Communication Skills & Somatic Awareness
The Relationship Between Communication and Our Body
Communication is more than the words we say — it’s influenced by our emotions, our history, and what’s happening in our bodies. When stress or old patterns surface, even caring people can shut down, react quickly, or struggle to express what they truly mean.
At Cedar & Sky Wellness, I help individuals, couples, and families understand their inner world and build healthier ways of connecting. Through emotional awareness, somatic grounding, and practical tools, we work toward staying regulated and present so it becomes easier to speak clearly, listen openly, and repair moments of disconnection.
Do You Resonate With These Statements?
“I struggle to find the right words when I’m overwhelmed.”
“I shut down or go quiet when stress gets high.”
“I feel unheard, even when I’m trying to explain myself.”
“I avoid bringing things up because I don’t want conflict.”
“I feel dismissed or misunderstood, and I don’t know how to express that.”
“I want to connect better, but I don’t know where to start.”
Most communication struggles are not about “saying the wrong thing.” They often arise from:
Nervous system overwhelm
Unmet needs or unspoken emotions
Old relational patterns being triggered
Fear of conflict, rejection, or being misunderstood
Difficulty staying grounded in the moment
When the body senses threat — even subtle, emotional threat — it’s harder to speak clearly or listen fully. We might shut down (freeze), get louder or quicker (fight), avoid (flight), or collapse into people-pleasing (fawn). None of these responses mean something is wrong with you — they’re survival strategies that once kept you safe.
Why Communication Breaks Down
How Somatic Awareness Supports Better Communication
Somatic practices help you notice what’s happening in your body before communication breaks down. These may include:
Gentle grounding exercises
Breathwork to calm the nervous system
Sensory or movement-based practices
Noticing body cues (tightness, heat, tension, breath changes)
Learning to pause and regulate before responding
When you can recognize your body’s early signals of stress or shutdown, you’re better able to choose how you communicate — rather than being swept up in reactivity.
This is the foundation of speaking from a grounded, centered place.
How I Help
Together, we’ll choose the approach that feels most comfortable and effective for you, so your care is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Gottman Therapy
Learn how to reduce conflict, improve communication, and build trust.
You will learn how to repair misunderstandings, navigate tense conversations, and strengthen emotional intimacy using tools that create safety and understanding.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Identify the thoughts and patterns that fuel reactivity, conflict, or shutdown, and learn practical tools to respond more clearly and calmly.
You’ll have better understanding of your triggers, reframing unhelpful beliefs, and communicating from a grounded place.
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Uncover the deeper emotions and attachment needs driving conflict or withdrawal, allowing you to express yourself with more vulnerability and receive others with more compassion.
Strengthen emotional bonds by helping you and your loved ones move out of reactive cycles and into connection.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
Learn powerful skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindful communication.
You’ll learn how to stay present during difficult moments, express needs clearly, and manage overwhelm so interactions feel more balanced and intentional.