As Mental Health Awareness Week (11th – 17th May) is observed across the UK, attention is being drawn to the effects of prolonged stress on physical health, which can contribute to conditions such as digestive issues, weakened immunity, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Finding ways to de-stress and re-establish a healthy body-mind relationship is increasingly essential. For those living with chronic stress and other mental health challenges, finding support through body-based practices could be key to recovery.
Unbeknown to many, people are quietly making tracks to the North West to discover the benefits of Somatic Movement Therapy, a field of practice that combines awareness to breath, movement, sensation and imagination, to support both physical and emotional health.
Think mindfulness, slowing down and listening to the body, combined with conscious seated, standing or floor-based movements to help a person connect to their feelings and thoughts. These practices have the potential to alleviate chronic pain and engender more positive thinking patterns and mental attitudes.
“People often come looking for relief from chronic stress or tension,” explains Morecambe-based somatic movement practitioner Penny Collinson. “What they discover are methods to connect to the sensory and physical feelings located in their body which can release long-held patterns of tension and move with more ease and awareness in everyday life.”
Professionally-trained in contemporary dance, Penny taught at Lancaster’s prestigious Ludus Dance amongst other UK dance companies before studying Somatic Movement Education and Therapy. Launching her private therapeutic practice over 12 years ago, she has seen increasing societal pressures and NHS waiting lists as a key factor in a growing demand for her work.
Penny’s reputation and professional connections stretch across the country and beyond- internationally respected somatic movement practitioner Mary Abrams is travelling from New York to co-facilitate small-group retreats with Penny at the end of May and beginning of June.
Penny remains firmly Bay-rooted, running regular workshops in Morecambe’s Soul Space Studio and Halton Mill’s River Room, with 1-2-1 sessions from her own garden studio. She also loves introducing people to the area: “People are coming from Ulverston, Bradford, York, and Belfast for our next retreat, so it’s important they don’t stop at the studio door,” says Penny. “It’s a great opportunity to welcome them to our wonderful coast and countryside, plus every visitor helps support local accommodation, hospitality and attractions.”
Penny’s impact has not gone unnoticed, receiving many heartfelt testimonials from clients, and recently anonymously nominated for a Lancashire Business Award in the health and wellbeing category, none of which distract from her mission to bring relief and release.
“It’s clear that community-led art-based approaches play a vital role in supporting people to maintain their physical and mental health, live well and flourish in all aspects of life,” concludes Penny “And what better time to shout about it, than in Mental Health Awareness Week”.
For more information on workshops, sessions and upcoming retreats, visit www.pennycollinson.com
