Meet our Holistic Humans
Body: Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy
Our partners in body and movement work with us by combining their core skills in physical therapy with our Trauma and Polyvegal informed training to become accredited in Whole-Human Therapy™.
Together as a network of Holistic Humans™ we provide a service to you that is unique to your needs as a whole-human to help you reconnect mind and body.
The power of therapeutic touch
Mental health is not experienced solely through our thoughts, but through the whole body.
Emotional wellbeing is shaped by how we breathe, move, hold tension, and experience safety in relationship with others. An integrated mind–body approach recognises that meaningful change occurs not only through insight and conversation, but also through embodied experience.
Touch is a fundamental and innate form of human communication, supporting safety, regulation, and connection across the lifespan. When offered with care, clarity, and informed consent, therapeutic touch can support nervous system regulation, enhance body awareness, and foster a sense of grounded presence. For many, this provides a pathway to healing that complements verbal exploration and supports experiences that may be difficult to access through words alone.
Within an integrated mind–body framework, touch is not intended to replace traditional talking therapies, but to work alongside them. By including the body as an active participant in mental health care, clients are supported to feel more present, regulated, and connected to themselves. This whole-person approach creates space for healing that is safe, respectful, and deeply human.
The body as protector
Trauma, pain and the nervous system. We used to think pain was a direct measure of tissue damage. We now understand it as the nervous system’s protective output. The brain is constantly asking: am I safe? Pain is one way it answers no. This helps explain why pain can persist even when injury has healed — and why pain is so often influenced by stress, sleep, and emotional load.
If someone’s nervous system has learned that the world — or their body — isn’t safe, pain can become part of that ongoing protection. This doesn’t mean the pain is imagined. It means the pain is real — and meaningful.
When trauma shows up in the body
- Persistent pain without injury
- Altered breathing patterns
- Posture and movement changes
- Changes in voice projection or tone
- Tension, guarding, hypersensitivity
"The impact of trauma is located in the survival part of the brain, which does not return to baseline after the threat is over.’’
Dr Bessel Van Der Kolk, The Body Keeps The Score
What to expect
All Holistically Human practitioners are trained in trauma-informed care, ensuring they know how to create a safe, supportive, and respectful space for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Our practitioners engage in ongoing professional development, receive regular supervision, and work in line with the latest research and best practice throughout their time within the Holistically Human community.
Your privacy is always respected. No confidential information is shared without your explicit consent. Many clients choose to offer a brief outline of their needs directly to their practitioner, which is often more than enough to guide the work — without needing to disclose anything that feels overwhelming or deeply personal.
If a particular therapy or specialist support is likely to be especially beneficial, your practitioner may recommend connecting with our assessment team or exploring another service within Holistically Human. You will be guided toward a selection of appropriately trained and qualified practitioners, allowing you to choose and book a session at a time that suits you. If you already have a clear sense of what you’re looking for, you’re also welcome to browse our directory and select a practitioner who feels like the right fit for you.