“Working with Sarah has been one of the most transformative parts of my healing journey over the past five years.

I first started working with Sarah in January 2020, before I had received my formal diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). Within minutes of meeting me, Sarah’s deep intuitive understanding of the human body picked up on my hypermobility — something that had repeatedly been dismissed and gaslit about by medical professionals for many years. For the first time, I felt truly seen, believed, and understood.

Following significant trauma and years of medical invalidation, I had become increasingly interested in body-based approaches to healing. I had started reading the work of Peter Levine and Bessel van der Kolk, particularly around trauma, the nervous system, and the importance of reconnecting with the body. Through this, I discovered Somatic Experiencing and began searching online for practitioners. Sarah immediately stood out to me because of her trauma-informed and deeply integrative approach. I was blessed Sarah is based so locally. 

At the time, I reached out initially to ask about her trauma-informed yoga work — ironically before I had even started practising yoga myself. Looking back now, it feels fitting, because yoga has since become a huge part of my life and healing journey. Through my work with Sarah, I gradually developed a much deeper understanding of nervous system regulation, embodiment, interoception, and the importance of creating safety within the body. These concepts have become foundational to both my personal wellbeing and my academic interests.

From my very first session, I felt drawn to Sarah’s unique way of working.

What makes her approach so special is the incredible breadth of knowledge and experience she brings together. Her work combines Somatic Experiencing, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, trauma-informed practices, nervous system regulation, Reiki, movement, and a range of holistic somatic approaches in a way that feels deeply intuitive, safe, and tailored to the individual. Sarah’s depth of knowledge instantly gained my utmost respect, but equally important was her warmth, compassion, and ability to create genuine safety and trust.

After a few in-person sessions, Sarah adapted her practice to continue working online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of that time, the work continued to evolve in profound ways. The pace and depth of  working with Sarah has far exceeded anything I could have anticipated. Rather than feeling rushed or overwhelming, the work has always unfolded at exactly the right pace for my nervous system and needs. And helped my transformation in ways I never even dreamt were possible. 

I genuinely do not feel recognisable as the same person I was back then. Sarah has played an enormous role in helping me rebuild my sense of self-worth, safety, confidence, and connection to my body after years of trauma and chronic illness.

Alongside supporting my healing journey, Sarah has also been incredibly encouraging of my personal and professional growth.

She supported me throughout my MSc in Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology and continues to encourage me through my current postgraduate research into autism and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. She has celebrated my achievements, supported me through difficult periods of illness, and consistently reminded me of my strengths during times when I struggled to see them myself.

Her approach to her work extends beyond humans too. Sarah even supported my beloved cat Daisy when she became unwell, which beautifully reflects the compassion and holistic nature of her work.

What I value most is that our sessions hold space for both deep healing and genuine human connection. Alongside the serious therapeutic work, there is laughter, shared learning, and a dark sense of humour that has often helped me through some very difficult moments.

I feel incredibly grateful to have found Sarah and cannot recommend her work highly enough to anyone seeking a deeply trauma-informed, compassionate, and embodied approach to healing.”

My heartfelt thanks for her kind words, and her description of the difference working with trauma can make.

If any of this client’s journey resonates with you, please get in touch. I offer a thirty minute call free of charge. Email sarah@ytenehealing.co.uk or call me on 07747 111040.

Both Somatic Experiencing® and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy are, by definition, trauma-attuned modalities. Used together, either online or in person, they can facilitate the resolution of embodied trauma in a very profound but gentle way, honouring the unique wishes and needs of each client.

Please remember to contact your medical practitioner in the first instance if you have any concerns regarding your health.

The post Working with PTSD and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) appeared first on Ytene Healing.

I thought it would be interesting to document a few days in the life of one of my canine clients, starting from the time I was first contacted by his human companion, who has kindly given permission for me to do so.

Charlie is a Romanian rescue dog and is between eight and a half and nine years old.

He has occasionally been taken to a chiropractor who had said in the past that his whole spine was ‘out’. He also has a permanent tremor in his left shoulder. He does have a habit of being disobedient and running off occasionally whilst on a walk and can be gone for several hours.

I was initially contacted on the Saturday evening:

Saturday

“I’m a bit worried about Charlie – old age is creeping in, he is slowing down a lot, his joints are hurting and he’s been extra subdued since he ran away about a week ago for five and a half hours.

He had a blast chasing rabbits in open countryside, and thankfully came back to the carpark when he was done, but he hasn’t really got his energy back since then. His left hip doesn’t look right when he goes up the stairs. I would love to book a session with you for you to work on him please.”

We arranged for him to have an online session a few days later, on the following Tuesday afternoon.

The post Two Weeks In The Life Of Charlie The Romanian Rescue Dog appeared first on Ytene Healing.

As women, we hold energetic imprints of the difficulties and challenges that encompass us within our wombs and our womb spaces.

(Men have an energetic centre in the pelvis known as the hara, as their equivalent.)

The womb, for the greater part of our lives, is an empty space inside of us. What better place to deposit and push down everything that doesn’t serve us, everything we wish to forget, and all the unpleasant and traumatic experiences we are unable to digest and process at the time they happened?

Genetic codes passed down through our DNA can influence whether we ‘react’ in the moment to any given situation based on past experience, or are able to ‘respond’ from a place of empowerment. It is possible to clear some of these negative and unhelpful patterns at the source and break the destructive cycle that can keep us caught in a never-ending spiral of inertia.

The strong ancestral connection that women have is passed down the mother line, from one womb to the next. This means that it is possible to clear some of the past trauma held by earlier generations that now influences those living in the present day.

As the wounds are acknowledged and the wombs begin to heal, further layers of trauma become available to access. More waves may rise to the surface. These energetic blockages can then be connected with, transmuted and any residue encouraged to dissipate.

The more we are able to release from the collective inter-generational wombs, the less influence there is to be carried down through the line that can then affect us in the present. As each layer of trauma is resolved, the less we carry as a collective. It then becomes easier to transmute whatever remains.

We are all nervous systems in containers shaped in our own images.

When we remain in a state of overwhelm for too long, or something too drastic for us to cope with happens, our container can overflow. We can spill out into the next generation via the womb. For example, if our ancestors lived through times of struggle, terror or depletion, there would be constant fear, anxiety and a lack of safety. This could be passed down through their wombs to the next generation.

Along with ancestral trauma, at any point back through the generations, there could be energetic imprints from past relationships, unprocessed stress, wounding, emotional trauma, blockages and a sense of disconnection.

Working with six generations back to the great-great-great-great-grandmother, covering seven generations in total, tends to be optimal for us to heal the ancestors’ wombs and facilitate access to health and balance. From here, it is possible to clear any residual trauma or energetic imprints. We can cut unhelpful cords and ties between the generations and rebalance the womb spaces down the line to the present day. This way, we can shift the focus away from carrying inherited burdens. We can move towards embracing the positive aspects of our lineage with improved wellbeing and clarity, while healing past relationships through our mother line.

The Seven Generations principle is an indigenous philosophy, notably from the Iroquois/Haudenosaunee in North America.

It is mirrored by many other indigenous cultures worldwide. It teaches that our choices today affect not only the present but also the lineage that comes after us. The philosophy recognises that trauma can be passed down 7-14 generations. Therefore, individuals can break cycles of harm to heal both their ancestors and future generations.

Epigenetics and the Seven Generations principle connect through scientific evidence that environmental exposures in one generation can alter gene expression in descendants for multiple generations, often without altering the DNA sequence. Studies by the Natural Resources Defence Council in the US show that these epigenetic tags can pass down for generations, echoing ancestral experiences of trauma, famine, or environmental toxicity, providing a molecular basis for indigenous seven-generation thinking.

Working with ancestral trauma through the womb has the potential to open us up to new possibilities.

The burdens of traumatic energetic imprints from past generations are transmuted and released. We may sense an unfamiliar lightness or softening. We may experience more joy, freedom and optimism as old patterns dissolve and we begin to reclaim our power.

The important thing to remember is that when we have done the work, it ends with us. We can draw a line in the sand and create a new beginning. The work is not only for us, but for all those who come after us. Our ancestral womb healing is a threshold offering new possibilities for future generations to step into.

The testimonials below illustrate the depth of healing this work can offer.

Client A:

“Working with Sarah is always a lovely experience. I have had a number of challenging health issues and ongoing fatigue, brain fog and exhaustion over the past few years that we have been trying to get to the bottom of. She always meets me with kindness, understanding, and, as times often require, a shared humour. I leave the sessions feeling lighter, more balanced and more me. However, something has been consistently pulling me back that we’ve never been able to put our finger on, until now. I have often described it like someone hitting the reset button on my progress, or even a subconscious fear of healing. So I end up back where I started and deeply frustrated.

Sarah suggested working with womb healing and ancestral lineage. This could access long-held negative energy that could be blocking my growth, creating or adding to my ill-health and generally holding me back in patterns that I just wouldn’t be able to see in normal conditions or therapy techniques, mostly because they weren’t mine originally. I was open to the suggestion and intrigued by the possibilities, which have far outweighed my initial expectations.

The process itself is relaxing and restful, often with crystals held or nearby to assist the energy release and a candle burning.

My first session definitely took me by surprise. There was a lot more twitching and movement in my limbs than I normally experience with energy work – especially as Sarah was working ‘hands free’! I can usually sense or feel the energy moving or things shifting internally, as I’m quite sensitive. But the twitching was new, and something I thought was reserved for performative social media videos. It was not uncomfortable in any way. I just found it an interesting new step in the journey, and one that indicated we were on to something. Like the energy had finally been rumbled and was trying its best not to be released!

As usual, I felt dramatically lighter and more ‘put together’ on leaving the session. But unlike my past experiences, this sensation remained. I had a follow-up a fortnight later, to see if anything lingered or further energy could be discovered. While there was a shadow of the original darkness, it was a lot easier for Sarah to work her magic.

She had found the issue lay in my maternal lineage. This resonated with my understanding of my family history and, on a biological level, because Mitochondrial DNA is passed down only through the maternal line. So it would fully correspond with my energy levels, or lack thereof. Sarah found issues going back through my grandmother and great-grandmother. Both had tumultuous experiences growing up and living within an occupied city during WW2. Sarah also traced a significant amount of energy back to my three-times-great-grandmother. While her history and life story are unknown to me, Sarah was able to clear this with the help of the candle flame and release what was held there.

It has now been a month since the initial healing. To say the darkness has been lifted is an understatement, and one I’m not sure either of us was quite expecting.

Obviously, as a woman, my physicality ebbs and flows with my cycle. I am still facing challenges with my energy levels and fatigue. A body that has been unable to do most normal things for almost a decade has a reduction in capacity that is going to take some rebuilding as my energy increases. But even on the days I’m struggling, there is more joy and lightness in my day-to-day. It’s like there is a hope and optimism that I wasn’t able to access before.

Previously, the dark days would be exactly that, dark, despairing and at times scary. I felt like I had no way out, no light at the end of the tunnel and no clue how to claw my way back. That pain has lightened. I have been able to access a gentleness towards my condition and current situation, one that leaves space to breathe, for the possibility of recovery and thoughts of future planning that just felt so utterly out of reach before.

The one-step-forward, two-steps-back pattern feels like it has been broken. Even if I only take baby steps forward from this point, they are still going in the right direction without the chain at my back limiting my progress or dragging me back into the depths on repeat.

While the main focus of our work was obviously on my health issues, a secondary bonus from this modality has been seeing the effects reflected in my mother.

We have a very strong and loving relationship, but her confidence had been severely depleted in recent years, both through personal circumstances and since the pandemic. While my world got smaller due to the fatigue etc., and her love and care was gratefully received, lockdown and it’s aftermath left us both as cosy hermits and without much to draw either of us back out.

The past month has seen this shift with my Mum as well as me, with talk of travel, renewing her creativity and returning to playing music, all of which had been very much sidelined due to a melancholy we didn’t realise had taken hold and weren’t able to release.

I am excited to see how the healing continues to evolve in the coming weeks. I am hopeful this is the key to regaining my strength fully and unlocking the remaining elements of my returning health.”

Client B:

“My session with Sarah was fascinating and very powerful. From the physical sensations that changed for me with each generation she worked on, to the awareness that something deeper than the physical had also changed.

After the session, I felt lighter. My pelvic area felt more relaxed, and I found myself walking in a different rhythm. I have also started identifying patterns of response I have followed in life that felt inevitable and out of my control. Much of my life had felt weighted down by responses I made that felt instinctive, but don’t anymore. Responses to challenging situations and life in general now feel more natural and alive.

I believe I am now living my life shaped by my actual lived experiences rather than ancestral experiences. I know that the feelings of completion, liberation and resolution from that session will stay with me for a long time.

Sarah is such a gifted therapist that my body feels safe working deeply with, which is a major achievement in itself.”

Ancestral womb work is sacred, by definition.

We are connecting with the emotions and energies of the past generations of our mother line. Therefore, the very nature of the work involves our felt-sense, inasmuch as the energetic imprint of something from our past has been embodied in our nervous system in the present. During the sessions, we name any sensations and emotions that come up to the surface. We allow them to move through, as they were never ours to hold.

Both Somatic Experiencing® and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy are, by definition, trauma-attuned modalities. Used together, either online or in person, they can facilitate the resolution of embodied trauma in a very profound but gentle way, honouring the unique wishes and needs of each client.

If you think you could benefit from working with me, please get in touch. Email sarah@ytenehealing.co.uk or call me on 07747 111040.

Please remember to contact your medical practitioner in the first instance if you have any concerns regarding your health.

The post Working with Ancestral Trauma through the Womb appeared first on Ytene Healing.

Trauma Aware is the foundational understanding that trauma exists and can impact individuals, whereas…

Trauma Informed is a more advanced approach that actively integrates the knowledge into practices to avoid re-traumatisation and promote healing.

After more than 12,000 one-to-one client hours, spanning over 20 years, I would like to think of myself as working in a way that is Trauma Attuned.

This definition illustrates an approach to care and relationships that involves actively and sensitively responding to an individual’s emotional and physiological needs. The practitioner goes beyond simply being trauma informed by focusing on real-time responsive interactions that help an individual feel safe and seen.

That said, not every client session is a smooth ride. Some can definitely be challenging. However, if this happens, important information then becomes available for us to work with. This does not necessarily indicate that attunement is absent; rather, it suggests that attunement can be reflected in how we work with the information while continuing to ensure the client’s safety.

It is worth bearing these definitions in mind when thinking of booking any type of treatment session, as choosing a practitioner who can meet you where you are should be one of the most important criteria.

The Ytene Healing® approach

The Ytene Healing^® approach offers Somatic Coaching, Somatic Experiencing®, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Osteodouce, and Reiki and Animal Reiki to both human and animal clients, either in combination or independently.

The aim is to optimise the benefit for you and help you access your inherent health, which unfortunately can become trapped in the body as a result of trauma. Working slowly, respectfully, and at a pace you are comfortable with, I facilitate as physical and emotional patterns and restrictions in the mind/body system are released, enabling a shift towards physical and emotional equilibrium.

All the therapies offered are gentle by nature but can elicit profound healing. I guide you through the session at a pace which allows time for titration, pendulation and integration. We may pause occasionally for you to reattune to any shifts which have taken place. I may also encourage you to move your body a little to facilitate any integration as required.

Contact me to book an appointment or find out more about the therapies I offer.

The post The language around trauma appeared first on Ytene Healing.

“Mighty oaks from little acorns grow”

This classic 14th-century proverb encapsulates the power of humble beginnings, potential, and steady growth. It reminds us that immense strength and greatness—like a massive oak—often start as small, overlooked, and patient seeds.

For those of us who follow the seasons, winter is the time for planting seeds while the outside lies fallow. A time for stillness, for being and for waiting. If the right seeds have been carefully planted, shoots will begin to emerge as warmer, lighter spring days approach. They already hold the blueprint necessary for their desired outcome.

It should then follow that, given the right nurture, these shoots will become tall, strong stems throughout the summer. They will eventually blossom and be harvested to form a beautiful bouquet in the autumn.

We can use this analogy, at any time of year, to help us find aligned sense and purpose.

Do you have the embryo of an idea for a business, but are uncertain how to move forward with it? Do you need clarity to help you nurture and ‘birth your baby’ into the world? It could be that we are struggling to build a strong client base and are looking for guidance and encouragement to help clear emotional blocks, fears or doubts that may be holding us back from attracting our ideal clients.

You may find yourself stuck and needing to re-evaluate your relationships or personal life to create the momentum to identify and implement any necessary changes for the better. Exploring difficult emotions or past traumas can help shift unhelpful patterns in more productive ways, improving communication and establishing clear boundaries.

Whatever the issue or situation you feel constrained by, the best solution is likely to emerge from a place of embodied knowing.

Your head may be full of thoughts and ideas floating around with no particular structure or relationship. Without embodiment, there is potentially a lack of cohesion and integration around these concepts. This can get in the way of your ability to see the way forward and bring anything to fruition.

Embodiment is a strong, direct and foundational relationship with our inner knowing.

It helps connect your mind, body, and soul, allowing you to create your own blueprint for the future.

By learning to build connections to your heart, gut, womb space or hara, you can allow your nervous system to feel into each and every scattered thought and idea. This enables you to knowingly identify which seeds to sow and nurture from a place of embodiment.

As with all planting, some essential weeding, pruning or additional feeding and fertilisation may be required along the way to maintain the blueprint of your desired outcome. This provides continual support and nurture, helping you move from planting the seeds, nurturing the seedlings, through growth, to finally harvesting the fruits of your labours.

Embodiment can also help you become more attuned to your authentic gifts and offerings and understand how much more powerful your message will be when coming from a place of clarity and embodiment.

Consider:

• How movement can help shift stuck energy
• How herbal teas and time in nature can be useful allies for the nervous system
• How energy work can be of support

In addition, identifying the archetype you currently embody and the desired future archetype you aspire to can offer enlightenment, support, explanation, and direction for growth and positive outcomes.

I have recently completed training with Dr Sarah Coxon as a Regenerative Alchemy Advanced Somatic Coach. Please get in touch if you would like to learn more about how I can support you in exploring any blocks and unhelpful patterns that are currently preventing you from fulfilling your potential.

The Ytene Healing® approach

The Ytene Healing^® approach offers Somatic Coaching, Somatic Experiencing®, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Osteodouce and Reiki and Animal Reiki to both human and animal clients, either in combination or independently.

The aim is to optimise the benefit for you and help you access your inherent health, which unfortunately can become trapped in the body as a result of trauma. Working slowly, respectfully, and at a pace you are comfortable with, I facilitate as physical and emotional patterns and restrictions in the mind/body system are released, enabling a shift towards physical and emotional equilibrium.

All the therapies offered are gentle by nature but can elicit profound healing. I guide you through the session at a pace which allows time for titration, pendulation and integration. We may pause occasionally for you to reattune to any shifts which have taken place. I may also encourage you to move your body a little to facilitate any integration as required.

Contact me to book an appointment or find out more about the therapies I offer.

Sessions are intended to complement, not replace, the relationship you have with your medical practitioner. If you have or suspect you have a health problem, please see your Doctor.

The post Planting Seeds for Change 🌱 appeared first on Ytene Healing.

On occasion, there may be a defining incident or a series of issues that push us to the very limits of our ability to cope on a day-to-day basis. At this point, our nervous system has reached overwhelm, and even the smallest thing can push us over the edge.

It could be that the innocent request of an unsuspecting family member or co-worker is enough to make us react in a way that is completely out of proportion to the perceived demand placed on us.

We may experience a whole spectrum of emotions and sensations coursing through our bodies. These can eventually become completely overwhelming, causing us to feel out of control, wanting to get angry or run away; or we may feel shut down and unable to engage with those around us.

Whatever the outcome, the point is that the healthier option for us is to act on these emotions and sensations before they take over the daily running of our lives and reduce our capacity to be present and enjoy life.

How our nervous system works

The Autonomic Nervous System controls involuntary functions – activities that happen without conscious control. Some examples of this are our heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and digestion. The ANS also controls pupil size and glandular secretion.

It has two main parts, the Sympathetic Nervous System, or SNS, which is ultimately responsible for the “Fight or Flight” impulse, and the Parasympathetic Nervous System, or PNS, which controls our “Rest and Digest” state. The reality is that during the day, our nervous systems constantly fluctuate between these two systems, to varying extents depending on the circumstances.

Problems can occur when the nervous system becomes under-resourced, leaving us unable to move smoothly between the two states throughout the day

• The function of the SNS or “Fight or Flight” system is to prepare the body for stressful, emergency or energy-demanding situations.
• It raises the heart rate and increases blood flow during times of stress, and dilates the bronchi in the lungs to increase oxygen intake.
• Blood vessels are constricted in the skin and the gut, and dilated in the muscles, as blood is redirected to the essential organs.
• The pupils dilate, improving distance vision to help detect danger.
• The digestive system inhibits peristalsis and secretion, conserving energy for the muscles to act if required.
• Sweat glands are stimulated to cool the body, and the adrenal medulla releases cortisol and adrenaline to boost alertness, heart rate and metabolism.
• The bladder wall relaxes, and the urinary sphincter contracts to inhibit urination.

The main function of the PNS is to promote rest, recovery and energy conservation. It is known as the “Rest and Digest” system

• It lowers the heart rate and conserves energy whilst constricting the bronchi to allow breathing to return to its resting state.
• Within the digestive system, peristalsis and secretion are stimulated, and digestion returns to normal.
• The pupils constrict, which protects the retina and helps improve near vision, allowing us to focus on what is close to us.
• The bladder wall contracts, and the urinary sphincter relaxes to promote urination.
• Glands reactivate and stimulate secretions to moisten the mouth, eyes, etc.
• The liver promotes bile secretion to help fat digestion.

Ideally, there should be a balance between the two systems

Both systems should work together to maintain homeostasis, or internal balance:

• Sympathetic NS -> Activates the body for action
• Parasympathetic NS -> Restores calm and recovery afterwards

For example…

• When we run, the SNS increases the heart rate and respiration rate.
• When we rest after running, the PNS slows the heart rate and resumes digestion.

When out of balance

An overactive SNS can cause us to suffer with stress, anxiety, hypertension and continuous fight/flight activation.

An overactive PNS can cause a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, and in the longer term, autonomic conditions and digestive issues.

What we can do to help maintain a balanced and healthy state

Firstly, it helps if we are able to recognise signs of nervous system regulation:

We may notice a deep breath, a sigh, a yawn or a swallow.

Our breathing pattern may calm and become regular.

We may feel more grounded, more in control.

Longer term, there may be a sense of increased capacity to cope day-to-day.

Grounding Exercise: Rocking & Swaying

This is a subtle movement that is unlikely to be noticed by others if you need to settle yourself quietly.

To begin, notice the quality of your grounding before beginning… how is it? Does your body feel balanced or unbalanced? An awareness of the feet is important – the balls, heels, and inside and outside edges of the soles.

Inhale while slowly rocking backwards a little (just a couple of inches) onto the heels. Then exhale while slowly rocking forwards onto the balls of the feet, taking five or six deep breaths in total. Next, slowly sway from side to side, using the inside and outside edges of the feet, while breathing through the movement.

Tune in to the quality of your grounding now… how is it? Take note of any of the signs of regulation, mentioned above, that you may have experienced during the exercise.

Exercise to Reduce Adrenaline & Cortisol:

Notice the quality of nervous system regulation before you begin… how is it? At what level would you rate your nervous system activation out of ten… 10 being high, and 0 being low?

Chair Pose: a yoga posture, similar to a deep squat and with raised arms. Hold until you experience one of the signs of regulation mentioned above – a deep breath, a sigh, a yawn or a swallow.

If this is new for you, it may be that the thigh muscles experience a tremor, or even considerable discomfort, and you have to stop. If this is the case, gently lower your arms and slowly stand up. Pause and wait, and you will likely notice a deep breath coming through.

Notice the level of your regulation now… is it the same or has it changed?

A held pose, or isometric muscle contraction, where no joint or limb movement occurs, can have the benefit of utilising both adrenaline and cortisol when maintained to the point of fatigue. Over time, this can contribute positively to overall stress reduction and hormonal regulation.

Exercise to Regulate Breath & Lower Heart Rate:

Heart/Diaphragm Breath

Place your left hand over your heart and your right hand over your diaphragm, around the level of the front lower ribs.

Inhale for a count of two and exhale for a count of two – 2/2, five or six times, then…

Inhale for a count of two and exhale for a count of three – 2/3, five or six times, then…

Inhale for a count of two and exhale for a count of four – 2/4, five or six times.

When the breath has regulated, the brain will likely adjust the heart rate to complement it.

If you would like to discuss any of the exercises above or would like me to suggest something different that may be more appropriate for your situation, please get in touch.

I offer a 30-minute consultation free of charge.

Using skills from Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and Somatic Experiencing® amongst other modalities, I work together with my clients to help facilitate resolution of some of the early physical and emotional trauma memories that have become trapped throughout their nervous system. This can then facilitate greater neuro-somatic balance, equilibrium and sense of ease.

The post Simple Tools for Effective Nervous System Regulation appeared first on Ytene Healing.

As I explained my work, she started crying, feeling intuitively that this was the right path. She committed to six sessions with an open mind, driven by hope and, in her own words, desperation.

A C-section 18 months earlier and two IVF pregnancies had left her womb and ovaries both physically and energetically “battered” (the client’s words).

During one of the sessions, she didn’t try to understand what was happening, but could feel it. She reported muscle twitches and popping sensations tracking through her body, as warmth radiated from her womb space. Toward the end, she felt a “bursting” sensation at the top of her right leg. This was followed by the distinct feeling of warm liquid running down the leg and into the air. Later, I explained that I had been working on her heart-womb connection; this resonated deeply.

As our sessions progressed, she began to notice a profound sense of calm and relaxation during our work, rather than the very high energy state she would initially present with, which had little or no sense of direction. Observational intentional touch was enough to induce a state so deep and serene that she reported that returning to full awareness afterwards felt like climbing through thick liquid.

Over time, the client became less reactive, more grounded, and “unblocked” (her words again). She told me after one particular session that she had left with all the energy she had arrived with, but it felt “tamed”. She then went on to have the most productive and focused day.

During our final session, we focused on hands-on physical scar release work for her C-section scar.

Very quickly, the scar transformed from a hard, rigid lump to a soft, pliable area. The change was tangible and immediate. The client even noticed a subtle shift in her “mum shelf,” which was a welcome and exciting surprise! During this session, vivid imagery came to her, particularly visions of water parting. She said she felt this symbolised readiness and forward movement, as if life was opening up and preparing her for the next chapter.

This is what she had to say afterwards…

“Before starting somatic therapy with Sarah, I was struggling with decision paralysis, depression, and chaotic thought patterns that disrupted my daily life. My mind felt clouded, and my ability to function and enjoy life had diminished.
Now, after a transformative series of sessions, I feel calmer, happier, and more present. My ability to make decisions and manage life has vastly improved, and I’ve rediscovered the joy of simply being.”

Clients often find that another noticeable impact of improved pelvic and womb balance is a greater sense of connection to the earth and nature. This can happen as we deepen our relationship with our own bodies and develop a sense of grounding and stability through the legs.

Moving forward, we may then be able to experience a sense of calm when those around may be unsettled, and feel a greater sense of purpose when previously lacking motivation or creativity. Thought processes can become clearer, lymphatic flow improves, pain and discomfort reduce and a sense of general wellbeing increases.

Using skills from Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and Somatic Experiencing®, amongst other modalities, we work together to help facilitate the resolution of physical and emotional trauma memories that have become trapped in the whole pelvic region. This helps clients find greater balance and equilibrium as the womb space reconnects to its original power and finds a sense of ease.

You can find more about my work with the womb in these two blogs:
https://www.ytenehealing.co.uk/2024/09/03/releasing-somatic-memorieswomb-rebalance-body/
https://www.ytenehealing.co.uk/2023/03/07/womb-healing-and-rebalancing/

If you think you could benefit from working with me, please get in touch. Email sarah@ytenehealing.co.uk or call me on 07747 111040.

Please remember to contact your medical practitioner in the first instance if you have any concerns regarding your health.

The post Womb Work for Recovery after IVF and C-Section appeared first on Ytene Healing.

Although infertility has not been my own lived experience, over my time in practice, I have worked with many women who have wished to become mothers.

For some, this has been an organic process and unfortunately for others, not so straightforward. Some of the issues I have helped women address may not be immediately apparent from a mainstream perspective. But I believe they are equally important.

I received this testimonial from a client recently:

“I came to you in November/December last year after having suffered a miscarriage and thought I would let you know that I’m 18 weeks pregnant and due this coming autumn.

I just wanted to say thank you for the sessions we did – although I can’t 100% prove that they had an impact on my fertility, I very much believe they played a part in me falling pregnant so quickly. Thank you again.”

This client only came to see me three times, over a period of four weeks. I taught her some somatic exercises to do at home to help process the grief and ease her anxiety in the aftermath of the miscarriage. In addition, we were able to facilitate extensive energetic release from all of her abdominal organs, particularly her reproductive organs, while also bringing some balance to her entire nervous system. I was also able to ensure that her musculoskeletal system was well balanced.

During the final session, we both sensed a substantial release of energy from her womb space. I then encouraged a strong heart-womb connection by inviting her to place one hand over her heart and the other over the womb space, while breathing love to the womb from the heart and wisdom from the womb back up to the heart. This simple breath helped create a strong, loving intention between her heart and womb. At the same time, I was able to work with the two organs energetically, allowing them to organically reconnect.

I am so grateful to this client for sharing her pregnancy news and feel privileged to have been able to help, even in a small way.

Another client I recently worked with, for six online sessions over a six-week period, has allowed me to share her story.

Following an ectopic pregnancy four years ago in the left fallopian tube and a subsequent laparoscopic myomectomy, she suffered two chemical pregnancies. Investigations followed, and all showed normal results. After IUI and IVF in late 2024, which both failed, and feeling very unsettled, she contacted me.

Her aim was to give her mind and body a complete reset, allowing her whole nervous system the opportunity to resolve, rebalance, and restore.

As I took her history, I realised that the effect of stress, both at home and at work, urgently required attention, in addition to all of the physical and emotional issues related to her previous pregnancy losses and procedures. I explained that over the six sessions, I would engage with the whole landscape that made up her unique self. This would include her musculoskeletal system, nervous system, endocrine and lymphatic systems and all of her organs, before moving on to specific womb work.

The only outcome I had in mind was to help facilitate the release and clearing of tension, constrictions and blockages. This would allow her to move towards more balance throughout.

During our first session, I primarily focused on structural elements. I taught the client some somatic exercises to help her not only manage but also reduce her stress symptoms. During the next session, the client reported that she had started working with an online trainer and was taking daily walks. This was mainly due to a growing sense of ease that she had noticed in her body since our first meeting.

This second session was dominated by considerable energetic shifts from different areas of her body. As we moved towards the end of the hour, I became increasingly aware of a significant energetic release from around the uterus and left fallopian tube. From experience, I knew that this could precipitate a heavier bleed than usual the next time her period was due. I was able to warn her that this may be the case.

When we met for our third session, my client confirmed that her bleed had been much heavier than usual. But she had not been at all concerned, thanks to my warning. She was pleased her body had been able to clear out some of the old energy and matter that had been left behind. She had been aware of passing some small blood clots and fibrous tissue in the week after our session together.

I gave attention to her endocrine system and the scars on her stomach from the medical procedures she had endured. One scar in particular, slightly to the left of the centre, appeared to track towards her left fallopian tube with a line of tension and was quite uncomfortable. This had softened well by the end of the session.

During our fourth time together online, I brought awareness to all the ligaments supporting the client’s uterus and the blood supply to her ovaries, in particular the left one, where today, she was experiencing some ovulation pain. I was also particularly aware of energy shifting in her pelvis, from inside her womb space and mentioned my sense of conflict between the masculine and feminine energies. The client informed me that earlier, she had had a difference of opinion with her husband. As this was mentioned, a dark wisp of energy appeared to release itself from her body.

I began our fifth online session with a little structural rebalancing. Then I began to work directly with the client’s womb space. I gently let her know which areas I was connecting with as I went along. This was partly to explain any sensations she may have felt as I worked. It also allowed her emotions to express themselves naturally and as needed. We also considered the connections between the different areas of the entrance to the womb and parts of the endocrine system, as well as how the elements are represented within the womb itself.

When we met for her sixth and final session, the client reported that she now carried much less stress in her body.

As we worked together, she noted constant gurgling in her stomach and a sense of softening throughout. Even though her bleed had started the day before, she was aware of a considerable shift throughout her whole nervous system; a much greater sense of calm. I again visited her womb space and was acutely aware of constant energy releasing and the whole area rebalancing. By the end of the session, we had achieved a beautiful balance between her heart and womb. Her whole nervous system was presented with a deep sense of calm.

My sense is that all aspects of physical and emotional balance and health need to be in place to maximise a client’s chances of falling pregnant.

Even then, there will be some for whom this is not possible. My work addresses some of the important aspects and angles that are not covered by the medical profession. I aim to help fill the gap and facilitate a return to the best possible physical and emotional balance for the client.

You can find more about my work with the womb in these two blogs:
https://www.ytenehealing.co.uk/2024/09/03/releasing-somatic-memorieswomb-rebalance-body/
https://www.ytenehealing.co.uk/2023/03/07/womb-healing-and-rebalancing/

Both Somatic Experiencing® and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy are, by definition, trauma-attuned modalities. Used together, either online or in person, they can facilitate the resolution of embodied trauma in a very profound but gentle way, honouring the unique wishes and needs of each client.

If you think you could benefit from working with me, please get in touch. Email sarah@ytenehealing.co.uk or call me on 07747 111040.

Please remember to contact your medical practitioner in the first instance if you have any concerns regarding your health.

The post Fertility Support appeared first on Ytene Healing.

“I lost two friends recently and have been grieving their loss. Until Sarah started working with me I didn’t realise how deeply I was carrying that loss within me.

As Sarah carried out my treatment I felt a weight lift, followed by a deep connection to my friends, my own feelings and older grief I didn’t know I still carried.

By the end of the session I felt lighter, like I could breathe again. It was a very relaxing and uplifting experience and a lovely feeling.”

This testimonial illustrates how the death of someone close affects our very being; each individual cell. Grief is a very personal and whole-body experience to which our entire nervous system can respond in many different ways.

It is important to remember that grief can not only relate to a bereavement, whether human or animal. It can also relate to a loss of relationship, home or employment.

Grief is a process, and there is no easy way to navigate the ever-changing thoughts and sensations that may present at any one time.

Therefore, if we are able to just be, allowing time for the many different waves of emotion to flow over us and through us, we may avoid getting in the way of the process. We are less likely to find ourselves permanently being dragged under or caught up in the whirlpools of our emotions or the emotions of those around us.

Where strong emotions are present, our bodies can hold these within the tissues, where they can potentially remain for decades. These felt senses of shock, sadness, anger, despair, pain, etc., can stay in our nervous systems as reminders of past bereavement and amplifiers of our current loss. This is known as “overcoupling”.

Overcoupling, as described by Dr Peter Levine, occurs when our unprocessed trauma energy from the past attaches to a current or ongoing situation or event. This can often lead to disproportionate reactions in relation to whatever is going on around us.

My role in the therapeutic process is to calmly hold space and allow each individual’s nervous system to offer up whatever it feels safe to work with at that particular time.

I follow the inherent treatment plan that we all have within us. This takes us back to the blueprint of our very existence, allowing tensions to be released and constrictions to unwind. This allows for a more balanced and adaptive response to not only the current situation or predicament but also to future situations.

The chest, gut, jaw, neck, shoulders and hips are areas where unresolved emotions or trauma may become stored. These emotions can manifest physically as muscle tension, digestive issues, headaches or other physical symptoms.

The lungs, in particular, can appear to hold grief, sadness and anxiety. By observing the tissue and inviting it to release trapped or stuck emotional energy, a state of balance and resolution can likely be reached. The client may be able to let go of the heaviness associated with their loss and allow themselves to inhabit the ‘being and allowing’ state.

This is a more optimal state for their grieving process to take all the time it requires.

“I was blessed to receive a healing session with the incredibly intuitive Sarah recently. After a breakup and a long period of grief, I knew I felt energetically fragmented. I was guided in Sarah’s safe and secluded garden room, through a series of practices, to find the root thought patterns, and where they were stored in my body.

Sarah’s approach felt strong, yet loving and held. I have never had a treatment like this, and I was astounded by how powerful, and yet subtle, it was.

I could feel the difference instantly, though I couldn’t tell you exactly what she did! I am so grateful for the space Sarah held for me and the clarity I received from her session.”

Both Somatic Experiencing® and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy are, by definition, trauma-attuned modalities. Used together, either online or in person, they can facilitate the resolution of embodied trauma in a very profound but gentle way, honouring the unique wishes and needs of each client.

If you think you could benefit from working with me, please get in touch. Email sarah@ytenehealing.co.uk or call me on 07747 111040.

Please remember to contact your medical practitioner in the first instance if you have any concerns regarding your health.

The post Navigating Grief appeared first on Ytene Healing.

Lola is a Dogue de Bordeaux, a large French mastiff breed. She is approximately two years old and was adopted by Becky at roughly six months of age. She lives in Thetford in Norfolk with fifteen rescue dog siblings, three of whom are Dogues.

Becky is an Animal Communicator and Canine-led Soul Mentor who has lived with dogs and other animals all her life. She has dedicated her life to helping dogs around the world be heard by their human companions.

Lola was neutered on the 15th October, 2024. This is the story of her whole physical and emotional experience as told by Becky and Lola herself. My input has been more of therapeutic support to help with Lola’s rehab and to share the full story of her experience by bringing all the threads together.

Two weeks before Lola was due to be neutered, as per the terms and conditions of her rescue contract, Becky was beginning to have mixed feelings about the surgery, mainly because there is a lot of stigma around having dogs neutered unnecessarily. But, having worked in veterinary surgeries in the past, she had witnessed the effects of Pyometra (a potentially fatal uterine infection in un-neutered female dogs) and would not have wanted to risk losing Lola because of it.

Lola had already had three seasons during her time with Becky. These were fairly easy, and she hadn’t minded wearing the knickers. Becky had got her some really pretty ones, and Lola would prance around and show off in them. Unfortunately, each season was followed by a phantom pregnancy, regardless of what was done to try and prevent it.

Each phantom pregnancy was worse than the previous one, with the final phantom resulting in Lola refusing to eat and, in addition, producing milk. Having Lola neutered was the solution to prevent Pyometra and to stop phantom pregnancies.

Having only recently moved to Norfolk, Becky decided to take Lola back to her old Veterinary Surgery in Essex. She knew the staff well there and built a good relationship with them all.

As an Animal Communicator and someone who communes with her dogs daily, Becky wanted to discuss the procedure with Lola.

This was not straightforward as there was no choice for Lola. The surgery was part of the contract and had to go ahead regardless, as Becky would have had to hand Lola back to the rescue centre had she not been able to prove it had been done.

Becky explained the procedure to Lola and told her why it had to happen. She also shared with Lola that she would not be able to eat and drink in the hours before the procedure and that there would be strange people touching her and checking her over. Becky explained that Lola’s front leg would be shaved before her being given an anaesthetic but that she would stay with her while she fell asleep. She went on to mention that although she would not be there when Lola woke up, she would be back soon as she would never leave her anywhere permanently.

In addition, Becky shared about the need to wear a lampshade or inflatable collar and a surgical suit following the procedure and why Lola would have to wear them. (As it happened, Lola actually only required the surgical suit.) She explained to Lola that she would have to sleep in a crate as she would not be allowed to jump up onto the furniture until fully healed. She would also not be able to run around and play with the other dogs until fully healed. None of these measures would be forever, and that normality would return as soon as possible. Becky explained all this in terms of the number of nights that Lola would have to be in a crate.

All this was discussed several times, and Lola was fine with it, almost as if she was taking it in her stride. As the procedure date drew closer, Becky became more fearful, worried and anxious, so she stopped discussing anything more with Lola. She found herself terrified on the day of the procedure, and Lola asked her why this was. Not wanting to tell her that she was worried Lola might die during the surgery and knowing that it is impossible to fool a dog into believing that you are ok when you are not, Becky closed the communication channels.

The Neutering Surgery

On arriving at the Vets, Becky could feel Lola’s nerves, so she opened up communication again and tried to stay calm enough to reassure her. It didn’t work, and Lola was getting really stressed about the thought of being touched and handled by other people.

Thankfully, Becky was good friends with the vet, so she was able to stay with Lola while she was sedated. In fact, she even helped carry her to the operating table and remained until Lola wouldn’t know that she was gone.

As the sedation began to take effect, Lola tried to fight it initially. Becky explained that it would be better to give in to the feeling and that the sooner she did, the sooner it would all be over, and they could go home. At this point, Lola flopped down and slept.

When Becky returned to collect her from the surgery, Lola didn’t want to talk to her and wasn’t even behaving as if she was pleased to see her. Becky thought that Lola must hate her for putting her through the operation, but when they finally connected the following day, Lola explained that she just felt really rough from the anaesthetic and wanted to be left alone. She did not eat for 48 hours.

Recovery

In the following couple of days, there were various communications about Lola not being allowed in the garden with the other dogs and why she had to stay in the crate. Becky channelled Reiki for her every day and also offered Lola flower essences, aromatics and CBD. She was sharing the sensations around her wound site with Becky and questioning why it felt the way it did, explaining that as she moved, the stitches felt tight, and they pulled in her abdomen.

As Lola is a very high-energy dog, Becky was really careful not to let her do anything she shouldn’t. Unfortunately, one night, Lola escaped from her crate and dived onto the sofa. Sadly, this caused a fluid build-up under the skin at the site of the wound, and she had to be even more restricted for a while.

Session 1

The first time I worked with Lola was on 18th October, three days after the surgery. Becky had explained to her in advance that I was going to help her with her recovery. Over a Zoom call, Lola allowed me to connect immediately, even before I could ask for her permission. She took my attention to her belly area straight away.

Initially, I sensed that the energy releasing was current, very likely associated with the surgery a few days earlier. Then, there was a much heavier energy that came to my attention. This felt older and more dense.

Becky was able to identify this denser energy as being related to Lola’s previous seasons and phantom pregnancies. At that moment, I sensed another release, this time from Lola’s heart centre; it was as if, with the connection and acknowledgement, she could finally let go of all the emotions associated with those stressful and uncomfortable episodes.

Bringing attention to the wound itself, I could sense some tension and energy release from the left side. As I reported this to Becky, she was able to let me know that at that moment, Lola was licking the very same area. Becky also found that she had been able to sense the tightness and pulling in her own body. During the session, Lola was licking Becky’s fingers and shared that she felt a sense of calmness and contentment.

Session 2

Our second session was on 30th October, two weeks post-surgery. Becky was pleased to let me know that Lola now has a good understanding of her own healing and was mostly taking it all in her stride. Quite naturally, she was still upset when she had to go in the crate, especially at night, as her preference would be to sleep on the bed with Becky.

The surgical suit was now off, and Lola frequently told Becky to stop fussing and checking her stitches all the time and that she didn’t need to wear a cone around her neck. She was going out in the garden on her own, without the other dogs. Becky was ensuring she did not run around as the Vet has requested Lola stay quiet for a couple more weeks to be on the safe side whilst the dissolvable stitches were still tight. Becky could sense the tight knot they were creating in Lola’s abdomen.

We began the session, which ended up as a series of releases, one after another. Lola took me on a journey around her body, moving swiftly from one area to another. She had obviously worked out how she could use me to help speed her recovery.

After I asked permission to connect with her, Lola showed me her throat straight away. She had several energetic releases from here, which could most likely relate to the surgery. Lola had to have quite a lot of suction at the time, causing her to have a very dry mouth and throat lining post-surgery. This is not something she had shared about in conversation with Becky but nonetheless, it was important enough for her to bring to my attention. Muscle tensing and me having a coughing fit whilst working went some way to confirm this as being caused by the tube.

Other areas of significance, where Lola had quite substantial releases, included her whole womb space, heart area, and both sacral and solar plexus chakras. I sensed that the heart energy released was quite old, so we thought it was most likely unrelated to the recent surgery. In contrast, the sacral and solar plexus energy releases definitely appeared to be related. The position in which these chakras are located in and around Lola’s body, at either end of the wound makes this fairly certain.

Session 3

By our third session on 13th November, Lola had been back to her normal routine for the past five days and was much happier. She was out of the crate in general, playing gently and sleeping back on the bed with the other mastiffs. Becky was still not allowing her to chase her toys and run around madly, and Lola had to stay in the crate when Becky was out of the house. We both connected with her and found that Lola was not too bothered about having me work with her.

I had been connecting with her a few times remotely (rather than online) over the past week or so in the interim to work with the tissue on either side of the wound and help relieve some of the tension and pulling.

The main concern at the time was the outer layer of stitches, which had not yet dissolved. It was early days, and it can take up to twelve weeks post-op before this happens. The reason for all the stitches being dissolvable, instead of the outer layer being removable, is that the vet that Becky had used is in Essex, where she used to live. Having only been living in Norfolk for a short while before Lola’s surgery, she decided that she would rather use the practice she trusted and knew well but would not be driving back to Essex to have the stitches removed due to the distance.

In the following weeks, Lola did ask Becky to help with the stitches to alleviate the tightness and discomfort. As they were nearing the twelve-week mark and half of the stitches were yet to fall out, Becky helped with one or two of the knots. They did a couple a day until they were all gone, with Lola choosing when to come to Becky and show her belly so they could be done.

Post-Recovery Reflections

Becky has checked in with Lola and asked about her wound several times since the healing was completed. Lola has not shared any traumas or issues relating to the surgery. She is moving well, just as she did before her ordeal.

Becky is convinced that the combination of her Reiki, the CBD oil and the additional healing work and trauma resolution I provided have ensured that Lola’s healing has been a speedy and successful process.

Lola now feels free and is relieved that there will be no more seasons, or periods as she preferred to call them, and no more phantom pregnancies. However, she still insists that she would have liked to be trusted to look after herself rather than be crated. In the past, she had always been very underweight which Becky had put down to the stress of her hormone fluctuations and hopefully this will now rectify.

Lola is looking forward to playing with the other dogs again. In particular, Eric one of the other Mastiffs, has been missing her as she taught him to play after he arrived to live with Becky.

According to Becky, communication made the whole process a lot easier, and Lola’s willingness to go along with everything was key. If she had not wanted it at any point, Becky is unsure what she would have done. Communication can help our animals understand, but it can’t make them do something they don’t want to. I sense that as the lines of communication had always been open between them, the trust built up over the 18 months they had been together was strong enough that Lola knew Becky would not ask anything of her that was unnecessary.

It has been a complete privilege to be able to follow Lola’s neutering journey, with her agreement, and be able to assist in her recovery where I could. I hope that her story will encourage others to use communication to help their animals, whatever the species, not only whenever there is a need for any intervention but also just to check in with them on a regular basis.

The Ytene Healing® approach

The Ytene Healing® approach offers Somatic Experiencing®, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Osteodouce, Reiki and Animal Reiki to both human and animal clients, either in combination or independently. All the therapies offered are gentle due to their nature but can elicit profound healing.

Animal Healing sessions are intended to complement, not replace, the relationship you have with your veterinary practitioner. If you suspect your animal has a health problem, please see your Vet.

Contact me to book an appointment or find out more about the therapies I offer.

The post Lola’s Story – Her Neutering Journey appeared first on Ytene Healing.