About Me
My name is Sanghanistha. I am a qualified trauma-informed somatic counsellor and a committed Buddhist.
I was named Sanghanistha upon my ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order in 2011; it means ‘he who is devoted to spiritual community’. This sense of commitment sits at the heart of my practice. Since first encountering Buddhism in 1998, my approach has been driven by a fascination with the intersection between Buddhist practice and Western psychological approaches—specifically the efficacy of trauma-informed and somatic approaches.
Having completed my ACCPH-accredited training with Aimee Rai at the International School of Holistic Healing, I now work with others to bridge the gap between intellectual understanding and genuine change. This is more than a sharing of techniques; it is a dedicated process of somatic work aimed at resolving long-held patterns.
My Approach
The work typically unfolds in three integrated phases:
Establishing the Ground: We begin by building a foundation of trust through a more traditional talk-therapy approach. If you are experiencing overwhelm or feeling shut down, our initial focus is on developing the somatic tools and perspectives necessary to build stability and resilience in your nervous system.
Deep Processing: Once the ground is well-prepared, we move toward resolving the underlying experiences that may be holding you back. This is focused, somatic work aimed at releasing long-held patterns and constraints. We navigate this at a pace that respects your capacity at the time.
Integration and Future Direction: In the final phase, we turn our attention toward the future. We work to integrate the changes you’ve made, focusing on the life and agency you want to cultivate for yourself.
This is more than a sharing of techniques; it is a dedicated process aimed at resolving long-held patterns through integrating cognitive and somatic work.
Ultimately, while the tools and perspectives are essential, the effectiveness of this work is driven by a working relationship built on trust, respect, and positive regard. This human connection is at the heart of the entire process.