What is Somatic Therapy and How is it Implemented at True Nature?

Somatic therapy is a body-centered approach to healing that recognizes trauma and stress are not just psychological experiences—they are stored in the body. Through movement, breathwork, sensory awareness, and nervous system regulation, somatic therapy helps individuals process emotions, release tension, and restore a sense of safety and connection. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which relies primarily on verbal processing, somatic therapy works directly with the body's responses to support deep, lasting healing.

At True Nature Integrative Health, somatic therapy is implemented through a culturally attuned, experiential approach that incorporates elements of:

• Somatic Experiencing® – A trauma-informed method that gently guides the nervous system toward resilience and regulation.

• Trauma Conscious Yoga Method®- A marrying of Trauma Informed Yoga, Somatic Psychotherapy, and Indigenous Healing Practices

• Equine-Assisted Therapy – Horses provide nonverbal, embodied feedback, helping clients develop co-regulation, presence, and emotional awareness.

• Nature-Based Healing – Grounding practices in the natural environment enhance connection to self, others, and the world.

• Chinese Medicine & Embodiment Practices – Traditional wisdom meets modern somatic approaches, integrating breathwork, acupressure, and movement.

Horses play a unique role in this process. As highly sensitive, relational beings, they are attuned and responsive to human emotions and nervous system states in a way that fosters authentic expression, self-awareness, and healing. Whether engaging in groundwork, mindful observation, or guided movement alongside horses, clients experience healing that is felt, not just talked about.

This approach is especially beneficial for trauma survivors, caregivers, and those who have experienced disconnection due to stress, oppression, or systemic harm. Through this work, clients can reclaim their embodied voice, restore a sense of safety, and reconnect with their true nature—both physically and emotionally. Please note that you have choice in what elements you want to incoporate into your sessions. While all of the above approaches have informed our therapy practice we value client centered practice and collaboration so we can tailor your experience. For example: clients may enjoy and be suited for somatic work blended with traditional talk therapy without the presence of horses or another variation.

What if I Am interested in Equine Facilitated therapy but I am Afraid of Horses?

At True Nature Integrative Health, your comfort and sense of safety are always the priority. If you feel uncertain or afraid around horses, we move at a pace that feels right for you, honoring both your boundaries and the horse’s natural choice to engage or observe.

You do not have to physically interact with the horses to benefit from their presence. Somatic and nature-based approaches can be integrated without stepping into the paddock—through mindful observation, guided breathwork, and sensory awareness from a safe distance. Simply being in the presence of horses, watching their movements, and noticing their responses can be deeply healing.

For those who are open to engaging more over time, we gently explore nervous system regulation, embodied presence, and trust-building, always respecting where you are in the process. There is no pressure to interact physically, and healing happens whether you are working hands-on or simply sharing space.

This work is about choice, consent, and attunement—for both humans and horses. Whether through direct connection or quiet observation, the goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and empowered in your own healing journey.

What additional services do you offer?

We provide Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Wellness, Mind-Body Integrated Psychotherapy, Bodywork and Chinese Medicine, Horse-Human Relationship Coaching, and Retreats and Workshops. Jennifer is also available for clinical supervision and consultation for mental health providers and can offer customized workshops and retreats for groups with a special emphasis on care for the caregiver, mental health professional specific groups and any groups that want to begin a somatic focused healing journey with the support of horses and nature.

How Do You Work Within the Traditional Western Medical Model While Acknowledging the Oppression and Colonial Roots of Psychotherapy?

At True Nature Integrative Health, I recognize that Western psychotherapy was built within a colonized system—one that has historically pathologized non-Western healing practices, prioritized Eurocentric definitions of regulation, and ignored the wisdom of the body, land, and ancestral traditions. While I hold a professional license within this system, I actively work to expand, challenge, and decolonize the way therapy is practiced.

Here’s how I navigate this balance:

• I name the system without recreating harm. I am transparent about the limitations of Western mental health models while offering a more holistic, embodied, and culturally attuned approach.

• Healing is not one-size-fits-all. While I meet ethical and licensing standards, my work integrates somatic therapy, equine-facilitated healing, and nature-based practices that honor the diverse ways people regulate, heal, and process experience.

• I work at the edges of the system. I offer Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy for those seeking licensed mental health treatment and Equine-Facilitated Wellness for those looking for personal growth, connection, and embodiment outside of the clinical model.

• I shift power in the therapeutic relationship. Rather than taking a top-down, expert-driven approach, I honor each person’s inner wisdom and co-create a healing space that prioritizes agency, consent, and authentic expression.

• I challenge and educate within the field. I offer consultation, training, and workshops for other practitioners seeking to integrate somatic, decolonized, and culturally attuned healing approaches into their work.

• I sustain myself in this work by building community. Healing within a colonized system requires ongoing dialogue, critical awareness, and connection with others who are reimagining therapy beyond its Western constraints.

At True Nature, therapy is more than a clinical service—it is a space for liberation, embodied healing, and deep connection to self, community, and nature.