Communication Skills & Somatic Awareness
Communication isn’t just about the words we choose — it’s shaped by our emotions, our lived experiences, and what’s happening in our bodies in each moment. When stress rises or old patterns get activated, even the most caring people can find themselves shutting down, reacting quickly, or struggling to express what they truly mean.
Strengthening communication begins with understanding your inner world — your emotions, your nervous system, and the signals your body sends when you feel overwhelmed, unheard, or unsafe.
At Cedar & Sky Wellness, I support individuals, couples, and families in building healthier patterns of connection through emotional awareness, somatic grounding, and practical communication tools. When we learn to stay regulated and present, it becomes easier to speak with clarity, listen with openness, and repair moments of disconnection.
Why Communication Breaks Down
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.
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.