You know the feeling: the tight shoulders that never fully relax. The racing thoughts at 3am. The sense that you're always bracing for the next thing.
Maybe you've tried breathing exercises, meditation apps, even therapy — but the tension in your body remains.
Here's what many stress-reduction approaches miss: anxiety isn't just in your head. It lives in your body. Your nervous system may be stuck in "on" mode. Until your body learns it's safe to settle, no amount of positive thinking will create lasting calm.
How Stress Gets Stuck in the Body
- Muscles tense — especially neck, shoulders, jaw, and back. Over time, this creates chronic pain and postural patterns.
- Breathing changes — faster, shallower, or breath-holding keeps the nervous system activated.
- Posture shifts — hunching protectively, bracing, or collapsing becomes habitual.
- The nervous system stays on — even when the stressor is gone, your body doesn't get the message that it's safe.
This is why you can have a relaxing weekend and still feel tense. Why you can know you're safe but not feel safe. Your nervous system is running old programs that no longer serve you.
Do Any of These Sound Familiar?
In your body:
- Chronic tension in neck, shoulders, jaw
- Headaches or migraines
- Digestive issues
- Difficulty taking a full breath
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue despite adequate rest
In your mind:
- Feeling "on edge" or hypervigilant
- Racing or intrusive thoughts
- Difficulty being present
- Overwhelm from normal demands
- Irritability or emotional reactivity
- Can't relax even when you have time
Two Proven Approaches, One Practice
Somatic Experiencing
Working directly with your nervous system
SE helps your nervous system learn that it's safe to settle. Through gentle awareness of body sensations, we help your system complete stress responses that got stuck.
- Calm chronic anxiety at its source
- Feel grounded and present
- Reduce hypervigilance and reactivity
- Sleep better and respond to stress with flexibility
Alexander Technique
Releasing the physical patterns of stress
AT addresses the tension patterns that accompany — and perpetuate — anxiety. By releasing muscular holding and improving posture, we interrupt the feedback loop between body and mind.
- Release chronic tension in neck, shoulders, and back
- Breathe more freely and deeply
- Carry yourself with ease instead of bracing
- Feel more comfortable in your body
Integrated Approach: Often, the most powerful work happens when we combine both. As your nervous system learns to regulate, your body releases long-held tension. As posture improves, your nervous system receives signals of safety.
What Clients Say
"Anna's lessons have always left me feeling better — lighter, somehow taller. And what's important, Anna gave me the knowledge and power to do it on my own."
"After struggling with neck and shoulder tension which would lead to headaches, working with Anna got rid of them almost entirely within just 3 months."
Ready to Feel Calmer?
You don't have to white-knuckle your way through life. There's a different way to be in your body. Book a free 15-minute consultation and let's figure out the best approach for you.
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