What to Expect in Your First Spinal Energetics Session: A Complete Guide
If you're considering booking your first Spinal Energetics session, you might be feeling a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. What actually happens during a session? Will it feel strange? What if nothing happens? These questions are completely normal, and understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident about taking this step in your healing journey.
Let me walk you through exactly what your first Spinal Energetics session looks like, so you can arrive feeling informed and ready to receive.
Before Your Session: What You Might Be Feeling
In the days or even hours leading up to your first session, you might feel nervous, anxious, excited, or even a bit physically "off." Some people experience mild nausea, unusual tiredness, emotional sensitivity, or a general sense of unease.
Here's what's important to understand: these feelings are completely normal and actually quite common.
Your body is incredibly intelligent. Even before you arrive for your session, it's already beginning to prepare for the healing work ahead. Your system is starting to bring things to the surface, loosening what's ready to be released. Think of it like your body doing some preliminary organising before the main event.
How to Support Yourself Before Your Session:
Drink plenty of water – Hydration supports your body's natural detoxification and energy flow
Get adequate rest – If you're feeling tired, honour that. Your body might be directing energy toward internal preparation
Go gently with yourself – This isn't the time to push through or override what you're feeling. If you need to slow down, do so
Limit stimulants – Consider reducing caffeine or other stimulants on the day of your session to allow your nervous system to settle
Take some quiet time – Even 10 minutes of sitting quietly, breathing deeply, or being in nature can help ground you
Trust the process – Whatever you're feeling is exactly what needs to be present. There's no "wrong" way to prepare
If you're feeling particularly anxious or uncertain, that's okay too. These feelings don't mean you're not ready. They often mean you're right on the edge of something important.
Arriving for Your Appointment
Whether you're joining me in person at the clinic or connecting online from the comfort of your own space, we'll spend the first 15 to 30 minutes getting to know each other. This isn't just small talk, it's an important part of creating a safe, trusting space for your healing work.
During this time, I'll explain:
How Spinal Energetics works and what makes it unique
What the modality addresses and how it facilitates healing
What you might experience during the session
Any questions or concerns you have
This is your opportunity to share what's brought you here. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, processing trauma, feeling stuck, or simply curious about exploring this modality, there's no "right" reason to be here. Your body knows what it needs.
The Session Itself: What Happens During Your Session
In-Person Sessions
Once we begin the hands-on portion, you'll lie comfortably on the treatment table, fully clothed. Unlike massage or chiropractic work, Spinal Energetics uses light, specific touches along the spine and body to engage with your nervous system and energetic pathways.
Online Sessions
If you're joining me for an online session, you have complete flexibility in how you set up your space. You might choose to lie on your bed, stretch out on the couch, or even create a comfortable spot on the floor with cushions or a yoga mat. Whatever feels most comfortable and supportive for you.
Before we begin, we'll connect via video call so I can see you and guide you through the session. You'll want to ensure you're in a quiet, private space where you won't be interrupted for the duration of our time together. Have water nearby, and consider dimming the lights or creating a calming atmosphere that helps you relax.
The beautiful thing about Spinal Energetics is that energy isn't limited by physical distance. Many clients are surprised to discover that online sessions can be just as powerful and effective as in-person work. Your body responds to the energetic connection and facilitation regardless of whether we're in the same room.
What You Might Feel
Every person's experience is unique, but here are some common sensations clients report:
Deeper, slower breathing – Many people notice their breath naturally deepening and slowing as their nervous system begins to regulate
Tingling sensations – You might feel gentle tingling or warmth moving through different areas of your body
An urge to move – Your body might want to stretch, shake, or shiver. This is completely normal and encouraged. It's your body's way of releasing stored tension and energy
Muscle tension releasing – You may feel areas of tightness begin to soften and let go
A sense of calmness – Many clients describe feeling their heart rate and breathing slow, accompanied by a deep sense of peace
The feeling of a "knot" releasing – Whether physical or energetic, you might sense something that's been stuck beginning to move and release
It's Okay If You Don't Feel Much
Some people have dramatic physical responses in their first session, while others have more subtle experiences. Neither is better or worse. Your body will respond in exactly the way it needs to. Some of the most profound healing happens quietly, beneath the surface of conscious awareness.
The key is to remain open and curious rather than trying to force or expect a particular experience.
After the Session: Integration and Reflection
After the hands-on work, we'll spend about five minutes debriefing. This is your chance to share what you experienced, ask questions, and discuss what you noticed. I'll also provide guidance on what you might experience in the hours and days following your session.
Post-Session Effects
Healing doesn't stop when you leave the treatment room. In fact, integration often continues for days or even weeks after a session. You might notice:
A sense of lightness or spaciousness in your body
Increased emotional awareness or processing
Improved sleep quality
Shifts in perspective or clarity about situations in your life
Continued physical releases or adjustments
A feeling of being more grounded and present
Some people feel energised, while others feel ready for rest. Both are normal responses as your system recalibrates.
Common Concerns Before Your First Session
"It looks different from anything I've tried before"
You're right, Spinal Energetics is unique. It's not massage, it's not chiropractic adjustment, and it's not traditional talk therapy. This unfamiliarity can feel uncertain, but it's also what makes the modality so effective for people who haven't found complete relief through other approaches.
"Will I have to share deeply personal things?"
You're always in control of what you share. While some context can be helpful, the beautiful thing about Spinal Energetics is that your body does the work. You don't need to verbally process every detail of your story for healing to occur.
"What if it feels too vulnerable?"
Vulnerability is part of deep healing work, but you'll never be pushed beyond what feels safe. We work at your pace, and you can communicate at any point if you need to pause or adjust. Creating a safe, supportive environment is my top priority.
"Is this too 'woo-woo' for me?"
Spinal Energetics might involve energy work, but it's grounded in an understanding of the nervous system, fascia, and how the body stores and processes experiences. My background in Exercise Science means I approach this work with both scientific knowledge and energetic awareness. You don't need to believe in anything specific for it to work. Just be willing to be present with whatever arises.
How Often Should You Come?
While you might notice shifts after just one session, Spinal Energetics tends to work best as a process rather than a one-time event. Most clients find that sessions every two weeks allow for consistent progress while giving the body time to integrate between appointments.
There's no set number of sessions required. Some people work with me for a few months, others continue for longer as part of their ongoing wellness practice. We'll discuss what feels right for you based on what you're working with and how you're responding.
Taking the First Step
Booking your first session is an act of self-care and courage. It's a commitment to yourself, to your healing, and to discovering what's possible when you create space for your body's innate wisdom to emerge.
If you've been considering Spinal Energetics but haven't quite taken the leap, I hope this guide has helped demystify the process. Your first session is simply the beginning of a conversation between you and your body. A conversation that has the potential to unlock profound healing and growth.
You don't need to have everything figured out before you book. You just need to be willing to show up and see what unfolds.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Your body already knows what it needs, sometimes we just need to create the space to listen.