Resilience Somatics- Shannon Dikkema Relational Somatic Therapy

10/20/2023

Reflecting on the realities of social media engagement and how that makes this seem somatic practice seem shallow and "for sale". Reflecting on the impacts reading sef-help content outside of a relational context can have on folks. Reflecting on where my energy truly needs to go at this moment in history in order to have the biggest positive impact.

I have appreciated this experiment into the land of social media, and may use it here and there, but it is truly not representative of who I am or what I do or where my care truly lies.

I believe in becoming more deeply human and more deeply caring about each other and the land. I stand for increasing dignity and safety for everyone.

Maybe see you here, here and there.
Hopefully see you in LIFE, interacting and living and loving.

with gratitude,
Shannon

09/16/2023

Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can be a valuable component of overall nervous system regulation.⁠
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Moving your body can benefit your nervous system by:⁠
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Improved Mood: Physical activity, whether it's through exercise, yoga, or dance, can help reduce stress by promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.⁠
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Balancing Neurotransmitters: Regular movement can help regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, contributing to improved mood and emotional stability.⁠
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Enhanced Blood Flow: Physical activity improves blood circulation, ensuring that the brain and nervous system receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, promoting optimal function.⁠
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Arousal State Control: Exercise can shift your nervous system from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state to a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state, aiding relaxation and reducing anxiety.⁠
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Neuroplasticity: Movement encourages neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and rewire itself. This can support learning and memory, as well as recovery from neurological conditions.⁠
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Emotional Regulation: Movement provides an outlet for emotional expression and release, helping individuals process and manage emotions effectively.⁠
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Mindfulness: Mind-body practices, such as yoga and tai chi, promote mindfulness and body awareness, facilitating better self-regulation of the nervous system.⁠
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Reduction of Muscle Tension: Physical activity can relieve muscle tension and stiffness, which can be associated with stress and anxiety.⁠
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Increased Resilience: Regular physical activity can enhance an individual's resilience to stressors, making them better equipped to handle life's challenges.⁠
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The type and intensity of movement can vary from person to person, so it's essential to find activities that you enjoy and that align with your individual preferences and physical condition. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health concerns.⁠

09/12/2023

Understanding your nervous system and arousal states⁠
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Arousal levels exist on a spectrum, never fixed in place. By constructing a cognitive framework for these states, you can identify your current state and, from there, facilitate a shift.⁠
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🔵 Parasympathetic-Dominant State⁠
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Physiologically increases:⁠
Fuel storage, insulin activity, endorphins that help numb the pain threshold⁠
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Physiologically decreases:⁠
Heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tone, facial expression, eye contact, voice awareness, immune response⁠
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Emotionally: Dissociation, Numbness, Depression, Conservation of energy, Helplessness, Shame, Shut-down, Hopelessness, Trapped, Body collapsed, Immobility⁠
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🔴 Sympathetic-Dominant State: ⁠
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Physiologically Increases: heart rate, heightened awareness, blood pressure, adrenaline⁠
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Physiologically decreases: ⁠
Digestion, salvation, immune response, relaxation availability⁠
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Emotionally: Anxious, stressed, Panic, Fear, Worry + Concern, Rage, Anger, Irritation, Frustration⁠
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🟢SAFE + SOCIAL⁠
Ventral Vagal⁠
Parasympathetic Nervous System⁠
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Physiologically Increases: Digestion, Intestinal mobility, immune resistance, circulation to to non-vital organs, oxytocin, ability to relate and connect, Salivary glands become more active⁠
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Physiologically decreases: ⁠
The heart rate decreases,⁠
Breathing becomes slower and more regulated⁠
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Emotion: Calmness, contentment and satisfaction⁠
feeling of safety, The body and mind are in a state of relaxation and ease, trust⁠
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Your nervous system is dynamic, and understanding these states empowers you to navigate life's twists and turns.⁠
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Want to learn how to shift between states? Follow along for more!

09/06/2023

Artistic pathways offer a unique and powerful approach to promoting nervous system regulation and overall well-being. ⁠
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Integrating art into the process can provide distinct benefits such as:⁠
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😌 Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Engaging in artistic endeavors triggers the brain's reward system and leads to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and relaxation. This can help reduce stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression, promoting a more balanced nervous system response.⁠
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🦋 Creative Expression and Emotional Release: Artistic activities like painting, drawing, music, dance, and writing allow individuals to express emotions that might be difficult to articulate verbally. This creative expression can act as a catharsis, helping to release pent-up emotions and reduce stress, which in turn positively impacts the nervous system.⁠
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🧘 Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness: Immersing oneself in creative activities encourages a state of mindfulness, where attention is focused on the present moment. This mindfulness helps regulate the nervous system by decreasing the activation of the "fight or flight" response and promoting the activation of the relaxation response.⁠
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🧠 Neuroplasticity and Brain Health: Engaging in artistic activities stimulates various brain regions and enhances neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt. This is crucial for nervous system regulation as it enables the brain to develop new neural pathways and strengthen existing ones, leading to improved emotional regulation and resilience.⁠
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⭐️Empowerment and Self-Efficacy: Successfully completing artistic projects fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. This empowerment has a positive impact on the nervous system by promoting feelings of control and reducing the perception of threats.⁠
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🫂 Social Connection: Participating in group artistic activities fosters social connection and a sense of belonging. Strong social connections are known to positively influence nervous system regulation by reducing feelings of isolation and promoting feelings of safety.⁠
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🔗 in bio to learn more

08/15/2023

In this journey called life, we orient to balance and well-being. Adopting a lifestyle that supports a regulated nervous system is one of the keys!

Accessing nervous system resilience helps us to know that we have a choice, helps us step out of coping.

Then, we may choose mindful breathing, art, music, movement and meaningful connections, digital detox and nourishing foods.

Learn to manage your body's stress response and become more able to choose the life that feels nourishing to you.

🌻 What habits do you incorporate for a more regulated system to tackle your days?
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08/14/2023

Embrace Your Body's Wisdom with 4 Somatic Practices to Ground Yourself 🌳⁠
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Ready to escape mental chatter and reconnect with your body? ⁠
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Try⁠
⇁ Mindful breathing⁠
⇁ Body scan⁠
⇁ Grounding exercises⁠
⇁ and free body movements
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⭐️ Are you ready to feel more connected, resilient, and let go of anxiety?⁠
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⁠..⁠
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08/09/2023

Building Deeper Connections: Relational Somatic Therapy 🔗⁠
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Discover the power of embodied healing in this approach that values the mind-body connection within relationships. By exploring bodily sensations and emotions within the therapeutic context, it fosters self-awareness and emotional regulation. ⁠
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💙 Embrace the transformative potential of relational somatic therapy on a journey of growth and healing together!⁠
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RST is a trauma-informed and client-centred therapy for healing trauma and integrating painful past experiences. This style of therapy emphasizes safety and presence and is non-cathartic. This ensures that integration of the brain and nervous system happens in a way that is not disruptive to client's lives.⁠
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⁠We bear witness to the information that your body holds. We use present time awareness of the felt sensations in the body to access information about what you need in order to heal.⁠
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The symptoms of stress and trauma exist because the body 'thinks' the trauma event is still happening. ✨ RST changes how your body and nervous system holds the past. When your nervous system releases tension, your physical, emotional, mental and psychological symptoms can disappear, leaving you ready to live your best life.⁠
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PLEASE SEE DISCLAIMER IN HIGHLIGHT⁠
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Want to learn more?⁠
Follow along on Instagram!

08/09/2023

Hello and welcome!⁠

I see the value in online community in addition to in-person community, and I intend to show up online a bit more sharing practices, education and insights while connecting this beautiful community. I am officially on Instagram if you’d like to follow along!

A little introduction for those who may be new here,
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I am Shannon Dikkema, a registered Therapeutic Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor working on unceded Indigenous territory in Duncan, B.C.⁠
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Embodiment and transformation, connection and resilience are my passion! I love holding sacred, grounded space for the process of becoming more fully alive. ⁠
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I have done a 4 year honours BA in Political Science, Sociology, History and Psychology with a focus on social justice, global social justice and women’s studies courses. I am committed to working to reduce oppression of all types. Including abuse, racism or other systematic forms of oppression. ⁠
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I discovered somatic psychotherapy over 20 years ago as a client and have used it and embodied mindfulness practices to heal developmental trauma, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and a traumatic post-birth operation. I respect my lineage, both genetically and educationally with my commitment to authenticity and clarity and feeling in all areas of my life and work. ⁠
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My goal is resilience in all parts of ourselves. Also, the growth that can happen when we learn how to stay present with the less easy parts of life. Tension and pain can help us grow as long as we have the right kind of support. ⁠
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Are you still curious?⁠
Link in bio to learn more about myself and my practice 🌹 or check out my Instagram

06/02/2023

Check out my new site!

Access the wisdom in your body, integrate past experiences, watch anxiety fall away and live your life empowered! with Relational Somatic Therapy and Mindfulness training Book a session Counselling for trauma resolution, integration, resilience, empowerment and relief of physical symptoms Individual...