Natalie Gallant | Somatic Therapy for Women
Anxiety, Body Image, and Eating Disorder Recovery
Wholeness and healing starts here.
If you’re ready for a journey of self-discovery, healing, and creating lasting change…
Whether you’re wondering if you’re “good enough”, putting pressure on yourself to look a certain way to be worthy of love, or working tirelessly to put other’s needs before your own…
…then you’re in the right place.
And for someone who always wants to be in control, that can be terrifying. From the outside, it may appear that you’re okay but the way it feels on the inside tells a different story. Ruminating thoughts about your never-ending to-do list, comparing the way your body looks to others and that constant chase for perfection can leave you feeling depleted. Needing everything to always “be a certain way” maybe gives you temporary relief but ultimately ends up with you feeling burnt out. While being regarded as the type of person who always has it together can feel empowering, after awhile it becomes a constant cycle of always needing to be the best but fighting those nagging thoughts of self-doubt.
Let’s face it: dealing with uncertainty can be uncomfortable
The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way.
My approach to therapy is rooted in authenticity and trust. In our work together, we’ll deconstruct the thoughts that are holding you back from being the confident woman you can be. Growth often comes from a place of discomfort but I’ll never leave you there. Our sessions will focus on building on the strengths you already have and developing a network of coping skills that go beyond putting a band-aid on the deeper issues. Using a mind-body approach, I’ll help you heal the relationship with your body and become unstuck from the belief in needing to be perfect.
What is Somatic-based Therapy?
Somatic-based Therapy applies mind-body practices to process anxiety, and the disconnection that often comes with body image issues or an eating disorder. By incorporating yoga-based techniques such a breathing and guided meditations (not sitting in silence trying to have zero thoughts!) to cultivate a sense of calmness and safety. By gently bringing awareness to your internal cues, you can reconnect your mind and body to truly find freedom from distressing symptoms. My goal is to meet you where you’re at on your healing journey and support you every step of the way.
Anxiety
Experiencing overwhelming thoughts is common when dealing with anxiety, but that’s not always the case. You may notice a sense of unease, even if “nothing is happening” or you’re not thinking of anything in particular. Using body-based practices can help ground you in the present moment by gently taking awareness to your senses and learning to find comfort within yourself.
Body Image
Have you ever been suggested to look in the mirror and compliment yourself? If you didn’t find that helpful or maybe even triggering, you’re not alone! Your body carries you through life and I truly believe that deserves praise, even if it seems like its working against you. Through somatic-based work, we will view your body neutrally and cultivate self-compassion for what your body does for you.
Eating Disorders
To the outside world, it may seem like you’re preoccupied with your appearance, but the last thing you want to focus on is how you look. By engaging in behaviors such as binging, purging, and ignoring hunger cues, you may become disconnected from your body. Through incorporating somatic-based work, you can learn to tune into your body’s needs and honor those needs in a way that is nourishing and safe.
What it’s like to work with me
As someone who’s been a client before, I understand firsthand how nerve-wracking the idea of therapy can seem. Therapy with me is…
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Every feeling and emotion is valid. I believe that part of the healing process involves you learning to understand and validate the experiences that brought you here.
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Part of our work together will focus on what you’re experiencing, both physically and emotionally in order to develop a deeper sense of understanding the reason behind your feelings.
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We’ll work together to restore balance and cultivate a sense of wellbeing within yourself.
Why Sage Mind?
Sage represents wisdom, calmness, and clarity. Sage Mind (known as Wise Mind in therapy) means to think both emotionally with your heart and also logically with your mind. By balancing the two you can find peace and learn to trust yourself.
My training
and education
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Master of Clinical Counseling, East Carolina University
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Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (16881)
National Certified Counselor (1586064)
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I incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which focuses on understanding the connection of thoughts and behaviors. I use somatic-based work, which builds connection from your mind to body. I also utilize Compassion Focused Therapy which incorporates validation and understanding.