About
I’m Esme Winterflood, a somatic trauma therapist specialising in body-based support for people whose trauma symptoms persist despite insight, understanding, or talk-based work.
I work with trauma as a physiological experience, recognising that patterns of threat, protection, and shutdown live in the nervous system as much as in memory. My approach focuses on helping the body feel safer, supporting regulation, and restoring choice — so change can happen at a level deeper than words alone.
Rather than asking you to retell or analyse what has happened, I work gently and collaboratively with the body and nervous system. Sessions are paced around safety and capacity, supporting the release of survival patterns and the development of steadiness, presence, and resilience over time.
My work integrates trauma-informed yoga therapy, Havening®, mindfulness, breathwork, and somatic approaches, guided by current understanding of trauma, neurobiology, and nervous system regulation. These methods are not used as techniques to “fix” you, but as tools in service of felt safety, agency, and lasting change.
This work can sit alongside psychotherapy or be accessed on its own, and is particularly supportive for people who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, shut down, or stuck despite previous therapeutic support.
If you’re curious about how this approach might support you, please reach out to book your free chat.
You can learn more about my work below and more about the methods I use here.
Professional Background
I have trained extensively in trauma-informed and somatic practices to provide evidence-based, safe, and effective support. My certifications include:
Yoga Therapy Certification with Breathing Deeply Yoga & Meditation School - yoga therapy and meditation for health concerns.
Havening® Practitioner - psychosensory touch-based approach for trauma and emotional regulation.
Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) - evidence-based, body-oriented practice for trauma survivors.
Certified Meditation Teacher Training with Aura Wellness Centre - mindfulness meditation practices. (Certification in progress)
Introduction To Somatic Experiencing® - foundational training in somatic trauma resolution.
Reiki Level 1&2 - with Mitra Sessions (Usui Tradition)
Philosophy, BA (Hons) - Reading University
I continue to integrate new approaches and research into my practice to provide the most effective and compassionate support possible.
Who I help
I support adults who are ready to release trauma, calm anxiety, and reconnect with their bodies using trauma-informed yoga therapy, TCTSY, Havening®, somatic practices, and mindfulness.
My clients often experience:
Trauma, PTSD, or complex trauma—including past abuse, accidents, or life-changing events
Anxiety, stress, and chronic tension—hypervigilance, racing thoughts, or overwhelm
Somatic dissociation or disconnection from the body—difficulty feeling grounded or present
Sleep difficulties and insomnia—restless nights or disrupted sleep due to stress or trauma
Chronic pain—body holding tension, trauma, or protective patterns
Sessions are tailored to your needs, abilities, and goals—whether you’re seeking personal transformation, ongoing trauma healing, nervous system regulation, or post-traumatic growth. Your initial assessment will help determine the best methods and timing for your journey.
It’s normal for the body to bring up implicit memories during this work. Having a therapist or supportive network ensures you can process these safely, while integrating what arises in a grounded, sustainable way.
Session Style & Format
I offer:
1:1 Sessions — online or in-person.
Small Group Sessions — I currently offer a Monthly Nervous System Reset gathering and a weekly term time Yoga and Mindfulness course at The Secret Space, Hertford, UK (you can click here for information and up coming dates).
Self Guided Resources — I am currently building curated self guided, online resources to support you either independently or after our work together.
Each session is structured to feel safe, supportive, and effective. For clients with severe somatic disassociation or complex trauma, in-person work may be more suitable. No experience of bodywork or yoga necessary!