All you need to know before you schedule a lesson

A physical experience where we work in the water/a pool together, using proven customizable techniques. Water Trauma Healing uses warm, supportive aquatic work to help the nervous system regulate, reduces physical tension, and creates conditions for emotional integration and relaxation.

If you have had traumatic experiences in the water with either near drowning or near death, or for any reason, feel afraid, or uncomfortable to be in the water and swimming - this is for you. Adults with stress, anxiety, chronic pain, mobility limitations and those who find land-based exercises hard to access and tolerate may benefit from this service as well.

Not if you don’t want to, but this is a healthy benefit to explore, especially for safety and comfort reasons if the desire is to swim.

No swimming is optional and only offered if requested. Sessions are done with flotation devices and physical support, if needed. You can acclimate in the shallow water and work up to whatever swimming level is desired.

No. This is trauma-informed, water-based support – not psychotherapy, not counseling, or physical therapy. However, many benefits can be achieved through the techniques used in this practice.

No. Talking is always optional. You do not have to relive your trauma. However, talking about your trauma may be beneficial for the instructor to be able to gain insight and provide maximum benefits for your Water Trauma Healing experience.

This is common when overcoming fear and is normal at the beginning of your Water Trauma Healing experience. Your instructor will paced sessions gently - you have complete freedom to pause, stop or stay at the edge at any point during the experience and move forward with ease.

Attire may depend on our pool location and will be discussed ahead of your session. A swimsuit or swim trunks that are comfortable and secure is most common. Long sleeved swim shirts, swim shorts or leggings can be worn.

Paula has a Bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education, Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology and has 50 Years of teaching swimming and aquatic education. She uses trauma-informed principles of safety and choice. She is not a therapist, counselor or psychologist.

Not at this time. This will be updated once this is available.

Open wounds, uncontrolled cardiac issues, skin infections, uncontrolled seizure or other medical restrictions. A brief health screening will be done before the first session.

The length of sessions are 30 minutes, 45 minutes and 60 minutes. Pricing varies by location and session length. More than one session may be needed to accomplish your goals. Water Trauma Healing recommends expecting to need 3 to 5 sessions to release and heal the fear of being comfortable in water or anything else you may have wanted to accomplish during these sessions. Sessions can be booked one at a time and added on as needed.

Sessions are trauma-informed and safe. Water Trauma Healing uses informed consent, clear boundaries, pacing and non-traumatizing touch practice. You are invited to communicate needs and can stop at any time. All safety efforts will be considered.

Complete a consultation, which includes a health screen, with Paula. Be honest about medical issues and fears about water. Arrive a little early to change and acclimate to your surroundings.

After-care usually includes quiet grounding, hydration and a brief integration conversation. Some clients benefit from journaling and personal reflection.