What Clinicians Are Saying about BREATHE Somatic Movement
Mental health providers’ reflections on experiencing BREATHE for themselves and recommending this modality as a complement to other therapeutic work.
“I found a relaxed nervous system after the session, and I most enjoyed the music, movement, and the prompts from Lori. Her phrasing felt very intentional and supportive. I think a lot of my client base could benefit from BREATHE, and would specifically recommend it due to Lori’s techniques, energy, and skills in welcoming all bodies and abilities.”
“I had a light bulb moment. I hold emotions so close that they present physically, and this provided release without having to verbally process them. Therapy clients would benefit from the importance of releasing emotions we weren’t aware of stored in the body, and I have already recommended this to friends — I can’t wait to do it again.”
“I experienced a mental release through the practice, and left with encouragement that this type of experience exists. I’d recommend this to anyone wanting to access more freedom and healing by incorporating movement, especially if they feel bound up with shame, rigidity, and/or anxiety. I thought the session was beautiful.”
“The relaxed, nonjudgmental, go-with-the-flow zone made it easier to approach the movements in the session. It was peaceful doing the movements without feeling watched. I thought we would be sitting in our chairs doing stretches and slow movements. The flow that’s almost like dance was fun and different.
I think the BREATHE practice could potentially work for anxiety and/or depression, supporting people to get more into their bodies, relax, and feel less self-conscious in their movements. Those with depression can feel more in control of their body and hopefully start to feel more in control of their choices and actions.”
“The session exceeded my expectations! I appreciate the accessibility, variety of music, and science/theory behind the BREATHE practice, and would recommend it to friends. I also think the practice could support people in therapy who may have trouble verbalizing or drawing their experience. Movement is another modality they could speak through.”
“This was a fantastic session. I had a much-needed breakthrough seeing my gut-level emotional reactions in real time as an observer while also getting to integrate myself further and let them go. I liked taking the time to enjoy moving freely with the assurance that there was no right or wrong way to do so. It felt very effective, comforting, and liberating.”
I could see this working really well for therapy clients who are movement-oriented, as well as those who tend to spend too much time in their heads and not enough time in their bodies. I could also see this working really well for trauma release for those who haven’t resonated with the intensity of something like EMDR.”
“I was really pleasantly surprised at how relaxing and affirming this was, and I most enjoyed the flexibility — how there was no right or wrong way to do any of the activities and express ourselves. I realized that this is a very personalized and open interpretation activity, which was very freeing.
I think this would be a great tool for someone who wants to share without directly placing all their focus on sharing scary or overwhelming thoughts/feelings/memories — especially in a virtual setting where they can be free with their movements without having to worry about who is watching or what anyone might think.”
“We do so well taking care of others, but not so much of caring for ourselves — This is needed. This session helped me realize I was holding too much in my days and need more opportunities to release. I enjoyed the exposure to different music, the demonstration of freedom in the practice, and the felt experience of using movement as a form of regulation and release.”
“I most appreciated the variety of music and gentleness in Lori’s guidance. I would recommend this to clients who want to explore more ways to express and work through their stuck places. I think for some folks yoga is great but they may need another form of meditative movement, and I think this is a fantastic option. ”
“I would recommend this because it’s a beautiful way to reconnect mind and body. I could see this supporting my clients in moving through different nervous system states and incorporating that practice into daily life. It could especially be helpful for persons who intellectualize or have difficulty with verbal processing. The session was a great experience and exceeded my expectations. I most enjoyed the structured time to move to music with a sense of community. And it helped me remember how much I love to move to music!”
“This is a great way to focus on feelings and body that is not breathing-based - which is not a practice everyone enjoys. I really like how Lori has formatted and framed BREATHE, as well as journeying through the different practices through movement. I could also see the benefits for people doing this practice to complement their work in therapy.”
“It’s always kinda scary to move my body, and my biggest takeaway from this practice was its adaptability. I had to join the session in my car, and was surprised how engaged I was able to be. My favorite exercise was one where you pull yourself back into your body. I love that, and need to be reminded of it! I would recommend this due to Lori’s kind and supportive guidance, and because it’s an important practice. ”