I am just as interested in the whole person as the symptom. In practice this means opening up a conversation about their life, work, relationships and family. We might discuss sleep patterns, digestion, what stress they experience and how they spend their leisure time. This is an enquirey into what may be contributing to this heightened sensitivity in their auditory system.

When I place my hands on someone, ss a craniosacral therapist, I can feel how they hold themselves. People with tinnitus typically hold tension in their body as a response to feeling overwhelmed. They may be used to functioning well under stress and not even realise this.

Over a number of sessions I encourage the individual to notice how their body feels and offer support through direct contact until they begin to feel calm and clear. The experience of safety when reinforced, provides a platform for letting go at a deep level.

Tinnitus can be very persistent so when a client reports that the noise has reduced considerably I know we are on the right path. What’s wonderful in cases like this, is that they have started to heal themselves as a whole and consequently the symptom has diminished.