Freya's Therapist Training Fund

Aim

I want to train as a Somatic Therapist, to provide low-cost therapy for marginalised communities who struggle to access care.

I hope to train as a Somatic Therapist, with the aim of working with marginalised communities who are unable to access therapy. I specifically want to nurture a healing space for queer people, working-class people, people of colour and sex workers. 

As someone who has never been able to afford full-cost therapy myself (I've accessed therapy through charitable organisations), I'm so passionate about creating feasible low cost options. I will offer therapy on a sliding-scale basis, making it more accessible for people on low incomes. I also plan to run group somatics sessions with the aim of resourcing communities.

Additionally, I'll be working to create a space that feels welcoming for people for who can often feel unsafe within therapeutic dynamics - for various reasons, including heteronormativity, patriarchy, racism and class.

A bit more about me 

I am a queer, working-class person, born in the north of England and now living in London, where I work as a massage therapist. My massage practice operates on a sliding-scale basis, meaning people on low incomes can access the care I provide. At the moment, I am mostly working with queer communities, using an approach which is trauma-informed and consent-led.

Over the past year of practicing as a massage therapist, I've become more and more aware of how linked the body and mind are. Of how necessary it is to treat both in order for real healing to happen. This has led me to Somatic Therapy. 

What is Somatic Therapy? 

Somatic Therapy differs from talking therapy in that it includes the body in its explorations. It helps clients to hear and listen to what their bodies are telling them, and to release emotions and trauma through mind-body techniques. 

The area of Somatic Therapy that I plan to go into is called Somatic Experiencing, which specifically focuses on trauma resolution. 

Why this fundraiser? 

My current financial situation means I'm not in a place to self-fund this training. I'm in the first year of setting up a business, which involves lots of start-up costs. My client base is growing but it's not currently enough to fully support me, meaning I'm relying on Universal Credit to supplement my income. 

I am limited in how many hours I can work, due to a chronic pain condition which I've had for the the last 12 years. This makes it impossible for me to take on an extra job to raise funds. 

** I ask that you share this fundraiser with your personal networks but don't share on social media. There are lots of fundraisers on social media by QTBIPOC which I feel should take priority over this and I want to try to raise the funds from a slightly tighter circle before taking up space on social media! There are privileges I have access to as a socially-mobile working class person (ie. my friends, haha) which others don't, so I'd like to start here first. <3 

Edit: I just reduced the amount I’m trying to raise by £500 because a couple of people sent donations direct to my bank! Thank you ???? 
 

This project successfully funded on 23rd November 2022