Testimonials
Gemma’s fearless warmth and incredible professional instinct has led me to a place of stability and acceptance I never knew possible. I have processed things I couldn’t put words to. I have come home to myself through a physical process which my intellect had been refusing to allow me to do. Honestly, I don’t know how I would really put it into words – but I suppose the process of going beyond words is what’s been so liberating for me!
1:1 client
“Gemma seems to innately know what’s needed, however I show up and whatever is arising for me in the moment.”
1:1 client
I have worked with Gemma both in person and online over zoom and found the experience nourishing and supportive at a very challenging time in my life. Gemma brings decades of skill and experience and she has a great sensitivity to seeing and sensing the body. She was able to track my experience and offer me helpful prompts to engage with or not as I chose. This offered a great freedom for me to come more deeply into my own body. She tracked my pace too and supported both movement and rest, being sensitive to the need for deep rest within the core of my body and allowing the body to unfold and find its own pace and movement, however tiny and subtle or large and expansive. Together with mark-making and journaling and Gemma responding with her own movement I found the sessions to be rich and surprising and I felt more alive by the end of each session and looking forward to the next one. I was somewhat sceptical about working in this way on zoom and I have to say that it was remarkably powerful and Gemma’s presence was very evident. If you are thinking of exploring your own moving body, I highly recommend working with Gemma.
1:1 client
‘Working with Gemma has been immeasurably helpful, challenging, interesting and ultimately enlightening and empowering. She has an intuitive, light, deeply rooted and compassionate gift and process of witnessing and helping you to discover where the root of dis-ease may be found in the body; and then through working with her be released and resolved. Cannot recommend reaching out to her enough when you feel you are ready to do the work.’
1:1 client
As a practising GP I sought out Gemma to help me with a chronically painful neck. I have met many patients with chronic pain who have become dependent on very strong painkillers and have significant side effects. I also know that a lot of chronic pain has an emotional aspect . I don’t believe we should separate mental and physical health and Gemma works with both aspects to bring healing. I would encourage anyone with chronic pain to seek out a somatic practitioner before taking strong and addictive painkillers or as a path away from them if you are already dependent. Gemma has also helped me thrive by working with emotion and body to increase my confidence to take on a leadership role within healthcare that involves public speaking. I would recommend trying her if there is something you really want to do but you feel held back in some way from achieving it.
1:1 client
I couldn’t do anything other than recommend Gemma in the highest way possible, whilst simultaneously knowing that this approach isn’t for everyone. It’s for people genuinely open and willing to address what is truly there, as Gemma won’t let you hide from yourself.
1:1 client
Truly powerful somatic work !! I came to Gemma feeling emotional, disconnected and exhausted. I’m now in a far better place thanks to Gemma’s intuitive skill, professionalism and support. This process has enabled me to feel grounded, regulated and allowed a great inner peace. Thank you from the bottom of my heart !!
1:1 client
Gemma is deeply attuned to the body, touch, and movement in a way I haven’t experienced before. Her presence and expertise made my sessions with her profoundly impactful, offering new and transformative insights into both my body and my sense of self. Gemma also has the sensitivity to recognise when a more subtle approach is needed, creating space for deep relaxation in a loving, supportive environment. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to explore deeper layers of healing through somatic work.
1:1 client
Gemma seems to innately know what’s needed, she’s so flexible and responsive to however I show up and whatever is arising for me in the moment. I’ve never felt so safe, held and able to explore the darkest parts of myself as I have in these sessions. I moved into a relationship with reality that I’d been avoiding for my whole life. I’ve had other therapy before, including the retreat-style Hoffman Process but at this point in my life I needed the body-centered approach that Gemma offers. If there’s ever a living example of ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ it’s Gemma and this approach.
1:1 client
‘I lost my partner to suicide, almost 3 years ago. When I felt ready to deal with some very complex and difficult feelings, I found Gemma. She provided a welcoming safe space for me to gently explore deep inner wounds. She followed my lead and gave me confidence to really face some hard feelings. The feeling of safety, acceptance and care from Gemma allowed me to deal with things that more conventional counselling never could, and I am a very private person so I have been really surprised with how comfortable I have become, and that is testament to Gemma.
1:1 client
I came to Gemma after years of talking therapy and with very little idea of what somatic work involved but knowing there was ‘something else’ I needed. The studio is a beautiful warm, comforting, place with a log burner crackling in the corner and wonderful fellside views from the windows. I don’t know about how the sessions look for Gemma’s other clients, but this is how mine generally go… We start with a chat – how I’m feeling, any thoughts, dreams, changes I’ve noticed since the last session – I try to keep a journal and jot down anything I notice. Then I lie down and Gemma moves round my body offering intuitive touch, allowing me to completely relax and enabling me to connect deeply with my body in a way that I hadn’t previously experienced. This unconditional touch and holding was like finding water in the desert for me. Sometimes emotions bubble up and tears or laughter flow. Next with gentle encouraging suggestions Gemma helps me to start moving, or rather allowing my body to move. There is no thought involved – just wonderful liberating movement … or stillness led by somewhere deep inside. Sometimes we end the session with drawing – again no thought involved –simply holding a piece of chalk and seeing where it goes. So how has somatic work helped me? It might sound like a cliché, but I feel that I have ‘come home to myself’. I move more freely, intuitively knowing what my body is asking for. I am less anxious and more present in the moment, more content with ‘what is’ and who I am right now. I am still a work-in-progress and it’s not always an easy journey – sometimes you meet parts of yourself that have been buried for a long time. It can be tiring and challenging, but the rewards and personal growth are totally worth it. Gemma is kind, gentle and intuitively knows when and how touch or when words are needed. For anyone interested in Somatic Therapy but still not sure I would say take that leap of faith with Gemma and you won’t be disappointed.
1:1 client
“She’s either a magical being or the most fully human person I’ve ever met. Gemma won’t let you hide from yourself.”
1:1 client