Exploring Somatic Movement with Jen Hill
Expanding the Mind-Body Connection
What if healing isn’t just about talking, but about moving?
In this inaugural piece for Uncharted Conversations, we’re diving into somatic movement—a practice that helps uncover emotions stored deep within the body.
To guide us, we’re joined by Jen Hill, a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate who integrates somatic movement into her work. Jen’s unique approach empowers individuals to reconnect with themselves on a profound level, offering an alternative path to emotional processing and healing.
Why does this matter? Because wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Practices like somatic movement expand our toolkit for navigating mental and emotional well-being, and today we’ll explore how.
Jen’s Journey: Finding Movement in Healing
Jen’s personal journey with somatic movement began as she faced her own emotional challenges. During moments when words fell short, movement became a way to process feelings that were otherwise inaccessible.
She recalls, “Emotions can be stored in the body—sometimes outside of our awareness. Movement helps people access those emotions in ways talk therapy alone may not. For example, you might not remember all the details of an incident, but tuning into your body could reveal tension or tightness, signaling that something is still unresolved.”
A pivotal moment in her career came when she noticed clients visibly shaking while recounting traumatic events. “That shaking is the body’s natural stress response,” Jen explains. “I encourage clients to let it happen, even lean into it. It’s the body’s way of releasing stress, allowing emotions to move through rather than staying stuck.”
These experiences solidified Jen’s belief in the transformative power of combining therapy with movement, leading her to integrate somatic practices into her work.
Jen and her adorable boys ❤️
The Power of Somatic Movement
Somatic movement helps people process emotions differently than talk therapy by bridging the gap between the conscious and subconscious mind. Jen explains,
“We think of our brains as logical and rational, but often we feel emotions that don’t make sense logically. Tuning into the body allows us to connect with authentic emotions we might not even realize we’re holding.”
For example, someone recalling a stressful event might feel tightness in their chest or a knot in their stomach. These physical sensations provide clues to unresolved emotions stored in the body, offering an opportunity to explore and release them.
Reconnecting When You Feel Disconnected
Many people describe feeling “disconnected” from their bodies, sometimes even as if they’re floating above themselves. This dissociation often develops as a coping mechanism during times of extreme stress.
“To help clients reconnect, I use mindfulness and grounding techniques to bring them back into the here and now,” Jen says. “The goal is to create safety within the body because if the body hasn’t felt safe in the past, dissociation may have been a necessary tool. But now, we work on establishing that safety so clients can feel more grounded and present.”
Strengthening Relationships Through Body Awareness
Body awareness doesn’t just benefit the individual—it can also transform relationships. “Most of our communication is nonverbal,” Jen explains.
“Being in tune with your body allows you to signal that you’re safe, trustworthy, and open. This is critical for building healthy connections, especially in relationships involving physical intimacy, like between parents and children or romantic partners.”
Jen emphasizes the importance of consensual, appropriate touch and using body awareness to enhance emotional regulation. “When we’re connected to our own bodies, we can communicate and connect with others in healthier ways.”
How to Start Moving Toward Healing
Jen believes anyone can benefit from somatic practices.
Here are her simple, actionable tips:
Mindful Breathing: “Focus on your breath. Take deep breaths, feel your lungs fill with air, and notice your ribcage expanding and contracting. Breathing deeply fosters relaxation and reduces anxiety almost immediately.”
Body Scans: Check in with your body during the day. Notice any tension or tightness, and explore what emotions might be connected to those sensations.
Grounding Techniques: When feeling overwhelmed, plant your feet firmly on the ground, look around, and bring your attention to the present moment.
Posture Awareness: Pay attention to how you’re holding yourself. “Are you slouching or clenching your jaw? These subtle physical cues can reveal emotional patterns,” Jen says.
Shake It Out: “If you’re feeling stuck, let your body move. Shake out your hands, wiggle your toes, or move your shoulders. Movement shifts energy and emotions that are stuck in the body.”
Closing Thoughts
Over the years, as I’ve worked closely with clients in my business, and also through my personal healthy journey, I’ve come to understand just how deeply our bodies and emotions are interconnected.
The practice of somatic movement has opened up a new perspective on emotional healing—one that’s centered in the body, where words often fall short.
This is why I’m so excited to share Jen’s work with you—because somatic movement has the potential to change the way we think about healing, and it’s something that can profoundly support us all.
Looking ahead, Jen is continuing her work at Enhancing Intimacy Counseling, where she guides individuals toward emotional and physical well-being.
With a focus on anxiety, trauma recovery, and strengthening relationships, she helps clients reconnect with themselves and their loved ones by fostering emotional safety and intimacy. By integrating somatic movement, mindfulness, and relational approaches, Jen creates a space where her clients feel truly supported and seen.
Off The Beaten Path With Jen 🌿
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is a holistic state of well-being that encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and social health. To achieve wellness, we must focus on actively making choices that lead to a balanced and fulfilling life. I like to remind people that laughter and joy are an indication of wellness...so if you can find more ways to have fun and laugh, that's a good place to start!
If you could transport yourself to any place you’ve been, where would it be?
Ooh good question! That I've already been, I'd say South Africa to go on a safari. I went when I was a kid, but I would like to go again and reconnect with my father's place of birth and enjoy immersing myself in nature alongside the safari animals.
Uncharted Conversations is all about venturing into the unexpected, and Jen’s work beautifully captures this spirit. Whether it’s releasing stress through movement, reconnecting with your breath, or creating a sense of safety within your body, somatic movement offers a deeply personal and transformative approach to healing.
Jen’s practice serves as a reminder that wellness is not a one-size-fits-all journey—it’s a unique, evolving exploration. By embracing practices like somatic movement, we can create new avenues for healing, connection, and personal growth.
Stay tuned for more conversations that uncover the unexpected roads to well-being.
To celebrate the launch of this series, I’m excited to offer $20 off any service! Simply email me at ericabreenwellness@gmail.com with the subject line “Uncharted Jen” to claim your discount. This offer is exclusively for new clients and limited to one per person—don’t miss out! 😉
Jen Hill is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate at Enhancing Intimacy Counseling in Austin, TX. She is supervised by Claudia Thompson, LMFT-S, LPC-S. You can learn more about Jen and her work here.