Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing is a method of treating trauma and its symptoms, including stress, and emotional as well as physical pain. Clients gain tools for relaxation, stress management, pain reduction and emotional support. Equipped with these tools they can accomplish tasks easily in their professional and personal lives, and become more successful and joyful.
I work with developmental as well as shock trauma including birth-related trauma, early childhood trauma, hospitalization, loss of a loved one, abandonment, and sexual trauma. The work resolves symptoms of PTSD including nightmares, anxiety disorders, trauma-related illnesses and constrictions in the body.
I know from personal experience the steps of trauma healing, which allows me to guide clients on the healing journey.
I work with the client seated or on the massage table. The work can be done with or without touch.
I facilitate self-regulation and restore a sense of safety and resilience in the body. After just a few sessions clients have more tools to self-regulate and are thus empowered to also do this work by themselves.
Clients report a sense of being present, centered, and grounded in their bodies, feeling connected to others, as well as opening to more love and joy. They enjoy more clarity, a sense of power and decisivness, as well as enhanced relaxation.
I delight in using the resources of play, humor, and movement to build a profound and lasting sense of embodiment. I create an environment of trust and with the client hold a commitment to healing.
My work is inspired by ten years of training in Aikido, Conscious Embodiment, dance, Continuum, yoga, meditation, Pathwork, and Bioenergy Balancing.
Our organisms, our psyches have all the resources to heal all of our traumas. That is what we are tapping into.

Between the stimulus and response, there is a space and in that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. Victor Frankl

“I no longer go into past or future thinking, but feel safe in the present. I am aware of my triggers now and can work with them. I manifested a good job with a great boss. I feel that I now have the resources to live and enjoy my life. Angelika was able to attune to my particular needs and light the path.” Susan B., a client

There's more about me and SE at http://www.traumahealing.com/ (Click on "Look for a practitioner") (Type: "Angelika Kasten" in the search box)

Massage Modalities

I believe that touch is one of the greatest medicines. It soothes, releases, and comforts. Our wholeness is nourished by frequent and regular doses of this all-pervading medicine.
I draw from a wide variety of massage styles, including Swedish, Esalen, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Thai, Stretching, Pregnancy and Orthopedic Massage. My massage style is unique in that it uses a combination of these techniques to fit each client's needs. High grade essential oils by Young Living are also used. My clients report a renewed sense of relaxation, well-being, and a reversal of chronic pain. One client describes the sense of wholeness she gains from my massage, "Thank you so much. When I came in, all I felt were the aches and pains in my body. Now there is a flow and a connectedness. You put the pieces back together."

Music

My clients frequently ask me which music I use or recommend for relaxation. Here is a partial list.
Deva Premal
Michael Jones

Poetry

I use poetry in my healing work. Here's one of my favorites:

Cast All of Your Votes for Dancing -- Hafiz

I know the voice of depression still calls to you.
I know those habits that can ruin your life still send their invitations.
But you are with the Friend now and look so much stronger.
You can stay that way and even bloom! . . .
O keep squeezing drops of the Sun from your prayers
and work and music
and from your companion’s beautiful laughter
and from the most insignificant movements of your own holy body.
Now, sweet one, be wise.
Cast all your votes for Dancing! --

Hafiz, 1320-1389

Take sips of this pure wine being poured
Don't mind that you've been given a dirty cup.

Rumi

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
take these broken wings and learn to fly
all your life
you were only waiting for this moment to arise.

Sarah McLachlan

Orthopedic Massage

I'm excited about learning and incorporating orthopedic massage into my repertoire. This technique allows me to address specific muscles and thus relieve chronic pain and speed up the healing process of injuries. Through the contract release approach muscles are strengthened, clients learn to locate the muscles, and also learn specific stretching exercises they can do at home.
For more information check out Orthopedic Massage. Dr. Hendrickson. 2007.