🎙️ Understanding Embodied Processing: A Conversation with Ryan Hassan
- leigh milne
- May 25, 2025
- 4 min read
An Interview with Ryan Hassan, Co-founder of The Centre for Healing
Quantum Couple & Wellness Blog
By Leigh Milne, Registered Psychologist, Couples Therapist, Trauma Therapist & Psychosomatic Therapist
As part of the Quantum Couple & Wellness Podcast, I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Hassan, co-founder of The Centre for Healing, about his work in Embodied Processing (EP)Â and the growing interest in body-based approaches to emotional wellbeing and trauma recovery.
Our conversation explored how people experience stress, trauma, emotions, and nervous system responses, and why many practitioners are increasingly interested in approaches that include both psychological and bodily awareness.
Meet Ryan Hassan
Ryan Hassan is the co-founder of The Centre for Healing, where he teaches and practises Embodied Processing.
His work focuses on helping people develop greater awareness of:
bodily sensations
nervous system responses
emotional experiences
stress patterns
self-regulation skills
Ryan's approach draws from a range of trauma-informed and somatic traditions that emphasise awareness of both mind and body.
What Is Embodied Processing?
Embodied Processing is a body-oriented approach that encourages individuals to become more aware of their physical sensations, emotional experiences, and nervous system responses.
Rather than focusing solely on thoughts and cognitive understanding, Embodied Processing invites people to explore:
bodily sensations
emotional experiences
patterns of activation and calm
present-moment awareness
internal resources and supports
Many body-based approaches suggest that increasing awareness of these experiences can contribute to emotional regulation and self-understanding.
Why the Body Matters
One of the themes discussed throughout the interview was the relationship between emotional experiences and physical sensations.
Many people notice that stress can be experienced physically through:
muscle tension
changes in breathing
digestive discomfort
fatigue
increased heart rate
restlessness
Likewise, experiences of calm and safety may also be reflected through bodily sensations.
Developing awareness of these experiences can help people recognise early signs of stress and respond more effectively.
Understanding the Nervous System
Ryan spoke extensively about the role of the autonomic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system helps regulate responses associated with:
safety
stress
threat perception
rest and recovery
When people encounter situations they perceive as stressful, the body may respond with reactions commonly described as:
fight
flight
freeze
fawn
These responses are considered normal survival mechanisms designed to protect us.
Many trauma-informed approaches focus on helping individuals recognise these patterns and develop greater flexibility in responding to them.
What Happens in an Embodied Processing Session?
Ryan described Embodied Processing as a gradual and collaborative process.
Sessions may include:
Developing Safety and Connection
Establishing a sense of safety is often considered an important foundation for therapeutic work.
Building Internal Resources
Individuals may be invited to identify experiences, memories, relationships, or sensations that help them feel more grounded and supported.
Exploring Sensations and Emotions
Attention may be directed toward present-moment bodily sensations and emotional experiences.
Reflecting on Patterns
People may explore recurring emotional, behavioural, or relational patterns with curiosity and self-awareness.
Integration
Sessions often conclude with reflection, grounding, and consideration of how insights might be applied in everyday life.
The Importance of Pacing
One aspect of our conversation that strongly aligns with contemporary trauma-informed practice was the emphasis on pacing.
Ryan highlighted the importance of moving slowly enough that people remain within their capacity to stay present and engaged.
Many trauma-informed approaches recognise that individuals benefit from:
choice
safety
collaboration
gradual exposure to difficult material
nervous system regulation skills
Rather than rushing into distressing experiences, practitioners often work at a pace that supports stability and emotional regulation.
Simple Body Awareness Practices
Ryan shared several simple practices that people may wish to explore:
Body Check-Ins
Pausing briefly during the day to notice:
breathing
muscle tension
energy levels
emotional state
Noticing Sensations
Paying attention to how emotions are experienced physically.
For example:
tightness
heaviness
warmth
tingling
restlessness
Grounding Practices
Using awareness of the environment, breathing, movement, or physical contact with supportive surfaces to reconnect with the present moment.
These practices are commonly incorporated into a range of mindfulness and trauma-informed approaches.
A Growing Interest in Somatic and Trauma-Informed Approaches
There is increasing interest in body-oriented approaches within the broader trauma field.
Many contemporary models incorporate awareness of:
nervous system regulation
embodiment
interoception
attachment
emotional regulation
somatic awareness
While different approaches conceptualise these ideas differently, they share an interest in understanding the interaction between physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, and behaviour.
Learn More About Ryan Hassan and The Centre for Healing
Website
@thecentreforhealing
The Centre for Healing provides information about Embodied Processing, training opportunities, and practitioner resources.
Further Information
Psychology and Couples Therapy
For information about psychology and couples therapy services:
Additional Trauma-Informed Services
Quantum Couple & Wellness Podcast
For podcast episodes exploring trauma-informed care, relationships, attachment, nervous system regulation, and emotional wellbeing:
Important Information
This article is intended for general educational purposes only.
The views discussed by podcast guests represent their own perspectives and professional approaches.
Embodied Processing and other somatic approaches discussed in this article are not presented as substitutes for medical care, psychological treatment, or healthcare services.
Psychology services are provided separately by Leigh Milne, Registered Psychologist, under AHPRA regulation.
Related Topics
#EmbodiedProcessing #TraumaInformedCare #SomaticAwareness #NervousSystemRegulation #EmotionalWellbeing #PsychologyWA #MentalHealthAustralia #MindBodyAwareness #AttachmentTheory #TraumaRecovery #PsychologistWA #BunburyPsychologist #MargaretRiverPsychologist #DonnybrookPsychologist #QuantumCoupleAndWellnessPodcast
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