Coherence therapy starts from a simple, loving, respectful truth: often what looks like a “problem” in adulthood began as a wise act of self-protection much earlier in life.

Sometimes, when we grow up with caregivers who — because of limitations of their own circumstances — aren’t able to be consistently supportive, attuned, or able to meet our needs, we don’t get to develop a deep sense of safety in ourselves or in relationships.

When we experience a strong emotion, it often shows up as a local, physical tightness — perhaps shame in the chest, or anger in the jaw, or fear in the belly.

When we come into the world without enough warmth, gentleness, or steady caring touch, parts of us—right down to our organs—grow under strain.