Tense, Tight, and On Edge
Trauma-informed Somatic-based Psychotherapy and Counselling for adult individuals and couples.
In-Person in Brant COUNTY & Norfolk County. Virtual across ontario.
You feel like you could snap or just run away at any moment.
You wake up with your jaw clenched and your tongue pinned to the roof of your mouth. You can’t remember the last time you felt your shoulders drop away from your ears. One dismissive sigh or unfortunately timed laugh sends heat rushing to your face as your fists tighten. You hold your breath, grit your teeth, and replay triggering exchanges on repeat hoping to find a validating internal voice. In calmer moments, the tension surfaces in your chest and shallow breath as you over-explain your feelings in an attempt to avoid conflict. When you have an opportunity to vent, there are moments that you feel heard, but it’s mostly adding gasoline to the fire.
Your pattern of tension and anger isn’t evidence of being toxic or dangerous. Parts of you have taken a protective stance of bracing or pushing back when you feel threatened while other parts might attempt to restrain the fight response. With time, this energy can be processed in a way that gives you access to the vitality that’s available when we claim our right to self-expression.
Could there be more than this…?
Anger doesn’t disappear when it’s suppressed or denied. Willpower isn’t enough to counter the part that believes arguing, controlling or coercing is the best way to safety. Change happens when the impulse to fight is completed in an embodied way. With time, your nervous system can learn that it does not need to escalate in order to be heard or protected. When you catch yourself mid-explosion, it becomes easier to return to yourself and repair your relationships without spiralling into shame. Instead of firing off irritably or constricting around a burning sense of resentment, you begin to notice the heat and tend to yourself before launching into attack. Exchanges that once felt contentious are met with curiosity.
expand your capacity for patience without losing your voice.
Disclaimer: The experiences described here are meant to support curiosity and reflection and are not necessarily diagnostic. Not all symptoms and patterns in all people originate from the same cause or place. Therapy is a collaborative process individualized to each person, and may be enhanced or supported by assessment and treatment with other health care providers as necessary.
What This Work Can Look Like…
Sessions include practicing body-based awareness, experimenting gently with your tolerance for discomfort, learning to approach various parts of yourself with curiosity, and exploring patterns entwined with your past and present. I’ll help you notice the signals your body offers before spinning out or shutting down, we’ll practice ways of soothing your nervous system, and over time, you’ll work toward rebuilding the natural regulation patterns of your body. Though this work involves moving through pain you’ve been pushing away, speeding past, or shutting down, we will approach the process in a way that mitigates feelings of overwhelm.
Working with me is experiential and relational, which means the process is not predictably structured in the ways our patriarchal, capitalist culture has conditioned us to expect. The pace, rhythm and frequency of a therapeutic relationship are part of the healing process. It’s important to know that deep and lasting change will likely require you to budget both time and finances.
"[…]the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen."
Pema Chödrön
Ready to take the first step?
If this is resonating with you, book a free 15-minute video consultation. We’ll chat about what you’re hoping to get support with and I’ll answer questions you might have. If we both feel we’re a good fit, we can schedule your first session.
Questions you want to ask before scheduling anything? Click here!
Core Clarity Psychotherapy & Counselling is not a same-day crisis service. The clinic email and phone is not monitored 24/7.
If you are in immediate danger please call 9-1-1, visit your nearest emergency room, or use the following resources for support:
National Suicide Helpline: Call or Text 9-8-8
Haldimand-Norfolk Crisis Assessment and Support (CAST): 866 487 2278
Brant Crisis Outreach and Support (COAST): 866 811 7188
ConnexOntario (Mental Health, Addiction, Crisis and Gambling support): connexontario.ca or 866 531 2600.