Compassionate Presence is Medicine

Many of us have had the experience of suddenly being able to access our suppressed sorrow once in the company of a safe other. Compassionate presence sends a permission signal to the body, silently communicating it’s ok to relax, feel, and release.

The respectful physical touch of a friend can unhook our amygdala within minutes, allowing, finally, for the cessation of perpetual motion, which we use to avoid feeling our feelings. It’s good to be strong so we can survive difficult experiences, and it’s necessary to be comforted when we’re hurting.

My name is Simona. I live in San Francisco, and I offer grief and stress relief sessions both in person and through Zoom. A session consists of sitting together, talking a bit, making connection at the heart level to the degree you feel comfortable. Often, the first thing that arises in this kind of relating is fear. Emotional release sessions are done in a titrated way, gauging and soothing your survival response - the unconscious urge to flee, shut down, become critical or fidgety. Occasionally, anger will arise.

This experience is healing at depth because it happens within a container of Presence.

When meeting in person I ask for permission to touch your feet, your shoulders, your hands, your back. If that goes well, a cradling hug with particular movement and sound can be very helpful.

When was the last time someone tenderly brushed your hair?

For more information, please email me here.