Relationship Rebuild & Communication Support
Service Type(s):
- Couples Counselling
- Communication Coaching
- Conflict Resolution Support
Service(s) Delivered:
- Joint Intake Session + Individual Check-ins (as needed)
- 8-Session Couples Program
- Communication Frameworks & Take-Home Exercises
A man in his early fifties, holding a management position at an engineering startup, sought therapy after experiencing increasing stress-related physical and emotional symptoms. He was responsible for the timely delivery of a critical product, the success of which would determine the future of the company. The project had experienced several delays, and pressure from investors and board members had intensified. In addition to managing technical challenges, he was responsible for performance-managing some employees who were struggling to meet expectations, which created ongoing tension in the workplace.
He reported that over the past few months, he had been feeling constantly “on edge,” experiencing persistent tension in his neck and shoulders, headaches, insomnia, and gastrointestinal discomfort. He described a sense of racing thoughts and an inability to switch off, even during evenings at home. While he maintained a professional demeanour during work hours, he felt emotionally drained and physically depleted by the end of each day.
A significant concern that prompted him to seek therapy was his increasing alcohol consumption. Historically, he had struggled with drinking to excess in his younger years, but had maintained sobriety for many years. Over the past several months, he found himself drinking more frequently at night to “unwind” from the pressures of work. His wife expressed concern about this pattern and encouraged him to seek professional support. He admitted that he had been using alcohol as a way to manage stress, anxiety, and irritability, rather than addressing the underlying causes.
In early sessions, he shared that he often felt trapped by the combination of high expectations, tight deadlines, and interpersonal challenges at work. The constant vigilance required to manage the project and his team left him physically tense and mentally fatigued. He described a chronic state of activation, feeling that his body and mind were “always on,” and that he had no outlet for decompressing during the day.
Using Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which is embodied and trauma-informed, we focused on helping him notice bodily sensations associated with stress and tension, and he developed strategies for regulation before resorting to alcohol. He began practising simple body-based interventions such as mindful breathing, progressive muscle release, and gentle movement to discharge accumulated tension.
As therapy progressed, we also explored the psychological factors contributing to his stress, such as, fear of failure and a sense of personal responsibility for outcomes beyond his control. He noticed that attending to his body’s signals allowed him to act earlier when tension arose. Incorporating breathing and body exercises into his daily routine reduced physical symptoms and lowered his reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism. He developed healthier ways to manage workplace stress, including structured breaks, clearer communication with his team, and prioritisation of tasks.
By the conclusion of therapy, he reported reduced physical symptoms, improved sleep, and a greater sense of emotional balance. Once the project was completed, he chose to move to a more established company where his role was far less stressful.
This case illustrates how Somatic Psychotherapy and trauma-informed approaches can support individuals in recognising and addressing stress-induced somatic symptoms, helping them develop resilience, healthier coping strategies, and improved wellbeing in both personal and professional domains.
