Welcome, I’m Elyse, an Embodied Processing (EP) Practitioner and Somatic Experiencing™ (SE) Student based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara/ Wellington. I help people who struggle with relational anxiety move from a state of ‘high alert’ to a state of secure, embodied engagement.
Relational anxiety isn’t just in your mind - it’s a physiological response. You may experience a ‘tightening in your chest’ before a difficult conversation, a ‘knot in your stomach’ or sudden urge to ‘pull away’ to protect yourself. These are all manifestations of a hyper-vigilant nervous system, where you may find yourself ‘scanning’ your relationships for signs of potential rejection or threat.
This happens because your nervous system has learned to prioritise survival over connection.
During our work together we will explore slowly and gently, the ‘felt sense,’ and safely integrate your experience (without having to ‘talk it out’) This will help to release stuck stress or trauma, ensuring your system can return to a natural state of balance so that you can begin feel safe in the presence of others.
My work is deeply informed by my ongoing advanced training in Somatic Experiencing™ (SE) a world-renowned approach for resolving trauma and chronic stress. Enhancing my practice to offer a more nuanced approach to nervous system regulation.
I am also currently pursuing professional training in Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP) with Dr. Raja Selvam. This commitment allows me to integrate the latest breakthroughs in neurobiology and emotional embodiment into my practice. There will also be specific focus on increasing your body’s capacity to tolerate the complex emotions that can arise in relationship.
I am currently offering sessions both online and in-person within a warm and welcoming space, overlooking the Ōtari bushland in Wilton, Te Whanganui-a-Tara/ Wellington.
“Elyse creates a real safe space to open up in. She has so much patience and emotional intelligence, that I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending her to anyone.”
— Stephen Coe“During my work with Elyse, I learned new practical skills for engaging with the non-verbal intelligence of my body, and connecting with strong feelings of comfort and joy.
I was able to let go of some deeply held limiting beliefs which years of talk therapy had not healed. The whole experience was much gentler and more nourishing than I had expected.
I would recommend Elyse for anyone wanting a safe, supportive environment in which to explore what their body may have to tell them.”
— Amy Russell