Somatic Bodywork, Trauma-Informed Massage Therapy and Somatic Therapy in Dublin

𖦹 Your sanctuary for nervous system led body therapy

𖦹 Your sanctuary for nervous system led body therapy

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Somatic Bodywork, Trauma-Informed Massage Therapy, and Somatic Therapy for Chronic Pain, Nervous System Repair, TMJ, Hypermobility & Deep Tissue Healing

Somatic Bodywork, Somatic Therapy and Massage Therapy in Dublin

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What is Trauma-Informed Massage, Bodywork & Touch Therapy?

Integrative, trauma-informed bodywork for chronic pain, nervous system regulation, scar tissue release, and embodied healing in Monkstown, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin.

Somatic bodywork is not standard massage. It is slow, attentive, and responsive to the whole of you. Your history, your nervous system, and the patterns your body has built over years of adapting to stress, injuries, chronic illness, and lived experiences.

Rather than working on the body as a mechanical object to be fixed, somatic bodywork works with the body as a living, sensing, intelligent system. Addressing the biomechanical, biochemical, emotional, and connective tissue patterns that underlie our discomfort, disconnection, and pain. This means sessions reach deeper than surface-level tension relief, supporting longer lasting, more sustainable changes.

Each session is entirely tailored to your body and your needs on the day, drawing from over twenty years of training across an wide and advanced range of therapeutic and somatic modalities. Where relevant, I also offer personalised lifestyle and dietary guidance to support your recovery and resilience beyond the treatment room.

Massage therapy and bodywork sessions are eligible for both Irish Life Health, Level Health, Laya and VHI insurance reimbursement. I provide invoices for all claims just request yours at the time of booking or after your session. Please note reimbursement is not guaranteed, always check with your insurance provider about the details of your policy.

I work from The Calm Rooms in Monkstown / Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, welcoming clients from across South Dublin, Blackrock, Stillorgan, Glasthule, Sandycove, Dalkey, Deansgrange, Killiney, and the greater Dublin area, as well as many clients travelling from further afield. Advance booking is recommended.

Your body deserves more than maintenance, it deserves restoration. Nourish your nervous system and honour your body's intelligence.

  • Ffion T. - Somatic Experiencing Practitioner

    “Makia is the most skilled and well attuned massage therapist I've ever been to. I just had an amazing treatment with her and will be back very soon. Thank you Makia!”

  • Tiina Vili - Dublin, IE

    “I call her a muscular whisperer :). Makia has excellent energy and very sensitive hands. She is very good at noticing the troubled areas, and she is perfectly skilled at manipulating your soft tissues to get rid of all the tension and knots in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. I have many old sports-related injuries, and she does magic with her hands. I always feel like a newborn after her sessions.”

  • Dr. Jennifer Wannehag, Chiropractic Doctor -

    “I have had the pleasure of working with Makia for the last eight months. Of all massage therapists I have worked with during my years as a Chiropractor, Makia has been the most caring, professional and enthusiastic one. Makia ́s one-to-one professional skills are beyond exceptional and all of our common patients have expressed her competency and are extremely pleased with their care from her. Makia has an outstanding interest on continuing to educate herself to grow her knowledge to better support her clients”

  • Mickaela S. -Yoga Teacher + Somatic Breathwork Facilitator

    “This was such a gorgeous experience from start to finish. Makia offers such a beautiful space, you can feel her dedication to her work and the expertise she brings to her practice from the moment you walk in the door. A really fabulous treat for my body! Would reccomend to every-body!”

  • Olga C. - Dublin, IE

    “Makia is amazing, both professionally and personally. She has a remarkable ability to listen and understand exactly what your body needs. Her care, attention, and dedication make every session outstanding. I can’t recommend her enough!”

  • Lidia F. - Dublin, IE

    “Beautiful massage, helped me enormously with tension, stiffness, and a lot of stagnant energy. A unique discovery and will come back.”

  • Katarina I. - Wicklow, IE

    “Makia, you know the body so well! I felt so safe when you worked on my belly and chest. After years of endometriosis and digestive pain, having anyone touch my belly felt terrifying, but it was so easy and safe to do with you. It was truly a magical experience and I can’t wait for my next session.”

  • Karen E. - Dublin, IE

    “The BEST bodywork I have ever received and I don't say this lightly. Makia is an exceptional bodyworker and practitioner. Her deep rooted knowledge and sensitivity of the body and tissues is unparalleled.”

  • Henry F. - Dublin, IE

    “Sex has never been an easy one, but Makia instantly made me feel so comfortable and safe. The sessions felt more like a causual conversation than a therapy session. She gave me tools to use at home and a safe place to share my desires and fears. A very rare thing as a man. My relationship to my erotic self is still a very complicated one, but with Makia’s support is becoming more joyful and natural. Thanks a million!"

  • Priya S. - Dublin, IE

    “The best massage in Dublin. I have tried almost every massage centre in Dublin City Centre and the surrounding areas. So when I say Makia's massage was THE BEST, I mean it. She did exactly what I needed, was communicative and kind. Her diverse education combined with her wisdom of the body is incredible - you will know it when you feel it. I've booked in again for two weeks from now.”

  • Maura J. - Dublin, IE

    “There is not one thing you couldn’t ask Makia about your yoni, your sexuality and the many of ways you can experience pleasure. She is right there with you, ready to answer and she is the embodiment of what she teaches.”

  • Ciara S. - Dublin, IE

    “Sessions with Makia are always so restorative and deep. Her calm and grounding energy in combination with her excellent communication and depth of knowledge and experience makes me feel at total ease and in full trust, which is something that's hard for me to find in bodyworkers.”

  • Aoife M. - Physiotherapist Dublin, IE

    “I have high standards when it comes to bodywork. Countless times I've laid on a massage table optimistic that I have found a therapist that possesses the rare qualities which enable me to trust and surrender into their hands, only to leave feeling disappointed and disgruntled. Quite the opposite occurs with Makia. Not only does she hold an impecable, grounded space, she is a master of touch and so attentively attuned to working with the different layers involved in bodywork that the experience was uniquely magical, relaxing, energising and balancing. I could not recommend her more.“

  • Nikki B. - Dublin, IE

    “I walked out of the clinic floating on cloud nine! Makia's was the most amazing massage and bodywork treatment I've ever received. I struggle with chronic migraines and jaw pain from grinding at night. Her jaw, face and scalp work, OMG just incredible. 90 minutes flew by. Thanks a million!"

  • Cian M. - Dublin, IE

    “We learned new qualities of touch and how to use sensory impliments to help our intimacy. My wife and I now have more tools and a whole other way to be intimate together. With your playfulness, warmth and the natural candor of your sessions we immediately felt at ease and found ways to unlock new pleasure in our 7 year marriage.”

  • M.M - Dublin, IE

    “Thank you for all these session. Your skill and calming presence made it a truly superb experience, and I’m already looking forward to our next appointment! I am really grateful to you for the all the work that you have done soo far.”

  • Dr. Susan P - Doctor of Chiropractic San Diego, CA

    “I am a Chiropractor and was on vacay in Dublin with a group of friends from San Diego. I found Makia in my first search for a massage. All of the luggage, sitting on planes, trains and sleeping on awful mattresses really did a number on my back. She did some of the best work that I have ever had, I was able to walk all over Dublin without pain for the remainder of my travels. Highly recommended. It was great to see another friendly Californian in a foreign country.”

  • Sínead M - Psychotherapist Dublin, IE

    “I had a incredible session with Makia. I love that she is giving it as a form of therapy, a source of closeness and human connection that has been forgotten in our society. We’ve forgotten that connection is a real need of people. I hope to come back for more.”

  • Maeve K. - Dublin, IE

    “Makia always makes me feel welcome and at ease. She has such a natural and down to earth way about her when it comes to discussing anything from body parts to sexuality. There’s not one single moment that I felt awkward during my sessions.”

  • Stephen L. - Dublin, IE

    “I have been in severe pain for the last seven years after a serious accident. I tried every approach without success, just resigning myself to a life of chronic back and hip pain. After my first session with Makia I was pain free for nearly 3 weeks. I've been seeking her fortnightly for the past six months and have been mostly pain free. It doesn't hurt that she's great craic, the laughter makes the deep tissue work more tolerable. I have my life back thanks to her magical hands and kind heart.”

  • Sínead B. - Dublin, IE

    “I’ve been working with Makia for years now. She incorporates a variety of different modalities based on what my body needs. She listens so carefully, uses her intuition & years of knowledge to create a unique experience in each session I’ve had. Since we been working together for a few years now, she really knows exactly what my body needs. I wish I had learned earlier in life just how important self-care is. So I definitely keep up my massages with Makia on a regular basis. She is not just a great massage therapist, but a healing presence.”

  • Ciara L. - Dublin, IE

    “From walking in earlier this morning I felt a sense of well-being. Makia really listened to me on areas I’d like particular focus and it was without doubt the best set of treatments I’ve ever had. I have re-booked for 6 weeks time. Thank you so much!”

  • Elizabeth + Keith - Dublin, IE

    “Thank you so much, Makia. I enjoyed working with you, you are a wonderful, giving, intuitive person. I feel so centred & relaxed in the following days after receiving your incredible massages. ​Keith also echos this!”

  • Martina C. - London, UK

    “Both an effective and deeply relaxing massage. Makia also worked on my scar tissue therapeutically which I have not experienced before in massage. Looking forward to my next visit!”

  • Gráinne D. - Dublin, IE

    “Makia! You’ve completely changed my life and my relationship with my body & embodiment. You are the most wise and gifted bodyworker I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I feel like I have a new body. I tell everyone I know you're the best massage treatment in Dublin.”

  • Eoghan D. - Dublin, IE

    "First time with Makia yesterday for chronic TMJ attacks and migraine headaches. She was excellent. She even spent the time on areas of my back, chest and neck that had muscle knots. Her communication throughout was really good. Felt great afterwards and today is the first time in over 3 months that I've not had a headache. Incredible.

  • T.M - Dublin, IE

    “I’m fascinated by how much I enjoy these sessions. I feel a great relief to be able to unburden myself. You are such a joy to talk to. My basic takeaway was how liberating it was to talk openly about how poor I’ve been for so long.”

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What is Trauma-Informed Massage, Bodywork & Touch Therapy?

All sessions are grounded in trauma-informed principles. Consent, pacing, choice, agency and careful attention to nervous system’s capacity. Touch is always negotiated and adapted to what feels right on the day. You are never pushed beyond your edge, and never required to share more than feels comfortable.

This is bodywork that listens. It's particularly suited to people navigating trauma recovery, chronic pain with an emotional or relational component, or a history of feeling unsafe or unheard in clinical or therapeutic settings.

No two sessions are the same, because no two bodies are the same. Drawing from over twenty years of training across structural integration, visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy, somatic experiencing, lymphatic drainage, and many other modalities, each session is composed specifically for you. For your nervous system, your goals, and what your body is asking for on that particular day. These sessions aren't a menu-based practice, they are a genuinely responsive, integrative approach to hands-on healing.

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What Is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic Therapy bridges mind and body, recognising that our emotions, stress, and life experiences aren't only held in our minds, but they actively shape the health of our tissues, our breath, our posture, our movement, and the state of our nervous system.

Rather than relying solely on talk-based processing, somatic therapy invites awareness into the bodily sensations and patterns that often show up as tension, anxiety, pain, shutdown, or cycles of dysregulation. Many of us carry experiences in our bodies long after our minds have moved on. This is where somatic work can reach what words alone cannot.

In Somatic Therapy sessions in Dublin, we work gently with awareness practices, breathwork, story, trauma-informed touch (when appropriate), resourcing and guided tracking of sensation. This supports the nervous system in releasing protective patterns, building resilience, and restoring a felt sense of safety, embodiment, pleasure, and choice at it’s own pace.

Somatic therapy may be particularly supportive for :

  • Trauma recovery and PTSD

  • Chronic stress and burnout

  • Anxiety and emotional dysregulation

  • Chronic pain or illness

  • Grief and life transitions

  • Fertility and postpartum support

  • Psychedelic integration

  • Creative blocks

  • Deeper embodiment and connection with the body

This work is slow, respectful, and deeply collaborative, honouring your body's own pace and wisdom.

Makia Mullen giving a somatic massage therapy and bodywork session
Makia Mullen giving a somatic massage therapy and bodywork session

Somatic Massage and Integrative Bodywork

Somatic Bodywork brings together skilled manual therapy. Working with fascia, connective tissue, joints, viscera, scar tissue and soft tissue with an awareness of the nervous system, breath, and how the body has learned to hold and protect itself over time. Sessions move slowly and with precision, listening to what your body is doing rather than imposing fixed protocols. This is certainly not your standard massage.

This is bodywork for people who want more than relaxation. It's for those carrying chronic tension, structural pain, unresolved injury, or a felt sense that something in the body has been held for a very long time. Sessions are interactive and collaborative, and the change they support tends to be cumulative and lasting rather than temporary.

I offer somatic bodywork in Dublin from my studio in The Calm Rooms in Monkstown, working with clients from across the city and country, as well as international clients.

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Makia Mullen giving a somatc massage therapy and somatic bodywork session in Dublin
Makia Mullen giving a somatc massage therapy and somatic bodywork session in Dublin

Integrative Somatic Therapy

Somatic Therapy recognises that our emotional experiences, stress, and relational history don't only live in the mind. They actively shape our body's tissues, posture, breath, and nervous system. Where talk therapy works through language and narrative, somatic therapy works through the body's present-moment experience: sensation, movement, breath, and the felt sense of safety or bracing that lives beneath conscious awareness.

In these sessions, we work gently with awareness practices, breathwork, trauma-informed touch where appropriate, and guided tracking of sensation supporting the nervous system to release protective patterns, build resilience, and restore a felt sense of groundedness and ease. Somatic therapy in Dublin is available as a standalone offering or woven into bodywork sessions, If you would like bodywork or touch to be included in your Somatic Therapy, I recommend booking in for ‘Integrative Bodywork’ in lieu of ‘Somatic Therapy’ option on the booking site.

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Conditions I Frequently Work With . . .

Pain & Musculoskeletal Chronic back, neck, shoulder, hip, and sciatic pain — TMJ dysfunction, jaw pain, bruxism, and migraines — tension headaches, eye strain, and sinus pressure — sports injuries and post-injury rehabilitation — fibromyalgia, rheumatic conditions, and joint stiffness — postural imbalances and restricted mobility - Scar Tissue therapy and Scar Repair

Pelvic, Abdominal & Gynaecological To learn more about my Pelvic Care sessions please visit HERE. Pelvic pain and pelvic floor tension — endometriosis, PCOS, and menstrual pain — fertility support and preconception care — postpartum recovery and birth trauma — digestive disorders, IBS, and visceral tension — scar tissue from C-sections, hysterectomy, or abdominal surgery — vaginismus, prolapses, and sexual pain.

Nervous System & Emotional Wellbeing Chronic stress, burnout, and anxiety — trauma held in the body's tissues — fatigue, low energy, and poor sleep — emotional overwhelm, shutdown, or disconnection from the body — psychedelic integration and spiritual transitions — grief and life changes.

Lymphatic & Post-Operative Post-operative lymphatic drainage and recovery — scar tissue remediation following surgery, injury, or birth — oedema and sluggish lymphatic flow — gender-affirming surgery recovery.

SOMATIC BODYWORK FAQs

  • Somatic bodywork is a hands-on therapeutic approach that works with the body as a living, sensing system rather than a mechanical object to be fixed. It combines skilled manual therapy with awareness of the nervous system, breath, emotions, and lived experience. Somatic bodywork supports physical relief while also helping people feel more present, regulated, and connected in their bodies.

  • While massage often focuses on relaxation or muscle tension, somatic bodywork works more slowly and precisely with the fascia (connective tissue), posture, biomechanics, breath and nervous system responses.

    Regular massage therapy primarily targets physical tension, pain relief, circulation, and muscle recovery. Somatic bodywork and Somatic massage goes deeper. It treats the body and mind as inseparable, working with how emotions, trauma, and lived experiences are stored in the body's tissues and nervous system.

    In somatic work, your awareness is part of the treatment. Practitioners often guide you to notice sensations, breath patterns, or emotional responses as they arise during touch. Standard massage is typically more passive, you receive the work without necessarily being asked to track your inner experience.

    Somatic approaches (like Somatic Experiencing, Biodynamic Craniosacral, or Hakomi Bodywork) are specifically designed to work with how the nervous system holds stress and trauma. The goal is often to help the body "complete" stress responses that got frozen or interrupted. Regular massage doesn't typically address this layer.

    Regular massage : relaxation, pain management, athletic recovery, circulation

    Somatic bodywork :" addresses the physiological elements of a regular massage AND nervous system regulation, trauma resolution, emotional processing, developing body awareness, healing patterns of chronic tension linked to psychological history

    Somatic work often uses lighter, more listening touch rather than the deeper pressure common in Swedish or deep tissue massage. The practitioner may pause and wait for the body to respond rather than working through a routine sequence.

    Somatic practitioners typically have training in psychology, trauma-informed care, trauma theory, nervous system literacy and mind-body modalities on top of bodywork skills, whereas licensed massage therapists focus primarily on anatomy, physiology, and manual techniques.

    In short: regular massage works on the body; somatic bodywork works with the body-mind as a whole system. Many people find somatic work useful when physical tension has an emotional or psychological root that massage alone doesn't resolve.

    Sessions are interactive and responsive, supporting long-term change rather than purely short-term relief.

  • Somatic bodywork may support chronic pain, tension patterns, stress, burnout, trauma recovery, postural strain, injury recovery, scar tissue, trauma held in the body and a sense of disconnection from the body. Many clients also seek this work to improve embodiment, resilience, and overall wellbeing.

  • Yes. All sessions are grounded in trauma-informed principles, including consent, choice, pacing, and nervous system regulation. Clients are never pushed beyond their capacity, and sessions are shaped collaboratively.

  • Sessions typically include a short verbal check-in, hands-on bodywork, and time for integration. Touch is always negotiated and adapted to your needs on the day. Breath, awareness, and gentle movement may also be included.

  • No. Verbal sharing is always optional. The body can be supported without retelling stories, and you are welcome to share only what feels relevant or supportive.

  • I offer somatic bodywork sessions in Dublin, Ireland from my studio in Monkstown in South Dublin. And a few times per year I travel to California, Oregon and Maryland to see clients. I also offer online somatic therapy and trauma-informed, integrative care online through virtual sessions over zoom.

  • Somatic bodywork may help chronic pain by working with connective tissue, posture, and nervous system patterns that contribute to ongoing discomfort. It supports the body in finding more efficient and regulated ways of functioning.

  • Yes. I regularly work with clients who are visiting or living in Dublin for short periods, including artists, researchers, students, tech workers, IT professionals, interns and people on extended stays. Short-term care plans can be discussed.

  • This work sits at the intersection of coaching, education, and somatic therapy.

    This is not psychotherapy, but it is trauma-informed and deeply respectful of nervous system capacity and consent.

  • Bodywork

    €90 for 60mins

    €140 for 90mins

    €190 for 2hrs

    Somatic Therapy

    €115 for 90mins

  • Yes, as a professional member of the Irish Massage Therapists Association (IMTA) and ANMT (Association for Neuromuscular Massage Therapists), I provide invoicing for insurance reimbursement with Irish Life Health Insurance, Level Health, Laya and VHI Insurance for all massage therapy and bodywork treatments.

    Please request your invoice at the time of booking or after your session. Always check with your individual provider regarding the details of your plan, what provider accreditations are required, which treatments are eligible for reimbursment and the limits of your policy per year.