Shared with the client’s permission. Name and identifying details have been changed.
Client Background
Matthias, a 52-year-old banking analyst, was referred by his partner to explore self-doubt, self-criticism and low motivation. He was working at 50% due to burnout and preparing to transition into a new role. His personal activities were limited and he was in an overall collapsed state. He was also receiving cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. Most sessions were held in person at the client’s request (and not online).
Over eight sessions, the client increased awareness of his body’s responses under stress and energy states. He identified new resources, built boundaries and learned to manage triggers. He successfully reduced things that drained his energy and focused more on listening to his needs, rather than others. By session 8, he reported the ability to maintain relationships (rather than collapse and retreat) and more energy, at work and for the things he enjoys.
Phase 1: Awareness
Session 1
We began with goal setting and an introduction to nervous system education. Matthias showed signs of low energy and reported limited motivation. When invited to notice bodily sensations, he closed his eyes and explored but had limited awareness. We introduced resourcing techniques to support grounding and physical awareness including language to describe his current state.
Session 2
Matthias described feeling withdrawn. We used a gentle resistance exercise to build awareness of the boundaries of his body and the feeling of support. At the end, he reported feeling more relaxed and alert. We introduced the “window of tolerance” (Siegel, 1999) as part of nervous system education. Matthias noted overall his energy was low and he is grateful for shifts from the sessions, as he struggles to find motivation for in-person sessions.
Nervous System Insight: Polyvagal theory (Porges, 2011) describes how chronic stress may lead to dorsal vagal shutdown, characterized by withdrawal and low energy. Rebuilding awareness of internal cues is a key first step in restoring regulation.
Phase 2: Regulation
Session 3
To explore his tendency to prioritize others’ needs over his own, we practiced an embodied “no” exercise. Though initially uncomfortable, Matthias noted increased awareness of new, positive sensations in his body and feeling more present in his legs and back.
Session 4
We continued with somatic leadership practices focused on making decisions and boundaries, using physical expressions of “yes,” “no,” and “quit.” Matthias described feeling more confident and clear in his decisions.
Research Context: Body-based practices can support awareness, boundary-setting, and agency, key components in building resilience to stress (Ogden et al., 2006).
Phase 3: Capacity & Influence
Session 5
Matthias arrived engaged and brought supplies he had just bought for a project with his son. He reported returning to some daily activities. We tracked sensations of overload and introduced education on dorsal vagal responses, as described in polyvagal theory. He reported more feelings of aliveness. We discussed how to support this shift with pacing and practices to try at home.
Polyvagal Theory Note: The dorsal vagal state may lead to disconnection when stress exceeds one’s coping capacity. Tracking this state and supporting gentle re-engagement can promote nervous system flexibility (Porges, 2011).
Session 6
Matthias shared he had attended a concert with his partner, an activity he hadn’t done in years. He arrived upbeat. We explored relationship-related triggers and introduced body-based tools to support regulation before conversations, such as breath tracking, orienting, and self-regulation in the moment.
Session 7
This online session followed a full workday. Matthias reported eye strain. We used somatic eye practices for visual fatigue and breath-based tools to support regulation and alertness. He reported feeling calmer and more motivated afterward than when he first returned home from work.
Research Insight: Breath regulation has been shown to increase parasympathetic tone and support emotional regulation (Lehrer et al., 2020). These techniques, together with orienting practices, may help build nervous system resilience over time.
Session 8
Matthias feels work is more manageable and life is more in balance. We did exercises to address some triggering situations. Colleagues said he was really intense in one conversation, but he did not collapse or withdraw in overwhelm as he had in the past. He reported his relationships were positive and he was able to manage most things.
Disclaimer
This case study is provided for educational purposes only. The coaching and somatic work described are complementary methods that support self-awareness, resilience, and personal development. Client experiences vary. They are not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment.
