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Expert Somatic Therapy Services in Canada

Choose Bee Here Counselling for somatic therapy because you get direct access to Melissa Davies, a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over eight years of hands-on experience combining body-based healing with traditional counselling. She’s one of the few practitioners in Nanaimo who holds both clinical counselling credentials and certifications as a Reiki Master and Reflexologist, giving you a truly integrated approach that addresses trauma stored in your body. Her specialized training with Indigenous communities dealing with intergenerational trauma means she understands how deeply the body holds emotional pain and knows proven techniques to help release it safely.

You’ll receive personalized somatic therapy that combines gentle body awareness techniques with evidence-based methods like mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy. Sessions are available in flexible 50 or 90-minute formats, offered in-person in Nanaimo or online throughout British Columbia. Melissa provides direct billing with most insurance providers, making treatment accessible when you need it. Her practice welcomes clients from all cultural backgrounds and offers trauma informed care that respects your pace and comfort level as you reconnect with your body’s natural healing capacity.

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Reconnecting Mind and Body: Healing Trauma Where It Lives

Your body remembers what your mind tries to forget. When anxiety grips your chest, depression weighs on your shoulders, or past trauma feels trapped beneath your skin, somatic therapy offers a path to healing that honours both your physical and emotional experience. At Bee Here Counselling and Therapy, we understand that trauma and stress don’t just live in your thoughts—they settle into your nervous system, creating patterns of tension, disconnection, and overwhelm that talk therapy alone cannot always reach.

Melissa Davies brings over 15 years of body-based healing experience as a Reiki Master and certified Reflexologist to her clinical counselling practice. This unique combination allows her to integrate gentle, body-aware techniques with evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, recovering from trauma, or feeling disconnected from your own body, this approach helps you develop new ways of being present with yourself.

Sessions focus on building awareness of how emotions show up in your body and learning practical techniques to regulate your nervous system. We welcome clients from all cultural backgrounds and provide specialized support for Indigenous families through our First Nations Health Authority provider status. Available in 50 or 90-minute sessions through in-person, online, or phone formats, somatic therapy offers a gentle yet powerful way to heal from the inside out.

What Is Somatic Therapy?

Individual counselling is a one-on-one therapeutic process where you work privately with a trained counsellor to address personal challenges, mental health concerns, and life difficulties. At Bee Here Counselling and Therapy, our somatic therapy approach recognizes that your body holds wisdom. We understand that trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain live not just in your thoughts but in your physical being. This matters because healing happens when mind and body work together.

Our individual sessions focus on helping you notice bodily sensations, breathing patterns, and physical responses that connect to your emotions. Short sessions build awareness. Longer sessions allow deeper exploration of how your nervous system responds to stress, relationships, and daily life. We address anxiety disorders, depression, trauma including PTSD, grief and loss, anger management, and substance use concerns through this body-centered lens.

Somatic therapy differs from traditional talk therapy because we pay attention to what your body tells us. Tension in your shoulders might signal anxiety. Shallow breathing could indicate overwhelm. A racing heart may reveal unprocessed trauma. We use gentle movement, breathing exercises, and mindful awareness to help your nervous system find calm and safety.

Sessions are available in person at our Nanaimo clinic or through secure online platforms across British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. We provide culturally responsive care for Indigenous clients and integrate approaches informed by trauma research. Your healing happens at your pace, in your way, with respect for your unique story and cultural background.

Ready to reconnect with your body’s natural capacity for healing? Contact Bee Here Counselling and Therapy today to begin your individual counselling experience with somatic therapy.

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Benefits of Our Somatic Therapy

Looking for support with our Somatic Therapy?

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Like bees that find their way home, we all seek a place of comfort and belonging. At Bee Here Counselling and Therapy, we create that safe space where you can simply ‘Be’ – authentically yourself. Together, we’ll explore your path to healing, pollinating your life with new perspectives and nurturing growth one step at a time. We serve Somatic Therapy to anyone within the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan or Ontario with multiple types of insurances accepted and covered.

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Our Process for Somatic Therapy

Step 1

Initial Contact and Consultation

Begin with a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and explore how somatic therapy might support your healing journey. This conversation is pressure-free. It's simply an opportunity to connect.
Choose the format that feels most comfortable for you—whether that's meeting in-person at our welcoming Nanaimo clinic, connecting through a secure online session, or having a phone conversation from your own safe space.
Share as much or as little as feels right during this initial contact. We'll listen to your concerns about how trauma, stress, or difficult experiences may be affecting your body and overall well-being.
Learn about somatic therapy in simple terms—how this gentle approach helps your nervous system find calm and supports your body's natural ability to heal from stored tension and trauma.
Discuss practical details like session lengths (50 or 90 minutes), scheduling flexibility, and insurance coverage options. We offer direct billing with many extended health providers across British Columbia.
Feel reassured that this therapeutic approach honours your pace and comfort level. Somatic therapy respects your body's wisdom and works collaboratively with what feels safe for you.
Schedule your first full intake session if you feel ready to move forward, knowing that you can take time to consider your options without any obligation or pressure.
Receive gentle guidance on what to expect in your upcoming sessions, including how we'll work together to help your body release tension and develop greater resilience and self-awareness.

Step 2

Step 2: Comprehensive Assessment and Collaborative Planning

Complete a thorough body-mind assessment that explores your physical sensations, movement patterns, and how emotions show up in your body through gentle, non-invasive observation and discussion
Engage in collaborative goal-setting where we work together to identify what healing and wellness look like for you, honouring your unique experiences and cultural background
Develop a personalized treatment plan that integrates somatic approaches with other therapeutic methods, creating a roadmap that feels manageable and empowering for your journey
Establish safety protocols and grounding techniques specific to your needs, ensuring you feel secure and supported throughout the therapeutic process
Review standardized wellness questionnaires that help us understand patterns of stress, anxiety, or depression in your life, providing valuable insights without judgment
Discuss your nervous system responses and trauma history at a pace that feels comfortable, allowing us to understand how your body has adapted to life experiences
Create clear agreements about our therapeutic relationship, including boundaries, expectations, and how we'll monitor your progress together in this healing partnership
Identify your existing strengths and resources, both within your body and support systems, building confidence in your natural capacity for healing and resilience

Step 3

Active Treatment Phase

Weekly somatic sessions focusing on body awareness exercises, breathwork, and gentle movement to release stored trauma and tension from your nervous system
Progressive skill building through grounding techniques, boundary setting practices, and emotional regulation tools that you can use between sessions
Regular progress check-ins using simple self-assessment tools to track your comfort levels, stress responses, and overall well-being improvements
Personalized homework assignments including daily body scans, mindful movement practices, and journaling exercises tailored to your healing pace and lifestyle
Flexible session adjustments based on your weekly needs, allowing for deeper trauma work during stable periods and gentle maintenance during challenging times
Integration support helping you apply somatic awareness techniques in real-world situations like work stress, relationship conflicts, or anxiety triggers
Collaborative treatment planning where you actively participate in setting goals, choosing therapeutic activities, and adjusting the intensity of sessions based on your comfort and progress
Crisis support strategies including emergency grounding techniques and clear communication protocols for accessing additional support when needed between sessions

Step 4

Step 4: Progress & Completion

Regular progress check-ins using standardized questionnaires that measure anxiety levels, mood changes, and overall well-being to track your body's healing journey and emotional growth
Assessment of your improved body awareness, stress response patterns, and ability to self-regulate through breathing techniques and grounding exercises you've learned
Evaluation of how trauma symptoms have decreased and your capacity to stay present in your body during challenging moments has strengthened
Review of your enhanced ability to recognize early warning signs in your nervous system and implement effective coping strategies independently
Flexible completion options including gradual session spacing, maintenance visits every few months, or transitioning to group somatic therapy for continued support
Development of a personalized self-care toolkit featuring body-based practices, mindfulness techniques, and movement exercises to maintain your progress at home
Ongoing support through brief check-in sessions or refresher appointments as life circumstances change, ensuring your somatic healing remains sustainable
Celebration of your increased resilience, improved relationships, and deeper connection to your body's wisdom as lasting foundations for continued growth and well-being

Taking Your First Step: Initial Contact & Consultation

Starting therapy takes courage. We understand this. Your journey begins with a gentle, no-pressure conversation designed to help you feel comfortable and informed about what lies ahead.

What to Expect

Your first step is simple. We offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation with Melissa Davies, our registered clinical counsellor. This conversation happens before any formal commitment.

During this consultation, you'll have the opportunity to share what brings you to therapy. Melissa will listen with care and attention. She'll explain how somatic therapy works and answer any questions you might have. This isn't about diving deep into your concerns yet. It's about connection. It's about ensuring you feel heard and understood from the very beginning.

You can choose how this consultation happens. Phone calls work well for many people. Video calls offer face-to-face connection from your own space. In-person meetings at our Nanaimo office provide a chance to see where your healing journey might unfold.

No Pressure, Just Information

This consultation comes with no strings attached. You're gathering information. You're getting a feel for whether this feels right for you. Melissa will share how her approach to somatic therapy might support your specific needs, but there's absolutely no pressure to book further sessions.

Many clients find this initial conversation helps ease their anxiety about starting therapy. It removes the unknown. It puts a voice and a face to the process.

What You'll Learn

During your consultation, you'll discover how somatic therapy works with your body's natural wisdom to support healing. Melissa will explain how this approach differs from traditional talk therapy and why it can be particularly effective for trauma, anxiety, and stress-related concerns.

You'll also learn about practical matters. Session formats, scheduling options, and how insurance coverage works. Everything you need to make an informed decision about your care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to prepare anything for this consultation?	No preparation needed. Just bring your questions and an open mind. This conversation is about you getting the information you need.
What if I'm nervous about calling?	Feeling nervous is completely normal and understandable. Melissa creates a warm, welcoming space from the very first contact. You can also email if phone calls feel too overwhelming initially.
Will I have to share personal details right away?	You share only what feels comfortable. This consultation focuses on understanding your general concerns and explaining how therapy might help. Deep personal sharing comes later, at your pace.
What if I decide this isn't right for me?	That's perfectly okay. The consultation helps you make an informed choice. If somatic therapy isn't the right fit, Melissa can often suggest other resources that might better serve your needs.
How quickly can I book this consultation?	Melissa strives to minimize wait times. Many consultations can be scheduled within a few days of your initial contact, depending on your preferred time and format.

Ready to Take This Step?

Reaching out is often the hardest part. Once you make that first contact, the path forward becomes clearer. You're not committing to anything except a conversation. A conversation about possibilities. A conversation about hope.

Email: [email protected]

Online Booking: Visit our website to schedule your free consultation

Office Location: 1601 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC (for in-person consultations)

After Your Consultation

If you decide to move forward, Melissa will help you schedule your first full session. This might happen immediately after your consultation, or you might prefer to take some time to think things over. Either choice is completely valid and respected.

Your healing journey is unique to you. It starts with this one simple step: a conversation. A conversation that could change everything.

Step 2: Assessment & Goal Setting

Your journey begins here. This is where we listen deeply to your story and create a roadmap together for your healing path.

What Happens During Your Assessment

Think of this as a conversation, not an interrogation. We'll spend time understanding what brings you here today and what you hope to achieve through somatic therapy. This collaborative process typically takes one full session, allowing us space to explore your experiences without rushing.

During our time together, I'll use gentle questioning techniques and brief questionnaires to understand your current emotional state. These aren't tests you can pass or fail. Instead, they're simple tools that help us identify patterns in your mood, anxiety levels, and overall wellbeing. Some clients complete short forms about depression symptoms or anxiety experiences. Others might fill out cultural background questionnaires that honour your unique identity and experiences.

We'll also explore how your body holds stress and trauma. Somatic therapy recognizes that our bodies remember experiences, sometimes long after our minds have processed them. Together, we'll notice where you feel tension, disconnection, or other physical sensations that might be connected to your emotional experiences.

Setting Your Personal Goals

Your goals matter most here. We'll work together to identify what healing looks like for you specifically. Maybe you want to feel more grounded in your body. Perhaps you're seeking relief from anxiety that shows up as physical symptoms. Or you might be working through trauma that has left you feeling disconnected from yourself.

We use a goal achievement approach that breaks down your larger hopes into manageable steps. This isn't about fixing you because you're not broken. It's about supporting your natural capacity for healing and growth.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Essential Items	Helpful Preparation
Government issued ID Insurance information if using extended health benefits Any relevant medical or mental health records List of current medications or supplements	Reflect on what you hope to gain from therapy Consider what feels most challenging in your life right now Think about any physical symptoms you've noticed Prepare any questions you have about the process

Session Details

Your assessment session runs for 50 minutes and can happen in person at our Nanaimo location, online, or by phone. We'll complete intake forms together, which gather information about your personal history, current concerns, and any trauma background. This paperwork helps me understand your full context.

The process is designed to feel safe and respectful. You control what you share and when. If something feels too overwhelming, we can pause or redirect our conversation. This is your time and your space.

Common Concerns About Assessment

Many people worry about being judged or having to share everything in the first session. Let me reassure you. There's no pressure to reveal more than feels comfortable. Some clients share deeply right away. Others need several sessions to feel safe opening up. Both approaches are completely normal and acceptable.

You might wonder if you'll be diagnosed or labeled. While I may use clinical tools to understand your experiences better, the focus remains on your strengths, resilience, and capacity for healing. Any assessment information stays confidential and serves only to support your therapeutic journey.

Some people feel nervous about the body focused aspects of somatic therapy. We always move at your pace. Nothing happens without your permission. We might simply notice where you feel tension or explore gentle breathing techniques. Your comfort and consent guide every step.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion

Your cultural background, identity, and experiences matter deeply in this process. The assessment includes understanding how your cultural context influences your relationship with your body, emotions, and healing. This is especially important for Indigenous clients, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and anyone whose identity has been marginalized.

We'll explore how cultural trauma, intergenerational experiences, and systemic oppression might be affecting your wellbeing. This isn't about pathologizing your culture. It's about honoring how your background shapes your healing needs and strengths.

Next Steps

By the end of our assessment session, you'll have a clear understanding of how we'll work together. We'll discuss session frequency, whether 50 or 90 minute sessions work better for you, and which therapeutic approaches might be most helpful. You'll leave with a sense of direction and hope for the journey ahead.

Remember, this assessment is the beginning of our collaborative relationship. Your feedback and experiences will continue shaping our work together throughout your healing process.

Step 3: Ongoing Therapy Sessions

Your healing journey continues with regular sessions designed around your unique needs. Each session builds on the last. Progress happens naturally.

What Your Sessions Look Like

We begin each meeting with connection. How are you feeling today? What's been happening in your body since we last met? This check-in helps us understand where you are right now, in this moment.

The heart of our work together focuses on your body's wisdom. We might start with simple breathing exercises to help you settle. Sometimes we explore gentle movement. Other times, we simply notice what sensations arise as you share your experiences.

Session Component	Time	Focus
Check-in & Grounding	10 minutes	Connecting with your present moment experience
Somatic Exploration	30-35 minutes	Body awareness, movement, and nervous system regulation
Integration & Planning	5-10 minutes	Reflecting on insights and preparing for between sessions

Therapeutic Techniques We Use

Your body holds incredible intelligence. We work together to access this wisdom through various approaches:

Mindful Body Scanning: Learning to notice sensations without judgment or the need to change them
Breathwork: Using your breath as an anchor to calm your nervous system
Gentle Movement: Exploring how your body wants to move and express itself
Grounding Techniques: Practices that help you feel safe and present in your body
Nervous System Education: Understanding how trauma affects your body's responses
Boundary Awareness: Recognizing your physical and emotional limits
Resource Building: Identifying what helps your body feel calm and supported

We might incorporate elements from other approaches when they serve your healing. Cognitive behavioural strategies can help you understand thought patterns. Mindfulness practices support present moment awareness. Art therapy offers creative expression when words feel insufficient.

Between Session Practice

Healing happens between our meetings too. Your homework isn't about perfection. It's about gentle exploration and building new patterns.

Daily Body Check-ins: Spend five minutes each morning noticing how your body feels. No need to change anything. Just notice. This simple practice builds self-awareness and helps you recognize your body's signals.

Breathing Practices: We'll teach you specific breathing techniques that calm your nervous system. Practice these when you feel overwhelmed or simply want to connect with yourself.

Movement Exploration: Your body knows how it wants to move. This might be stretching, walking, dancing, or simply shifting positions mindfully. Follow your body's wisdom.

Grounding Activities: When you feel disconnected or anxious, grounding brings you back to the present. Feel your feet on the floor. Notice five things you can see. Hold a warm cup of tea.

Sensation Journaling: Keep track of what you notice in your body throughout the day. What sensations arise with different emotions? How does your body respond to stress or joy?

Tracking Your Progress

Progress in somatic therapy looks different for everyone. We pay attention to subtle shifts that might not be immediately obvious.

You might notice you're sleeping better. Perhaps you feel more grounded during stressful situations. Maybe you're beginning to trust your body's signals about what feels safe or unsafe.

We use simple check-in tools to track your experience. These aren't tests or assessments with right or wrong answers. They're conversations about your internal world. How connected do you feel to your body today? What's your energy level like? How well are you sleeping?

Your progress shows up in everyday moments. The way you breathe during a difficult conversation. How quickly you recover from stress. Your ability to say no when something doesn't feel right. These changes matter deeply.

Your Role in This Process

You are the expert on your own experience. I'm here to guide and support, but you lead this journey. Your body knows what it needs to heal.

Some days you might feel ready to explore challenging sensations. Other days, you might need to focus on feeling safe and grounded. Both are perfectly valid. We follow your body's wisdom and respect its timing.

You have complete control over what we explore and how quickly we move. If something feels too intense, we slow down. If you need to stop, we stop. Your nervous system learns to trust through these experiences of choice and control.

Support Between Sessions

You're not alone in this process. While our regular sessions provide the foundation for your healing, support exists between our meetings too.

If you're experiencing a particularly challenging time, brief check-ins can help you feel supported. We can discuss what this looks like for you during our sessions together.

For crisis situations, please contact your local emergency services or crisis support lines. Your safety always comes first.

Remember, healing isn't linear. Some days will feel easier than others. Trust the process. Trust your body. Trust yourself.

Step 4: Integration and Sustainable Wellness

You've reached a significant milestone. This final step celebrates your transformation while establishing the foundation for lasting wellness. Integration means weaving your new awareness into daily life with confidence and grace.

Recognizing Your Readiness for Completion

Several clear indicators show you're ready to complete this phase of your somatic therapy journey:

Body Awareness Mastery: You notice physical sensations as they arise and respond with appropriate self-regulation techniques
Emotional Resilience: Challenging emotions feel manageable, and you recover more quickly from stress
Nervous System Stability: Your body maintains calm states more naturally, with fewer episodes of overwhelm
Relationship Improvements: You communicate boundaries clearly and engage in healthier relationship patterns
Daily Function Enhancement: Work, sleep, and social activities feel more balanced and fulfilling
Trauma Integration: Past experiences no longer control your present responses

Measuring Your Progress

We use several gentle assessment methods to track your growth. These aren't tests to pass or fail. They're simply ways to celebrate how far you've come.

Assessment Area	What We Measure	How It Helps
Emotional Well-being	Mood patterns and emotional regulation using standardized questionnaires	Shows concrete improvements in daily emotional experience
Anxiety Levels	Physical and mental anxiety symptoms through validated screening tools	Demonstrates reduced anxiety impact on your life
Body Awareness	Your ability to notice and respond to bodily sensations	Confirms your growing somatic intelligence
Life Functioning	Work performance, relationships, and daily activities satisfaction	Reveals practical improvements in life quality
Personal Goals	Progress toward your individual therapy objectives	Ensures your unique needs have been addressed

Creating Your Maintenance Plan

Sustainable wellness requires ongoing attention. Think of it like tending a garden. Your maintenance plan includes practical strategies that fit seamlessly into your routine.

Daily Practices: Simple five-minute body scans, conscious breathing during transitions, and mindful movement keep your nervous system regulated. These aren't burdensome tasks. They become natural parts of your day, like brushing your teeth.

Weekly Rituals: Longer self-care sessions might include yoga, nature walks, or creative expression. You'll identify which activities most effectively restore your energy and calm.

Monthly Check-ins: Regular self-assessment helps you notice patterns and adjust your practices. We provide simple tools for tracking your emotional and physical well-being.

Seasonal Reviews: Life changes with the seasons, and so do your needs. Quarterly reflection ensures your wellness plan evolves with you.

Building Your Support Network

Healing happens in relationship. Your support network extends beyond our therapy room to include family, friends, and community connections that nourish your growth.

We help you identify trusted people who understand your journey. Sometimes this means having conversations about your needs. Other times it involves setting gentle boundaries with those who don't support your wellness.

Ongoing Support Options

Completion doesn't mean goodbye forever. Life brings new challenges, and sometimes you need additional support. We offer several options for continued connection:

Monthly Maintenance Sessions: Brief check-ins to reinforce your progress and address emerging concerns
Seasonal Intensives: Focused sessions during particularly stressful periods or life transitions
Group Programs: Ongoing support groups with others who share similar experiences
Workshop Participation: Skill-building workshops that deepen your somatic awareness
Crisis Support: Immediate availability during unexpected difficulties

Available across British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan through secure online sessions, phone consultations, or in-person visits at our Nanaimo location.

Celebrating Your Transformation

Take a moment to acknowledge your courage. You've done something remarkable. You've learned to listen to your body's wisdom, regulate your nervous system, and create space for healing.

Your transformation ripples outward. The calm you've cultivated affects your relationships, your work, and your community. You've not only healed yourself but contributed to healing in the world.

Looking Forward

This completion marks a beginning rather than an ending. You now possess tools that will serve you throughout your life. Trust in your ability to navigate whatever comes next.

Remember that growth isn't always linear. Some days will feel easier than others. This is normal and expected. Your foundation is strong enough to weather life's natural fluctuations.

We remain here as your allies in wellness, celebrating your continued growth and ready to support you whenever needed. Your journey toward wholeness continues, and you're beautifully equipped for whatever lies ahead.

Start your healing journey

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Expert Somatic Therapy Services in Canada

Reconnecting Mind and Body: Healing Trauma Where It Lives