What is the SEATTL Method?

– Soothing the Emotions After Trauma, Transition, or Loss

The SEATTL Method is a trauma-sensitive blend of energy work and massage.  It is inspired by the concepts of somatic bodywork, with an understanding that traumatic experiences can be re-lived in the mind, AND ALSO trapped in the physical body.  When our body goes into fight, flight or freeze response as a protection mechanism, our tissues, organs, and neurological system are physically changed.  Sometimes the changes remain, consciously or unconsciously, long after the initial traumatic event.

SEATTL Method sessions are a gentle way to address, and sometimes relieve, these trapped emotional responses in the physical body.  It is a healing blend that only I practice, developed through 20 years of working with clients and studying body-brain connections and “The Psychology of the Body”.  I am not a mental health professional, and I do not counsel or encourage you to verbally process during our sessions.  You are welcome to share some basic information if it will help guide the session, but mostly, I am here to be a calm presence, gently address what we find in your physical body, and hold space for whatever shows up for you. 

SEATTL sessions usually include some light to medium massage, along with energy work – Reiki, grounding techniques, rocking, gentle myofascial release (static holds and subtle stretches to encourage the connective tissue to let go of held patterns), and intuitive nurturing touch.  My aim is to be present and supportive throughout your sessions.  By calming the nervous system, assessing the connective tissue (fascia), and encouraging vitality, we can often help you experience more comfort, confidence, and ease.

Clients who report the greatest benefit are survivors of childhood trauma and/or more recent interpersonal trauma who have been diagnosed with PTSD and who are currently in psychotherapy.  Though you do not have to be a trauma survivor or be in talk therapy for this Method to be helpful. The Method is effective for many who are facing divorce, loss, grief, and other major life change. And some clients simply prefer the SEATTL Method, because of its comforting and nurturing blend of massage and energy work.

Clients have reported:

"This is more relaxed than I have ever felt in my whole life."

"I was able to realize that I can get care for myself and it doesn't have to hurt."

"I appreciate having some agency [in the session]."

"I feel very present in my body right now."

"I continue to feel more confident in my body and the space around me."