank you Emilie, I’m so glad I did the course and I look forward to getting a regular practice going soon and reaping the benefits :) "
“Thank you so much for these past 6 weeks or so. I found the classes to be exactly what I needed to make me stop and take the time to tune in to my body. The exercises seem simple yet there is so much to them and I appreciate the awareness I have been developing to the nuances of the way my body moves. It is like making friends with a stranger, a stranger I often perceive as scary… yet she’s not! I can feel the difference this is making to being able to connect with myself. It’s hard to put into words. You are an awesome instructor/facilitator. I always felt like no question was a stupid question and I felt really safe in your hands. I have been recommending you and will continue to do so. I feel like your classes are a beautiful entry point for parents who are disconnected from themselves and resistant to body awareness. Love that you’re doing this!”