Melanie Ellis

Through the art of Body or Somatic Psychotherapy, my vocation is helping you to overcome your personal problems and reconnect with your true self. Founded on the principle that body and mind are one, body psychotherapy is a holistic approach which includes talking therapy whilst paying particular attention to what the body has to say. That's why, in addition to verbal communication, I use non verbal therapeutic techniques to help individuals feeling whole again, aligned with themselves, others and their environment. Indeed, our psychological states, emotions, trauma and stresses are not just experienced by the mind but are also felt and held in the body. They are reflected in our posture, breathing patterns, muscle tension etc. Each of us forms some unique emotional, bodily and thoughts patterns to adapt to our environment. These patterns, defences or strategies help us at the time of difficulty or crisis. They help us to survive. However, some of these patterns might not help us anymore in the present time. We suffer and we don’t know why. We want to change but we don’t know how. By creating new bridges between parts of the selves, Body Psychotherapy can help individuals to restore feelings of wholeness. Vehicles for self-exploration are used such as cushions, mattress, mindfulness exercises, visualisations, movements, biodynamic massage or drawing. Techniques may vary from one session to another but the common thread, and most important, is a trusting therapeutic relationship. Change can only occur for individuals when feelings of safety are developed in the therapy room, so you can contact, access and grow your true inner self.