Somatic - Oriented Supervision
Bringing a somatic lens into clinical practice
What is Somatic - Oriented Supervision?
I see supervision as a space for clinicians to look at themselves and their clients with the support of another experienced clinician who is not directly involved in the therapeutic process. This creates room for a more objective and non-partial exploration of the clinical work, the therapeutic relationship and what may be unfolding within it.
With a somatic-oriented approach, we can open another channel of curiosity — looking at the therapeutic process through a nervous-system-informed and trauma-informed lens, for both the therapist and the client. What might we notice when we pay attention not only to what is being said, but also to what is happening in the body?
My hope is to support mental health practitioners in enhancing their existing clinical practice through a somatic lens — becoming more attuned to the body, nervous system and embodied experience, and exploring how these perspectives can be thoughtfully interwoven with the modalities they already use.
Who is it for?
Somatic-oriented supervision may be helpful for mental health practitioners who are curious about bringing greater awareness of the body and nervous system into their clinical work.
This may be for you if you are:
- New to somatic approaches and curious about how they can complement your existing work.
- Already noticing bodily and relational processes and would like to deepen this awareness.
- Working with trauma, anxiety, attachment, grief or other experiences where the body may be an important part of the therapeutic process.
- Curious about your own embodied experience and how it may inform your work with clients.
You do not need to have formal training in a somatic modality to begin exploring a somatic lens in your practice.
My approach
I approach supervision with curiosity, openness and a somatic lens. Alongside exploring the clinical work, I pay attention to what may be happening in the therapeutic relationship and in the bodies of both client and therapist.
I believe the therapist’s own embodied experience can offer valuable information about the therapeutic process. Together, we may slow down and become curious about what you notice in yourself, and how this might inform your understanding of the client and the work.
My intention is to support you in developing your own clinical voice while exploring how somatic awareness and interventions can complement the way you already practise.
About Your Supervisor
I’m Dominica, a body-oriented psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. I recently completed my clinical supervision training, with the hope of developing a supervision practice that brings together my clinical experience and somatic trainings.
I’m looking forward to growing this area of my work and continuing to deepen my own learning as a supervisor. You can read more about me here.