Online Somatic Therapy for Trauma – ​UK & InternationalMaggie Richards SEP | Sexual Trauma Specialist |
Certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner since 2010 
Maggie has helped me enormously in reconnecting with my body – Google review
I’m a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with over 15 years of clinical experience.
My specialism is supporting adults through recovery from sexual trauma – rape, sexual assault and complex developmental violations, including childhood sexual abuse, and incest – particularly those who have already done a lot of talking therapy or personal development but still feel stuck. Early boundary violations can leave deeply embedded imprints on the body, typically locking the nervous system into persistent states of freeze, hypervigilance, shame and/or fawning. Somatic Experiencing taps directly into your nervous system’s innate capacity for healing and self-regulation, removing the need to retell your story or analyse past events through talking alone. We work with where you are right now, gently renegotiating shock and overwhelm to rebuild healthy, life-building boundaries. This natural process allows you to feel safe, relaxed and whole. I offer a deep empathy and understanding borne of my own intensive healing from sexual abuse. Drawing on that experience, I provide an intuitive and compassionate space in which you can move beyond ‘knowing’ what needs to change to building an empowering new relationship between your mind and body. I consider it a privilege to walk with others through their darkest places and guide them towards the light. People often contact me when traditional talking therapies have left them still feeling stuck in old patterns, despite years of gaining more understanding of their issues. Free consultation If you’d like a free 20-minute video or phone consultation, please email me with dates/times that suit you best. |
Need to KnowFormat: Online using doxy.me
Duration: 1 hour Frequency: Weekly or fortnightly Fee: £75. No cancellation fee My clients typically report benefits from their very first session, and work with me for several months. Professional Memberships
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Testimonials
“Maggie has been there for me during the hardest time of my life. She was born to help others, with her welcoming, nurturing and caring approach, as well as being incredibly skilled. She is a rare find.” Lucy
“Working with Maggie has been life changing. She has helped me immensely and I can't thank or recommend her highly enough. She is kind, patient and takes time to explain everything really well. She is excellent at what she does.” Jordan
"Maggie’s honesty and authenticity are a real gift. Since starting therapy, I feel more like myself than ever and have been able to make some huge life decisions. I’m deeply grateful for her support and wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone considering therapy!" Ashley
“Maggie is very gentle and kind and takes her time to work through each issue/traumatic experience in a calm setting. This approach allows your mind and body to process the event, release nervous energy and is honestly life changing.” Zoe
“Working with Maggie has been life changing. She has helped me immensely and I can't thank or recommend her highly enough. She is kind, patient and takes time to explain everything really well. She is excellent at what she does.” Jordan
"Maggie’s honesty and authenticity are a real gift. Since starting therapy, I feel more like myself than ever and have been able to make some huge life decisions. I’m deeply grateful for her support and wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone considering therapy!" Ashley
“Maggie is very gentle and kind and takes her time to work through each issue/traumatic experience in a calm setting. This approach allows your mind and body to process the event, release nervous energy and is honestly life changing.” Zoe
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic Experiencing was developed by American psychotherapist Dr Peter Levine, who observed that animals in the wild routinely survive life-threatening events without suffering. Humans, on the other hand, tend to get stuck in patterns of fight, flight, freeze or collapse. The good news is, with the right approach, we can – just like our fellow mammals – safely release these survival reactions.
SE works directly with the nervous system rather than the story. In sessions we track sensations in the body – tension, pulsing, breath holding – and progress slowly, in small steps, so that it can safely complete survival responses and leave the past behind. The work is subtle, client-led and often surprisingly calm. You stay present and in control throughout.
SE works directly with the nervous system rather than the story. In sessions we track sensations in the body – tension, pulsing, breath holding – and progress slowly, in small steps, so that it can safely complete survival responses and leave the past behind. The work is subtle, client-led and often surprisingly calm. You stay present and in control throughout.
What Can Somatic Therapy Help With?
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SE is best known for resolving trauma and PTSD, yet its uses include:
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Maggie is patient, perceptive and experienced – Google review
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​​Online Somatic Therapy – UK & Worldwide
Because SE primarily uses conversation, guided attention and awareness of bodily sensations, it can work very well online. You're in your safe space, and we work at a pace that respects where you are. If you'd like to know more, I've written a few tips for the best online SE sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Somatic Experiencing sessions will I need?
There's no set number – it depends on your symptoms and how your nervous system responds. Some people experience a meaningful shift in a handful of sessions; others choose to work over a longer period. We can review as we go.
Does Somatic Experiencing work online?
Yes. SE can be offered effectively using online because sessions mainly involve conversation, guided attention, and noticing bodily sensations.
Is Somatic Experiencing suitable for complex PTSD?
Yes, it may be helpful for complex PTSD and/or developmental trauma.
Do I have to talk about my trauma?
No. You can share as much or as little as feels manageable. Somatic Experiencing does not require a detailed retelling of traumatic events.
What is the difference between somatic therapy and talking therapy?
Talking therapy generally focuses on thoughts, emotions and personal history. Somatic therapy also pays attention to physical sensations, movement, breathing and nervous-system responses.
Can Somatic Experiencing make symptoms worse?
Focusing on the body can bring up excessive activation. A trained practitioner works gradually, monitors your responses, and adjusts the pace and/or interventions if the process feels overwhelming.
There's no set number – it depends on your symptoms and how your nervous system responds. Some people experience a meaningful shift in a handful of sessions; others choose to work over a longer period. We can review as we go.
Does Somatic Experiencing work online?
Yes. SE can be offered effectively using online because sessions mainly involve conversation, guided attention, and noticing bodily sensations.
Is Somatic Experiencing suitable for complex PTSD?
Yes, it may be helpful for complex PTSD and/or developmental trauma.
Do I have to talk about my trauma?
No. You can share as much or as little as feels manageable. Somatic Experiencing does not require a detailed retelling of traumatic events.
What is the difference between somatic therapy and talking therapy?
Talking therapy generally focuses on thoughts, emotions and personal history. Somatic therapy also pays attention to physical sensations, movement, breathing and nervous-system responses.
Can Somatic Experiencing make symptoms worse?
Focusing on the body can bring up excessive activation. A trained practitioner works gradually, monitors your responses, and adjusts the pace and/or interventions if the process feels overwhelming.
Like to Explore Whether Somatic Therapy is Right for You?
You don't need to know whether Somatic Experiencing is right for you before getting in touch. Book a free, no-obligation and confidential 20-minute consultation discuss your symptoms, ask questions, and explore whether working together feels right.