Herōsoma

01/05/2026

Looking forward to meeting everyone who signed up for Bilateral Meditation and Breathwork tomorrow! Ladies, remember to bring water, blanket, bolster, cushion, or yoga mat and most importantly, your beautiful self in comfortable clothing. Remember we're starting at 18:30 in the Wellbeing Hub, Andover :)
For those who would like to join, we have 2 spaces left!!!
With love,
Anna x

28/04/2026

Hey! Let's talk about:
The Intergenerational Trauma - Cost of Parental Denial: A Nervous System Perspective

The Double Wound
When parents deny their children's trauma, they create a wound upon a wound. The first is the original experience—the unpredictable anger, the emotional withdrawal, the silent expectations that shaped a child's world. The second, equally damaging, is the invalidation: "That didn't happen," "You're too sensitive," or "We gave you a good life."

This denial isn't malicious. It's survival. Parents protect their own unresolved nervous system states—hyperarousal of shame, shutdown of their own childhood wounds. To acknowledge your pain means confronting their role in it. "If my child carries trauma," they reason unconsciously, "then I failed."

The Body Remembers
Our nervous systems don't require parental permission to register a threat. They evolved over 3.5 billion years to prioritise survival above narrative.

Hyperarousal: The racing heart from father's raised voice, the shallow breath anticipating criticism.

Hypervigilance: The constant scanning "Is Mum upset? Did I do enough?" never resolves.

Dorsal Shutdown: The heavy limbs, brain fog, dissociation from emotional neglect that taught "feelings aren't safe."

These aren't memories stored in words. They're held in muscle tension, breath patterns, and heart rate variability. The body keeps the score long after minds rewrite the story.

The Generational Transmission
Denial teaches children a deadly lesson: suppress body wisdom. Reality becomes negotiable. Safety means pretending. This creates chronic dysregulation:

Elevated cortisol leads to chronic health challenges

Freeze states lead to depression and isolation

Hypervigilance leads to burnout and people-pleasing

The child becomes the parent, passing the same blind spot forward. "Nothing happened to me," they tell their own children, recreating the cycle. One generation's avoidance becomes the next generation's exhaustion.

The Nervous System's Truth
Healing doesn't require parental apology or understanding. Your nervous system already knows what happened. It remembers the phases:

Hyperarousal - energy moves through

Hypervigilance - safety can be chosen

Dorsal Shutdown - regulation exists beneath

Integration - all states meet

Ventral Safety - you are safe and connected

Your body seeks regulation, not validation. It seeks safety, not permission.

Breaking the Cycle
The work belongs to us as individuals. Name what your body knows. Track its signals. Learn its language. One generation's denial doesn't have to become the next generation's inheritance.

Acceptance of the wounds must be owned by us. Trauma is an event that changed your life. Complex trauma is the environment you lived within the repeated patterns, the relational betrayals, the survival adaptations that became your nervous system's default. There is a huge difference!!!

The nervous system heals through embodiment, not explanation.

20/04/2026

I would love to announce something I couldn’t ever dream of!
From the beginning of my unstoppable voices project, now good 4 years ago! I knew I had to create something bigger, stronger more meaningful for us women and young adults. As the pain I’ve seen throughout my years of working in education and mental health services made me realise this vicious cycle of trauma and self neglect is the result of our unhappiness! The fear of not fitting in, the fear of not saying no when we should or saying -YES to things we deserve. Because we feel not good enough or we shouldn’t deserve this! The societal norms which are the killers the self esteem and self love. I took many people on my journey - not to share on socials but to be present in person. Friends, my friends kids, people I work with. They all became part of this project which now solidified in the community led business. Fast forward the nomination to SME uk enterprise awards 2026 was a total surprise! You know that feeling - I am not ready yet - how this is even possible - with moments of self doubt and questioning my ability. Today came to life that we actually did it we have been announced the Best Wellness and Self Discovery Leader 2026 - Hampshire
See it takes time - perseverance - yes sometimes even moments of self doubt - do you know why! Because to reach your goals you have to fully believe, and love yourself with your strengths and flaws and other not some shiny parts of you! So yes, I am grateful for every single one of you - as without you this would never be possible!
As always,
With love,
Anna x

18/04/2026

Most of us know the story of Jekyll and Hyde, and the twist at the end leaves us with that powerful realisation that there is often far more happening beneath the surface than we first see. Maybe the mind is a little like that too — not something neat, fixed, or easy to define, but something layered, complex, and often quietly shaped by what we do not yet fully understand.
What appears on the outside is rarely the whole truth. Our conscious mind is the part we can name, the part we trust most, the part that helps us get through the day. But underneath that sits the subconscious — holding memories, beliefs, fears, and old protective patterns that may have been formed long before we had the language to understand them.

And this is where things become interesting, because so often we judge ourselves only by what we can see. Some of us call ourselves too emotional, too reactive, too distant, too much, too sensitive, others need to be perfectionists, have status, be superior to others, when in truth these are often not character flaws, but signals. They can be signs that something deeper within us is asking for attention, compassion, and space to be felt rather than suppressed.

Maybe healing begins when we stop trying to force everything into clarity too quickly. Maybe it begins when we allow mystery, when we sit with the parts of ourselves that do not yet make sense, and when we start listening to what our reactions are really trying to tell us. The conscious and subconscious are not enemies — they are part of the same inner landscape. And when we begin to bring awareness to both, we open the door to more understanding, more softness, and a deeper kind of wholeness.

Just a small Saturday reflection.... maybe something to dive deeper in?? what do you guys think??
as always,
with love,
Anna x

15/04/2026

Hi all, I hope you’re all doing well.

I’m currently doing a small research project exploring the connection between ADHD, perimenopause, and somatic work. My aim is to better understand how we can provide the most supportive and effective care for people who can often go under the radar in today’s world.

I do believe that the first point of contact should be your GP for assessment and support, but I’m also working on alternative provisions, and this first phase of research is a really important part of that process.

I would be so grateful to any women who are beginning to notice the first signs of perimenopause and who has a diagnosis of ADHD, or is currently waiting for one or suspect to have ADHD. If you could spare a few minutes to answer a short anonymous survey, it would mean so much to me and would really help with this research.

Thank you so much in advance for your time and support.

Here is the survey link:
https://form.typeform.com/to/rZF0iZ6C

Thank you, as always, with love,
Anna

Turn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE.

14/04/2026

Hey I have a question for you - have you ever felt stuck? even when life seems good on the surface? Like something’s missing, but you’re not sure what? Or you know you need to heal, but don’t know where to start?

I created a journal, Paradigm I: Ease After the Fire: The Wounding, exactly for this moment.

This isn’t another checklist or “fix yourself” guide. It’s a gentle companion for your inner work—the quiet, sacred space where you can:
- Unpack the numbness, the “fine-but-not-really” feeling
- Reconnect with your body’s wisdom (without overwhelm)
- Connect dots of the past
- Trust that healing doesn’t have to be loud to be real
- and most of all, answer questions which might feel uncomfortable!

Sometimes, the missing piece isn’t more effort—it’s a deeper discovery in a way that feels safe, not rushed.

Available now on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paradigm-Ease-After-Fire-Wounding/dp/B0GFF9Z3HT?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Perfect for pairing with my work and upcoming Bilateral meditation with breathwork for the beginners on May 2nd, or as a standalone start to your journey.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to begin.

As always,
with love,
Anna

Journal, Paradigm I - Ease After the Fire: The Wounding From Wounding to Awareness In the quiet aftermath of pain, something stirs, Awareness! This Journal is an invitation to turn toward the wounds you've carried such as rejection, judgement, overwhelm, loss and distrust. Through reflection and...

14/04/2026

Let's talk - The Nervous System, Trauma, and Low Self-Esteem and how they’re connected.

Low self-esteem isn’t just “negative thinking.” It’s often a physiological imprint left by trauma on your nervous system.

How Trauma Rewires the Nervous System!

When you experience trauma, especially early in life, your brain’s alarm system (the amygdala) learns to associate certain emotions, sensations, or situations with danger. To protect you, it shifts your nervous system into survival mode( that is why you often hear about changes in the size of the amygdala):

- Hyperarousal (Fight/Flight): Constant anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, people-pleasing.

- Hypoarousal (Freeze/Collapse): Numbness, shame, withdrawal, “I’m not enough.”

Over time, this dysregulation becomes your default setting. Your body is constantly scanning for threats, even when you’re safe.
Why This Creates Low Self-Esteem?
Here’s the hidden link:
When your nervous system is stuck in survival mode (dorsal vagal state), it distorts how you see yourself.

The Body’s Story Becomes Your Identity!!! Body keeps the score!
If your body feels tense, shaky, or shut down all the time, your brain interprets this as:

“Something is wrong with me.”
Rather than: “My nervous system is protecting me from old pain.”

Survival Mode Blocks Self-Trust - read this again!!! yes!

When you’re dysregulated, it’s hard to tell the difference between intuition (“This doesn’t feel right”) and fear (“I’m not good enough”).
Over time, you stop trusting your own decisions, instincts, and boundaries—which erodes self-worth.

Then shame come to life as a Survival Strategy!

For many trauma survivors (especially children), blaming themselves feels safer than accepting that their caregivers or environment were unsafe. Quite often we hear kids saying things like:
'' dad left - it is my fault''
''I am a burden''
“If it’s my fault, I can fix it.”

This belief sticks into adulthood as:

“I’m unlovable. I’m too much. I’m not enough.”

The Window of Tolerance Narrows! again read this again!

Trauma shrinks your capacity to handle stress without flipping into panic or shutdown.
Small setbacks (a critical comment, a mistake) feel catastrophic—reinforcing the belief:

“I can’t cope. I’m am not enough, don't know what to do anymore?!.”

Sounds familiar??? - yes, I know. We quite often missing those small parts of puzzles and we feel lost more times that we are ok!

The Hopeful Truth: You Can Rewire This!!! guess what - read this again!!! yes!

Low self-esteem isn’t a character flaw—it’s a nervous system habit. And habits can change.

Somatic practices (like the ones I teach) work because they:

✅ Teaches you importance of self awareness

✅ Signal safety to the amygdala through slow breath and gentle movement.

✅ Expand your window of tolerance so setbacks feel manageable, not devastating.

✅ Rebuild self-trust by helping you feel your body’s wisdom again (“I can handle this”).

✅ Release stored shame held in the fascia and muscles (especially hips, chest, throat).

When your nervous system learns, “We’re safe now,” your self-perception naturally shifts from:

“I’m not enough” → “I’m healing.”
“I’m too much” → “I belong and I am ok.”

12/04/2026

Let's talk- ADHD - short fact about procrastination and working under pressure.

Did you know that - you have been hacked by your own brain!

You are not lazy, broken, or self-sabotaging. Many ADHD brains have lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are important for focus and motivation. When stress or a crisis appears, the brain can release catecholamines, which can give a temporary boost in drive and alertness. That’s why you may perform better in a crisis or under pressure, and why procrastination can last until the last possible second.
So when life feels intense, and feel like the only time your brain fully wakes up is at the last minute, it can mean really, that your nervous system may just need different support. You are not the problem, your brain is doing its best to cope.
So grant yourself more empathy and understanding as quite often we forget to do so, and we live in a guilt or shame..... which we will talk about next time.

As always,
with Love,
Anna x

10/04/2026

Hi everyone! I hope you all have some amazing plans for this weekend ahead!

Some of you may know me already – for those who don't – hi, my name is Anna, and I am a somatic trauma-informed therapist and coach who offers various services catered to your unique needs.

I started my practice because I wanted to see change – change for young adults who are struggling with today's speed of life, for mums who juggle so much yet feel invisible, and for other practitioners like myself who are dealing with vicarious trauma daily.

Quite often I see people complaining about frustrations, rudeness, misbehaviour, short tempers, not being understood, feeling hurt after loss, and feeling disregarded. People saying they live with anxiety to the point they cannot leave their homes, depression, or 'dark' thoughts that won't lift.

Then I see young adults being aggressive, possessive, entitled… Kids throwing temper tantrums, the list goes on. And those are just 'labels' given by societal norms and approval – or, in a matter of fact, disapproval.

However, what I actually see underneath all of that is nervous systems that are overwhelmed, bodies holding years of unspoken stress, and hearts that have learned to protect themselves by shutting down or lashing out. With mental health waiting lists reaching the rooftops, we keep on losing touch with what's important – and that's us. Our wholeness: body, mind, and soul/spirit (or whatever you believe in – or not).

My work is not about fitting with the 'themes' of societal flows – I learn every day that without a regulated nervous system, we cannot fully enjoy our lives. Yes, some things I teach are different, a bit out of the ordinary, but sometimes we have to look beyond what we see to be able to achieve our true potential.

I am certain that we are far behind with our approaches from both medical and alternative perspectives. They keep on fighting because it's all for the – moneyyyy!!! Where if we could join our approaches together, we could prevent so much damage.

So here I am – just a small human being trying to work on the prevention of nervous system disregulation and the recognition of those very important moments before we fire up.

I truly believe that with my AAPTBE approach there is a way of changing the way how we live despite of our previous struggles. Does it mean you will not be triggered ever again, heal and be ok? - the true answer is NO - because we all are projects in making and to the end of our lives we will learn, adapt, change, and be triggered one way or another. But you will be able to approach things differently! This I can promise you - if you are willing to work, as remember nothing comes without work!

My emails are always open for any questions, so please don't be afraid to just ping me an email.

I also provide a 20 min discovery call so you can learn more about what I do and see if you are interested in working together.

No pressure! just pure willingness to help.

With love,
Anna x

02/04/2026

Let's Talk - ALLOSTATIC LOAD

Ever feel “tired but wired”, achy, foggy, or like your body is stuck on high alert? well this is not just stress it is in fact, Allostatic load.

What is allostatic load?
Allostatic load is the cumulative “wear and tear” on the body that builds up over time when you’re repeatedly or chronically stressed.

Allostasis = the body’s process of adapting to stress to stay functional (e.g., raising heart rate, releasing cortisol, shifting energy).

Allostatic load = the cost of all those adaptations when they happen too often, for too long, or don’t switch off properly.

It was coined by Bruce McEwen and Eliot Stellar to describe how constant activation of stress systems (like the HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system) eventually damages tissues and dysregulates systems instead of protecting them. Which tights with our yesterday's topic of Fascia!!!

Your nervous system is brilliant at keeping you safe in the moment. It raises your heart rate, tenses your muscles, sharpens your focus, and floods you with stress hormones so you can survive. But when this state gets switched on too often, or stays on too long, the very systems that protect you start to wear down.

Over time, high allostatic load can show up as:

- Palpitations, tight chest, high blood pressure
- Brain fog, poor memory, anxiety, irritability, insomnia
- Chronic muscle tension, jaw clenching, headaches, body pain
- Digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, cycle changes, low immunity
- Deep exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest

This is especially common if you’ve lived through ongoing stress, insecurity, or trauma. Your body learned to stay on guard — and never got the signal that it’s safe to stand down.

Allostatic load is basically the physiological footprint of unresolved trauma and chronic stress.

The good news? Allostatic load can be lowered.
Your nervous system can relearn safety. Stress cycles can complete. The alarm bell can quieten.

Ways to support your body in releasing this load:

- Slow, extended exhales (e.g. 4 seconds in, 6–8 out)
- Gentle, rhythmic movement (rocking, swaying, walking, stretching)
- Micro-pauses through the day to let your system reset
- Consistent sleep, food, and hydration to stabilise your chemistry
- Safe connection: co-regulation with trusted people, soothing touch, humming or low toning

Healing isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about creating enough safety, rhythm, and support that your body finally feels allowed to exhale. It is about your personal rhythm, remember every person is different and go through different experiences. however we are all connected - even more you think we are.

If this resonates, save this post, share it with someone who needs it, or send it to a friend who’s been running on empty for too long.

01/04/2026

Let's talk - Fascia and Somatic/intuitive movement release.

Fascia is that incredible, spider-web-like tissue wrapping every muscle, bone, and organ in your body. And here’s the wild part: it’s your body’s richest sensory organ, packed with 10x more nerve endings than your muscles. When stress or trauma hits, this web can get stiff, sticky, and dull—like an old sweater that’s shrunk in the wash. That’s when you feel stuck, heavy, or disconnected.

But here’s the magic

Gentle somatic and intuitive movement + deep breathwork doesn’t just stretch your body—it rehydrates your fascia. That slow, mindful flow melts the “stickiness,” floods your nervous system with fresh sensory signals, and lets old tension finally release.

Suddenly, your breath drops deeper. Your shoulders soften. That knot in your chest? Gone. It’s not magic—it’s biology meeting presence.

Movement, breath, and sound make all the difference, especially when you are sitting behind the desk all day or you are constantly on your feet!

How often do you hear - one size does not fit all - well, this session does! Come and see for yourself!

We will be hosting our ONE-OFF special Intuitive movement with breathwork session in Thatcham on the 24th April at 18:30 session will be 80mins long £25 - only 9 spaces available.
Book below :
https://herosoma.setmore.com/classes/35fd3fba-939d-469b-8058-86f756f276d5

Looking forward to see some of you there,
with Love
Anna xx

31/03/2026

We’re so excited to share some lovely news with you all!
HERŌSOMA is now expanding our work with our wonderful wellbeing hub in Andover, and we’ll be hosting monthly events there from now on — with something different each month to support your wellbeing in new and beautiful ways.
Our very first event will take place on 2nd May at 18:30pm, and it will be a gentle, welcoming evening of meditation, binaural sounds, and breathwork — perfect for anyone who is new to these practices or not yet feeling confident with them. This will be a soft and accessible introduction, held in a calm and supportive space. Help to soothe your nervous system, give you space to connect to your body and release mind form overthinking mode.
We’re also delighted to offer a 10% welcome discount for all new customers. Sessions are usually £12.50, this is a lovely chance to come along and experience something nourishing for both body and mind.
We can’t wait to welcome you and begin this beautiful journey together. 💛
The Wellbeing Hub, Watling House, E Anton Ct, East Anton, Andover SP10 5RG
TO BOOK PLEASE GO TO :
https://herosoma.setmore.com/classes/fb060c1f-c419-479b-96e4-14cec552405d
Please note that we hold space for only 9 people so please book in advance!
see you all there 🙂
With Love,
Anna