Specialties
Why Somatics?
Human beings have thoughts and emotions, instead of running on instincts alone. Unconscious thoughts and emotions can cloud how we see ourselves, and ultimately how we see life. If the same kind of negative emotions are experienced enough, they become habitual; and can physically present in the body as pain, fatigue and tension.
How is somatic work different from traditional mental health therapy?
Both somatic practice and psychotherapy support emotional well-being, but they approach it from different starting points.
Traditional Counseling / Psychotherapy
* Often focuses on thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and personal history through conversation
* May include diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions
* Provided by licensed clinicians within a medical or mental health framework
Somatic Practice
* Focuses on present-moment awareness of the body, breath, and nervous system
* Works with physical sensations as a doorway into emotional understanding and regulation
* Emphasizes developing internal awareness and self-regulation skills
* Does not involve diagnosis or treatment of mental health disorders
These approaches can complement each other beautifully. Many people benefit from working with a licensed therapist for clinical mental health needs while also engaging in somatic work to deepen body awareness and nervous system regulation.
History
Established in 2016.
Many years ago, I worked with a Therapist during a very tumultuous time in my own life. Not only did talking with someone that directed my attention towards some unconscious behaviors of my own help me, but I also learned how those emotions and thoughts can present themselves in the body as aches, pains, inflammation, etc. I became fascinated with the fact that we as human beings do this; that we can allow unconscious behaviors and thoughts to run our bodies and our lives. Often, these are patterns learned during childhood and adolescence, according to the environment that we were in and appear completely "normal" to us. So normal that we don't even realize they're there.
in 2013, I had the unique opportunity to ask myself what really mattered to me and how I wanted to spend the reset of my life. Remembering my own experience with the combination of emotional and nervous system work, the answer came fairly easily. I went back to school and then opened the Office.
Meet the Business Owner: Bill S.
My name is Bill Schmidt.
I chose to work in Counseling because I experienced the value of clarity in life first-hand.
My training and approach is both conventional and unique; combining modern psychology with ancient tools such as breathwork and meditation to help you access your inner-knowing.
I offer space and assistance to others that wish to come into their own clarity; moving from compulsive to conscious behavior.
There truly is no place I'd rather be than doing this work.
