Somatic Emotional Release (SER) Method
Somatic Emotional Release (SER) is a hands-on healing method that helps you tune into what your body is holding—both physically and emotionally.
It is a gentle but deep guided process that gives you time and space to feel, express, release, and reconnect. SER works with the idea that real healing happens when we slow down, listen to the body, and allow both tension and emotion to move through—at a pace that feels safe and supported.
*What type of modalities are involved in Somatic Emotional Release (SER)?
Somatic Emotional Release combines various modalities I’ve learned in the last 24 years, such as reflexology, Myo skeletal Alignment Technique, trigger point therapy, Thai massage, vibration therapy, essential oils, crystal therapy, emotional support stuffies, Cortical Field Reeducation, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), and compassionate presence. This inclusive approach helps you identify, reprocess, and release tension and emotions stored deep within the body, often in hard-to-reach places, enabling easier regulation of the nervous system.
*How does SER differ from traditional massage?
Traditional massage is usually focused on relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation in a calm setting. While highly beneficial, it typically doesn’t directly address the emotional or energetic layers of what the body may be holding. Most massage sessions don’t leave time or space for clients to reprocess any emotions or trauma that arises, often due to time limits, training gaps, or the therapist’s focus.
Somatic Emotional Release (SER) is intentionally designed to go deeper. These sessions are structured to support emotional release by working with both the body and the nervous system. Each session begins with a thoughtful consultation to understand needs and goals and ends with time for integration - giving your body and mind space to integrate the work.
This full arc of care is included in the session price; I don’t charge extra for the time before and after, because that time is essential to the healing process.
*Where do emotions typically hide within the body?
Emotions often settle into deep, protective areas of the body—places like the jaw, the neck (especially the SCM & scalenes), and deep within the hips, particularly in the psoas muscle, which is closely connected to our fight-or-flight response.
*Why do emotions get stuck in inaccessible places within the body?
The human body is intelligent and protective. In times of stress or intense emotion, if you can't give full attention to processing an emotion—whether big or small - your body stores the experience and its associated emotions in hard-to-reach areas of the body. This is a protective mechanism, ensuring you can continue functioning without being overwhelmed by unresolved emotions.
*What happens if emotions are left unaddressed in these areas?
When emotions are unconsciously stored in your tissues, they can create emotional and physical trigger points that lead to discomfort and disease. This can drain your emotional resilience and restrict your access to your full energetic potential and spectrum. Unaddressed emotions may cause the nervous system to become overly reactive, resulting in irritability over minor situations. This reactivity can challenge social interactions and strain relationships.
*Why doesn't the body fully process an emotion the moment it occurs?
The body doesn’t always process emotions fully in the moment because certain circumstances can make it difficult or unsafe to do so. For example, you might be in a public space, at work, or around others who depend on you, making it hard to express or even acknowledge intense feelings. Sometimes, you're simply too busy or distracted to even notice what you're feeling; or in other cases, the emotion might be too overwhelming to handle all at once, so your system instinctively defers it. When this happens, the unprocessed emotion can linger in the body, waiting for a safer or more suitable time to be addressed. And if you don’t consciously give your body a safer and more suitable time to process, the unprocessed emotion goes into storage in your fascia.
*Do you use stuffed characters from the movie "Inside Out" in your treatments?
Yes, I do—both with children and adults. These stuffed characters serve as tangible representations of emotions like joy, fear, anger, sadness, embarrassment, boredom, anxiety, and jealousy. Engaging physically with them—through touch or simply holding—can help individuals externalize and connect with these emotions in a safe and compassionate way. This practice often fosters greater acceptance of emotions as natural parts of the human experience, making the characters a powerful tool for emotional healing and integration.
*Do activities like therapy, journaling, exercise, and spending time with friends help in processing emotions?
Absolutely. These activities are valuable for emotional support and can play a significant role in helping you reflect, connect, and build resilience. However, they may not be sufficient on their own, especially when emotions are deeply stored in the body. In such cases, somatic interventions that target the body’s tissues, particularly the fascia, are often essential. These approaches help release emotions held on a physical level, supporting deeper emotional integration and healing.
What are the clients like who come to you?
I work with a wide range of people—men, women, and teens—from all walks of life. Some come with chronic tension or emotional weight they’re ready to release, while others are simply curious or want to feel more at ease in their bodies.
Because Somatic Emotional Release (SER) can be hard to explain in words, I host workshops so people can see the work in action. Once someone experiences it, they often send their friends and family. You don’t need a specific issue or a major trauma to benefit—sometimes, the simple desire to feel better is the perfect place to begin. From there, we follow what your body is ready to share.
*Is there anything else I should know about Somatic Emotional Release?
Over my 24 years in this field, I’ve witnessed hundreds of clients experience deep, transformative emotional releases through this unique form of bodywork. That journey inspired me to formalize what I now call the Somatic Emotional Release (SER) - a structured yet intuitive approach that brings clarity and consistency to this powerful healing process.
Releasing deeply held emotions requires focused intention, skilled attention, and above all, gentle care. That’s the foundation of SER. Together, we’ll navigate this process in a safe, compassionate space, allowing your body to safely access and release what it's been holding—at its own pace, with your full permission.
The SER method is built around an unspoken etiquette that honors what your body needs for true healing. It’s designed to support your emotional and physical freedom by addressing the issues stored in your tissues.
Creating safety is at the heart of our work. When we align your intentions with my experience and your body’s innate wisdom, profound and lasting shifts can happen. Many clients describe a sense of lightness and relief they hadn’t realized was possible.
I’m here to guide you through that process—and I look forward to witnessing the powerful changes that unfold.
Please review these GUIDELINES to help you prepare for your experience.
Interested in a SER workshop at the Lanktuary or in your area? Learn more here.
See you soon,
Some SER Testimonials
- Isabel C.
It's not just a massage, it's not just manipulation, it's so much more and that's why you need to go to Harriet or attend one of her workshops!! I highly recommend Harriet!”
Marie S.
I am a person with many chronic muscular pains. I have dealt with terrible hip and back pains since my 20s. I’ve tried all kinds of physiotherapy techniques, rehabilitation, chiropractic treatments, and various types of massages… I have always found relief but never healing. After many years of being stuck in partial recoveries and new relapses, I found in Harriet a new way and a new perspective on how to approach my body healing through connection with the body, diving into emotions, and my more intuitive, more animal side.
Describing a session with Harriet is difficult. Each session is unique and wonderful. Her approach is very holistic, and her therapies vary greatly depending on how she finds and feels me on each occasion. Her knowledge and experience are so vast that she always knows exactly what I need. The stones in her hands are something unique, capable of dissolving any contracture like dust. I have never felt such great relief or such a complete sense of well-being after receiving any other therapy. I only hope to have her near for many years to continue enjoying her energy and her therapies.
Thank you for appearing in my life and teaching me a little bit about how to see without using my eyes :)”
- Sandra
There is no need to tell her where I feel discomfort—she intuitively finds the core of my tension without me having to say a word. Harriet has a deep understanding of muscles and anatomy, and her passion for her work is undeniable. She combines her expertise with tools like vibration therapy with rocks and a PEMF mat, along with an exquisite technique and a huge heart.
I feel immense joy and gratitude to have her in my life—not only as a friend but also for the incredible healing work she does for my body. ”
Giannina
“What an incredible and unique experience. I heard about Harriet’s magical treatments, but had no idea what to expect. It was the most amazing and intense massage/plus I’ve ever had. She pinpointed areas in me that I didn’t know existed, nor did I know just how much tension I was holding onto. She allowed me to release so much, both physically and emotionally. Prior to the treatment, I was still feeling some pain after a recent injury, and since her treatment, I barely feel any pain. I have been telling everyone I know that they need to see her. I’m so glad I met her, for many reasons!” .”
- Ramona
Harriet is an incredible body and energy worker! She connects…feels for the areas that are holding tension…and precisely works on the release with precise pressure, movements of the body and breathwork. An incredible experience that all people with hip and shoulder issues must experience! I am grateful for you, you are amazing!”
Jon Araujo, Ninja Warrior Champion
Lucas