Healing Pillows

The session began as usual: I lay flat on a therapy table covered with a 3-inch foam pad and a sheet. The room was softly lit by gentle white lamps, with the ceiling lights off, creating a calming atmosphere.

I settled onto the table, just as in previous sessions, with my arms resting at my sides. The therapist placed weighted pillows—referred to as “nurture to heal pillows”—on various parts of my body: a heart-shaped pillow over my heart space, a round pillow and a brick on my stomach where I hold trauma, and a long, skinny weighted pillow along my chest to help press my core into the bed.

As I shared recent experiences and reflections since our last session, I appreciated the deep trust and connection I have with this therapist and her supportive role in my healing journey.

As I began to relax, I felt familiar tingling sensations spreading from my fingers to my hands, arms, core, legs, feet, and toes. My body became completely numb, as if asleep, yet fully relaxed and grounded.

The therapist applied a lightly scented cream to my face, forehead, behind my ears, jaw, and neck, gently massaging it in. She then moved to my arms and hands, applying and massaging the cream there as well.

While she worked on my upper body, I experienced powerful bursts of energy moving from my core and upper body to my feet. It felt as though a previously blocked channel between the upper and lower parts of my body had been opened. This intense flow of energy was a significant sign of the progress I’ve made with Somatic Experiencing.

It seemed that trauma was being released from my core and upper body and exiting through my feet. The therapist then massaged my feet, including the soles, focusing on points that correspond to various organs in my body. My whole body felt like putty on the table, and it took some time for sensation to return so I could slowly get up at the end of the session.

I’ve never felt so deeply relaxed at the end of a therapy session. I am eagerly anticipating our next session and the continued healing this modality offers.

My healing journey continues …