Trauma manifests not only in the mind but in the body. It shapes the way we breathe, move, connect, and feel safe in the world. When left unprocessed, it can keep us stuck in patterns of fear, disconnection, or numbness, making it difficult to trust ourselves, our bodies, and others.
I’m Dovie Gena, a Certified Sexologist through the American Board of Sexology. My work is rooted in nervous system regulation and body-centered healing. I help individuals and couples rebuild intimacy, restore trust, and reclaim pleasure in ways that feel safe and empowering.
Modern society often prioritizes logic over intuition, encouraging us to just get over it and push through pain rather than listen to what our bodies are telling us. But true healing requires a different approach – one that honors the wisdom of the body.
Discover how healing can be made possible through somatic coaching.
Understanding Trauma’s Impact on the Body
Trauma triggers the body’s stress response, activating the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body for “fight or flight.” While this response is protective in emergencies, prolonged activation can lead to adverse health outcomes:
Physical Consequences:
- Chronic effects: Persistent stress, breathing issues, digestive problems, sleep problems, relationship ruptures and job burnout.
- Biological changes: Trauma may alter brain chemistry and cellular structure, accelerating biological aging and increasing susceptibility to diseases like cancer and diabetes or autoimmune diseases.
Mental Consequences:
- Emotional responses: These include fear, sadness, guilt, anger, helplessness, or emotional numbness
- Cognitive effects: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and intrusive thoughts
- PTSD: For some individuals, symptoms persist and evolve into PTSD.
In sessions, we shift the focus from overanalyzing the past to reconnecting with the body in the present moment. By working with the nervous system and recognizing where trauma is stored, you can begin to release internalized tension and restore a sense of safety within yourself.
With the right support, your body can become a place of trust, resilience, and healing again.
Traditional Talk Therapy vs Somatic Healing
Unlike traditional coaching or talk therapy, a somatic coach works directly with bodily sensations, movement, and breath to help release stored trauma. This approach is rooted in the understanding that the nervous system – not just the mind – demands our attention in order for breakthrough to occur.
Unfortunately, many of us have been conditioned to rely solely on rational thinking, suppressing what our body is communicating. While this approach may help in certain aspects of life (for example CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), it can also block our ability to feel deeply, relax fully, and connect authentically.
The Somatic Approach to Healing – Finding Your Body’s Wisdom
I invite you to learn more about body-based therapies like somatic coaching. Sessions go beyond traditional talk therapy and help bridge the gap between mind and body to help you find your internal truth right in your own body.
Through sessions, you and your coach will explore:
- How your body responds to stress, intimacy, and emotional triggers in times of conflict.
- Ways to regulate your nervous system and consciously shift from survival mode into a state of ease.
- Techniques to help you rebuild a sense of control, safety, and self-trust.
Dr. Peter Levine, a leader in somatic coaching, explains:
“When human beings are not overwhelmed with stress and traumatized, they move towards pleasure, expansion, and are motivated by love.”
This is the foundation of somatics — helping you move from a state of fear or disconnection into a state of relaxed ease and clarity. Healing isn’t just about processing pain intellectually; it’s also about reclaiming your joy and the fullness of your personality.
Your body already holds the wisdom to heal; we just help you access it.
How I Can Support You
Healing from trauma is not about forcing change – it’s about creating the right conditions for your body to feel safe, regulated, and open to connection. I provide a supportive space where you can move at your own pace, listening to what your body needs rather than pushing past its limits.
Here’s how my approach can support your journey:
1. Nervous System Regulation
Trauma disrupts the nervous system, often leaving people stuck in cycles of hypervigilance (fight-or-flight) or shutdown (freeze, dissociation):
- Recognize when your body is in a stress response.
- Develop techniques to shift into a state of calm and balance.
- Build emotional resilience, so you feel more grounded in daily life.
2. Safe Exploration of Boundaries and Control
Many survivors struggle with boundaries — either feeling disconnected from them or afraid to assert them. Together, we can help you:
- Reconnect with your internal sense of “yes” and “no.”
- Explore boundaries in a way that feels safe and empowering.
- Reclaim control over your body and your choices.
3. Healing Trauma with Compassion and Care
Rather than reliving painful memories, I’ll help focus on creating new, positive experiences in the body by effectively altering your brain chemistry. This approach:
- Helps you process past wounds in a non-judgmental, supportive space. I meet you where you are.
- Encourages self-compassion and understanding, rather than self-blame or projecting blame.
- Allows healing to unfold naturally, without pressure or force.
Feeling at ease with the process is key to healing. I help you by creating an open-minded space and allowing for things to come up naturally.
Tools of the Trade
Ready to jump into somatic healing on your own? Here are some techniques you can add to your tool belt. These tools support deep healing by reconnecting you with your body’s natural ability to process stress and experience pleasure.
- Alexander Technique – Improves posture, movement, and body awareness.
- Body Psychotherapy Theories – Explores emotions through physical sensations.
- Breathwork & Grounding – Regulates stress and restores balance.
- Core Energetics – Releases stored tension through movement and expression.
- EMDR with Binaural Beats – Supports processing of negative past events and nervous system healing.
- Mindfulness, Meditation & Visualization – Cultivates presence, relaxation, and emotional clarity.
- Tapping & Transformative Touch – Gently rewires trauma responses in the body.
What Makes My Coaching Different
If you want professional support on your journey of healing, I provide holistic emotional and physical support to help you cultivate deeper intimacy through coaching. Reconnect, rebuild, and nurture meaningful relationships by enhancing your awareness and responsiveness to your body’s unique needs.
Unique Challenges I Address:
- Cultural or societal impacts on your ability to experience intimacy such as body/person shaming and fears developed from religious indoctrination.
- Abuse and its effects on connection and trust from either a one time traumatic event or repeated verbal, physical and/or emotional abuse from a person(s) of trust.
- Overcoming personal and relationship challenges tied to identity or sexual experiences such as releasing deep shame around your body/body image impacting self esteem.
Book a Free Consultation – Discover Your Body’s Internal Wisdom
The beautiful source of all life is love. Its fulfillment through your own embodied confidence and energetic needs allow sexuality to organically evolve in our trauma informed somatic coaching practice together. When clients heal their soul with a combination of trauma transformation and somatic skills, the possibilities for pleasure are endless.
Healing trauma particularly around sexuality, attachment and relationships requires patience, understanding, and a tailored approach. I am here to help you move at your own pace, rediscovering joy, fulfillment, and authentic connection in every aspect of your life. Please feel free to book a free consultation. I am here to support your mental health and wellbeing!
FAQ
Does somatic coaching involve physical touch?
Yes, somatic coaching may involve touch and bodywork, but it is always done with clear boundaries, professionalism, and client consent. Sessions are designed to provide a safe space for exploration, education, and healing.
What kind of touch is involved?
- Touch work is clothes-on and follows a slow-paced approach.
- Some techniques may include body awareness and sensation exercises to support healing.
- Every session is tailored to your comfort level and personal boundaries.
How does trauma informed somatic coaching differ from somatic sex coaching?
- Trauma-informed coaching moves at a much slower pace, prioritizing nervous system regulation and emotional safety.
- It focuses on rebuilding trust and body awareness before any deeper exploration of intimacy or pleasure.
- The goal is healing trauma, not performance-based sexual coaching.
Are there strict boundaries in this practice?
Absolutely. Professionalism, ethics, and consent are my top priorities. Physical boundaries include:
- No kissing
- No touching of nipples or genitals
- No intercourse or oral sex
- No nudity
No personal relationships with clients for at least two years post-coaching
Can I do coaching without touch?
Yes! If you prefer a talk-based approach, I offer online sex coaching sessions that involve no physical touch. These sessions focus on education, guidance, and self-exploration in a safe virtual setting.
How do I know if trauma-informed somatic coaching is right for me?
Anyone who has trauma can benefit from my coaching. If you’re open to exploring new, scientifically-backed approaches, then we’d be a great fit.
How is somatic coaching different from traditional mental health therapy?
Traditional mental health support focuses on your cognitive reality in a clinical setting; in contrast, I help you express your embodied truth through somatic coaching. Your body already knows the truth, I just help bring it out.
What makes your approach different from other coaches?
Rather than focusing just on your rational thoughts, I tap into your raw emotions and help you discover healing through bodywork and grounding techniques, mindfulness and much more.
