What Can Healing Look Like?

8/7/20262 min read

Healing is a word that is used a lot. Sometimes when that happens there is confusion about what a term like healing can look like. From a nervous system perspective, healing can look like being able to more easily shift from Shut-down into Social Engagement Functioning also known as Play/Dance.

Oftentimes, when we are triggered into Shut-down we reach for things that keep us more distressed and “in our heads” such as doomscrolling, vaping, drinking, or binge-watching shows. When clients practice Chi for Two® somatic practices with their Chi for Two Embodiment Coach they are more likely to access those practices when triggered outside of session.

Practicing a Navel Radiation movement like “Potentially Supportive Surfaces” can help clients move more attention to their energetic core or Belly-brain rather than their Head-brain. A Contralateral Practice such as “Twist” or “Flow Hands” can help the two brain hemispheres communicate more effectively and assist in moving through energy blockages. Once that occurs a client might naturally move into a Gesture practice such as “Drumming” or “Ready Stance” that helps clients communicate preferences that ultimately leads to more ease in the body allowing them to feel more in their adult bodies. A Handling practice such as “Sound Expression” or “Self-hug” can allow for clients to more easily Handle energy directed at them from others. For example, Handling one’s Gestures can look like hitting a drum rather than another person or oneself.

Chi for Two somatic practices help clients access Social Engagement Functioning when alone and with others because the practices help clients feel in their adult bodies even if early trauma has resulted in them often being triggered to feel much younger. Chi for Two practices make executive functioning more accessible because they promote optimal communication between the left & right brain hemispheres and allow clients to feel how their energy is separate from others without merging.

Personally, Chi for Two has been transformative as a human who has tried a myriad of treatments over decades with minimal benefit. The healing from Chi for Two has been gradual but sustainable and continues to evolve with practice. Chi for Two’s nuanced understanding of the relationship between the brain and the body and two-being interactions make it such a robust healing method for all kinds of nervous system dysregulation.

"When we do practices seeking presence, deep urges for support get stirred." Caroline Gebhardt, co-developer of Chi for Two®

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