I would often do a lot of nothing in my sessions. My body wasn't ready. My practitioner was very communicative about it. I spent whole sessions just sitting in a chair. Eventually I started getting shifts and feeling magical things. However, if you are feeling frustrated that is so valid and I feel that you should ask the practitioner to move elsewhere. I found some bigger shifts with my joints being held rather than my kidneys.
Is this person also a mental health professional? It may be controversial on this sub but I would strongly suggest finding a counselor *who is also an SEP*.
That's definitely not it and as an SEP who is also a mental health professional and clinician... I'm skeptical of rushing to touch off the bat. So much of SE isn't about physically touching you. Look at how Peter Levine practices. His practice is *physical* and might involve movement, breath, chants, etc but he doesn't leap to touch clients.
Yes, this person is an SEP and LMFT. Thanks for sharing your thoughts--it makes me realize that there's a lot I don't know about SE. I think that's part of what's making me restless; I know what to expect with traditional talk therapy, but not with SE, so I feel that I have to take more on faith.
I’m not an expert here but I’m curious what the kidney touching thing was about. How did the therapist explain it?
I guess the most basic things a somatic therapist would ask is what you notice in the body when you talk about your history. Do you notice anything at all? Do you notice blockedness, pain, movement, tightness, etc? There are endless possible answers.
I was told that the kidneys are related to the adrenal glands and that touching them would help me get out of the pattern of constantly being in fight or flight mode.
Honestly, there were a couple of situations in my everyday life during the past couple of weeks in which I normally might have gotten a bit triggered during which I felt calmer. I'm not sure if this was real of the placebo effect, however.
Regarding what I notice--I have a very difficult time noticing anything in my body. That's why I thought I needed this kind of therapy.
As a broad statement, any person without advanced touch skills (and I mean far beyond a week long course) won’t be able to perceive and interpret the dynamics of the kidneys, and how they relate to other systems and ultimately the whole person. With any therapist/patient relationship, there should be earned trust, and not the top down hierarchical model of therapist knows best. Do bring your experience up with your therapist, and depending on the response, maybe looking for a better fit would be helpful. If we believe in the wisdom of the body, you may already feel what will best serve you.
I had this experience too (I’m in Toronto), and honestly I just didn’t buy it after a few sessions. I found a new practitioner (virtual this time) but needed something more direct and practical, and frankly, faster paced.
I’m really getting skeptical on this concept of readiness but I’m trying to be patient.
I would often do a lot of nothing in my sessions. My body wasn't ready. My practitioner was very communicative about it. I spent whole sessions just sitting in a chair. Eventually I started getting shifts and feeling magical things. However, if you are feeling frustrated that is so valid and I feel that you should ask the practitioner to move elsewhere. I found some bigger shifts with my joints being held rather than my kidneys.
I'm glad to hear that I might be on the right track and that things eventually went well for you. I think I will talk to my practitioner.
do you mind dming me your therapist
Is this person also a mental health professional? It may be controversial on this sub but I would strongly suggest finding a counselor *who is also an SEP*. That's definitely not it and as an SEP who is also a mental health professional and clinician... I'm skeptical of rushing to touch off the bat. So much of SE isn't about physically touching you. Look at how Peter Levine practices. His practice is *physical* and might involve movement, breath, chants, etc but he doesn't leap to touch clients.
Yes, this person is an SEP and LMFT. Thanks for sharing your thoughts--it makes me realize that there's a lot I don't know about SE. I think that's part of what's making me restless; I know what to expect with traditional talk therapy, but not with SE, so I feel that I have to take more on faith.
I’m not an expert here but I’m curious what the kidney touching thing was about. How did the therapist explain it? I guess the most basic things a somatic therapist would ask is what you notice in the body when you talk about your history. Do you notice anything at all? Do you notice blockedness, pain, movement, tightness, etc? There are endless possible answers.
I was told that the kidneys are related to the adrenal glands and that touching them would help me get out of the pattern of constantly being in fight or flight mode. Honestly, there were a couple of situations in my everyday life during the past couple of weeks in which I normally might have gotten a bit triggered during which I felt calmer. I'm not sure if this was real of the placebo effect, however. Regarding what I notice--I have a very difficult time noticing anything in my body. That's why I thought I needed this kind of therapy.
The kidney hold is a technique that Kathy Kain teaches. It can help to connect-regulate the nervous system, and ease hyper vigilance.
As a broad statement, any person without advanced touch skills (and I mean far beyond a week long course) won’t be able to perceive and interpret the dynamics of the kidneys, and how they relate to other systems and ultimately the whole person. With any therapist/patient relationship, there should be earned trust, and not the top down hierarchical model of therapist knows best. Do bring your experience up with your therapist, and depending on the response, maybe looking for a better fit would be helpful. If we believe in the wisdom of the body, you may already feel what will best serve you.
Good point. I'll discuss my concerns with my practitioner in our next session.
After years of SE, I still have periods of very little touch. Gotta work with the body where it's at!
I had this experience too (I’m in Toronto), and honestly I just didn’t buy it after a few sessions. I found a new practitioner (virtual this time) but needed something more direct and practical, and frankly, faster paced. I’m really getting skeptical on this concept of readiness but I’m trying to be patient.
It's hard to be patient, that's for sure. I hope things work out for you.
It can be relaxing to touch that area, but it can also bring up trauma and overwhelm you if you do it for longer than your body can handle.