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.

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.

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.

When clients visit me in person, I may sometimes weave energetic healing practices into our session. Sound, frequency and vibration are often the keys to helping shift stubborn energetic imprints that have become trapped in the client’s tissue, allowing us to access their inherent health and facilitate healing and resolution.

The two case histories below illustrate how I have used crystals to help bring about more energetic balance along with Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and Somatic Experiencing®.

In other instances, I have used tuning forks and drumming or a combination, to facilitate the required shift throughout the nervous system. Having a more Shamanic approach available to me enables each session to be tailored appropriately for the individual client.

There is also the element of choice when working this way.

Often, a client will be drawn to choose particular crystals and decide where to place them on their body. I am never surprised that their choice is usually spot-on for their particular issues. Involvement and choice introduce a sense of agency and participation into the session, which can significantly influence the outcome positively.

All names have been changed for anonymity.

Case History: Bella

Background

Bella has just turned 16 years of age, and I have known her family for the past twelve years or so. She has suffered from anxiety since puberty and has had extremely heavy periods in the past. Due to this, she now takes a contraceptive pill, which has helped to make her monthly bleeds more manageable. In addition, Bella takes medication for epilepsy, a condition which began a couple of years ago as ‘panic attacks’. It was formally diagnosed six months ago.

Bella is dyslexic, dyscalculic and possibly has ADHD. She can also become overstimulated quite quickly. She is currently tired due to exam stress, as her mock GCSEs are only a few weeks away. Her lower back is constantly sore and tight, and her neck can feel ‘clicky’.

Bella’s hobby is riding. She currently has a horse on loan, which accounts for some of her aches and pains. She is looking forward to attending her local College of Agriculture in September 2025 to hopefully attain a two-year diploma in Equine Studies.

Bella would like to feel more balanced, both mentally and physically. She would like to be less tired and doesn’t want to dwell on the negative aspects of her life.

Session 1

Mum and Bella both arrived looking tired. I settled Mum in a comfortable chair with a glass of water while Bella told me how she was feeling. She gave herself a score of only three out of ten.

From past experience, I know that Bella responds well to crystals. As she settled onto the couch, I gave her tiger’s eye for inner strength and grounding to hold in her right hand. Tiger’s eye is also good for balancing the endocrine system and helps with motivation while providing more energy. In her left hand, I placed rose quartz for emotional healing, self-compassion and inner healing while promoting peace and positive affirmations. Finally, I placed labradorite on her abdomen to protect against negativity, alleviate anxiety and enhance inner worth.

In this instance, I used a combination of Somatic Experiencing dialogue and both hands-on and hands-off Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and Osteodouce whilst working with Bella.

Our intention was to help reduce the impact of anxiety on her nervous system. The session was fairly non-specific. Initially, I found myself drawn to work around Bella’s pelvis, from where I could sense the whole area unwinding and rebalancing itself. Bella found herself yawning and sighing throughout.

I was then drawn to work around Bella’s upper body, especially her neck, shoulders and head. Rather than focus on a particular area, I sensed that it would be more beneficial to hold a wider field of attention. I could feel constrictions releasing from tight tissue, joints softening and realigning, and freer movement becoming more available.

Bella again confirmed the releases and shifts, yawning and sighing throughout the session.

After we drew the session to a close, Bella reported feeling much more relaxed. Her head felt light, and she was feeling much happier. I noticed that her face was now open and bright and that she was really smiley. When I mentioned this to both her and mum, Bella was so pleased that she went outside into the sunshine, took a selfie and posted it immediately on her social media. She now rated her score as eight out of ten.

Session 2

In the last few days, Bella’s contraceptive pill had been changed to a ‘combined’ one as opposed to progesterone only. She said she was feeling considerably better than she was two weeks ago, with her back much improved.

Unfortunately, at the beginning of the week, Bella had banged the left side of her forehead on her dressing table and made herself dizzy. It did look slightly bruised and had resulted in Bella suffering with a stiff neck since the incident. Despite this, she still scored six out of ten on the scale of how she felt at the start of the session.

Working with the same combination of therapies I used during the previous session, I chose to hold a wide field to allow Bella’s nervous system to express itself and show me any priorities. I soon became aware of some energy releasing from her shoulders and neck up to the right side of her jaw. I held this area in my awareness until I sensed that the energetic discharge had ended.

Bella’s body then drew me to give attention to her diaphragm area and her lower back. I held my attention here until I sensed that whatever resolution her nervous system had been moving towards had concluded. I had been aware of clouds of energy shifting, and Bella had sensed some heat around her lower back. There was also a strong sense that the diaphragm had been released.

The session drew to a natural conclusion, and Bella reported that she felt much better, good, but tired, with her neck having returned to full mobility and pain-free. She had yawned and sighed, and her stomach had gurgled all the way through the session, indicating a good level of unwinding throughout the fascia. Bella scored the way she felt at the end of the session as between eight and nine out of ten, which showed a marked improvement.

The two sessions documented here hopefully provide some idea of the work I do involving crystals and the positive difference that it can make.

Case History: Rebecca

Background

Rebecca is a teaching assistant but is unable to work currently due to the level of her anxiety. She was diagnosed as autistic as a teenager. Rebecca finds social situations difficult, can suffer from sensory overload and gets overwhelmed by emotions. She has a need for everyone else to be happy all the time and overthinks all social interactions.

Rebecca had quite a traumatic birth and was born with a head injury after having been stuck for hours. She then wanted to sleep all the time and had to be woken for feeds. She tells me that she has been anxious for as long as she can remember and missed a lot of school because of this. Her anxiety is particularly bad in relation to medical issues.

She would like to be free from all the fears and phobias which get in the way of life and to be able to sleep better.

During both the sessions documented below, I used a combination of Somatic Experiencing® dialogue and both hands-on and hands-off Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and Osteodouce whilst working.

Session 1

Rebecca has a sensation in her throat that began in April when she had to have a tooth extracted. It feels as if something is stuck there and she worries a lot about this. Her GP said it was anxiety, and although it stopped a couple of weeks ago, it is back again now.

I gave Rebecca two lepidolite palm stones to hold. Lepidolite is a lithium-rich crystal that is said to help with emotional balance, anxiety reduction and improved sleep. It can also help people release past traumas and negative emotions.

I was purposely slow and gentle as I eased into working with Rebecca, which her nervous system appeared to appreciate. It allowed me to connect really well and I immediately became aware of a noticeable sense of relief from it as I did so.

I was initially guided to her thoracic area and upper back. Rebecca’s body appeared to be holding an extraordinary amount of tension but happily released in constant waves that were continuous for quite a long period of time, mainly from her heart area.

I was then drawn to bring Rebecca’s head into my awareness. From there, I had a strong sense of energy shifting and releasing from deep inside. My feeling was that this seemed to be quite old energy but I was unable to ascertain any more than that.

As we moved towards a conclusion, I became aware of a powerful sense of lengthening throughout the whole of Rebecca’s nervous system. It was as if she was growing taller, and I became aware of some of the overwhelm leaving her body.

Rebecca reported feeling better after the session.

Session 2

Rebecca reported that the past couple of weeks had been quite stress-free, and she felt more supported and grounded. She felt more like her old self again, although she was still having trouble dropping off to sleep. It could often take two or three hours for this to happen. She had ordered some lepidolite stones for herself.

As the lepidolite seemed helpful during the previous session, I gave Rebecca the palm stones to hold again. This time, I was inexplicably drawn to her endocrine system (hormonal system). As I stood beside her, I pictured the whole system in my mind’s eye, from the hypothalamus in Rebecca’s head to the ovaries situated in her pelvis. I held the intention for it to access its inherent health.

I could sense blockages: the thyroids, the thymus gland in the heart centre, the adrenals, ovaries and the womb. As I was drawn to each of these areas of her body in turn, I became very aware of energy shifting. By the time the womb space was showing a state of balance, there was a sense of the whole of Rebecca’s endocrine system recalibrating itself. Constrictions were released, and balance returned.

I tuned in to each of her chakras in turn as they relate in position to the endocrine system. I found that after a significant release from her root chakra, Rebecca was quickly able to find energetic balance throughout.

As the session drew to a close, she reported that she was feeling much better, calmer and less anxious.

Rebecca’s experience also highlights the benefits of crystals in a holistic approach to trauma healing.

All the therapies I offer are intended to complement, not replace, your relationship with your medical practitioner. Please remember to contact your medical practitioner in the first instance if you have any concerns regarding your health.

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.

The post A Truly Holistic Approach to Trauma Healing appeared first on Ytene Healing.

As the NHS website says, stroke recovery is individual and will depend on how much a stroke has affected you physically and mentally and your rehabilitation plan. There is no one-size-fits-all as far as treatment is concerned, but as a therapist, I can help alongside your medical rehabilitation. I work with clients to support physical and mental recovery and rehabilitation.

This client found that focusing on the trauma of the stroke helped her heal and move forward:

“I am a mental health professional who came to see Sarah for help after I had experienced a stroke and lost my job. I felt as if I had repeatedly been beaten up with a baseball bat and was numb emotionally. I knew that I need help which focused on the way my body was holding on to trauma.

Sarah’s supportive healing, reflecting her deep knowledge of mind, brain and body, helped me to release blocked energy and to feel again. I am so grateful to have found her.”

After he had a severe stroke, I worked remotely with this client’s father to help alleviate symptoms and improve movement:

“I came to Sarah to help my dad after he had suffered a massive stroke. Sarah was able to work on my dad remotely using Craniosacral Therapy. His stroke was far too severe for a full recovery to be possible, but Sarah was able to help him function better and keep him comfortable.

The work she did is too vast to detail, but I can give a couple of examples. After the stroke he had vacant eyes, which did not seem to be registering what was occurring around him. She was able to work on the connection between his eyes and his brain and was able to help him to such an extent that his eyes appeared normal.

As a stroke victim, my dad was completely unaware of the left side of his body. He was only able to turn his head to the midpoint, but with Sarah’s help he was able to turn his head fully to the left and become more aware of what was happening on that side.

Following the stroke, his limbs were incredibly swollen and Sarah was able to help the lymphatic drainage and restore them to a normal appearance. I still remember visiting the hospital the next day and being amazed at the transformation. She also helped drain fluid from his lungs when he had pneumonia.

I was able to enjoy the precious remaining time with my dad, with him being fully aware that I was there and able to engage with me. This is thanks to Sarah and her amazing work. She truly has a gift.”

All the therapies I offer are intended to complement, not replace, your relationship with your medical practitioner. Please remember to contact your medical practitioner in the first instance if you have any concerns regarding your health.

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.

The post Stroke recovery: Client experiences appeared first on Ytene Healing.