Business Details
28 Years
experience
Holistic Psychotherapy in Southampton
Southampton Body Stories is a holistic psychotherapy practice established in 1998 by Doris Prgel-Bennett, a fully qualified UKCP-accredited psychotherapist and Alexander Technique teacher. Our practice integrates psychodrama psychotherapy, Alexander Technique, and doula support to address physical, emotional, and mental health challenges. With over 25 years of professional experience, we specialise in trauma-informed care, neurodiversity, chronic conditions, and eco-anxiety, offering tailored therapy for individuals, couples, and groups. Our approach combines creative action methods with psycho-physical education to foster self-awareness, personal growth, and resilience.We serve clients in Southampton, New Forest, and online, providing accessible care through flexible pricing and remote sessions. Our expertise extends to workplace mental health, academic supervision, and community workshops addressing contemporary social and environmental crises. We maintain professional affiliations with the UK Council for Psychotherapy, the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, and the Climate Psychology Alliance, ensuring adherence to rigorous clinical and ethical standards.
Services
Psychotherapy
Alexander Technique
Doula Services
Psychodrama Therapy
Eco-Anxiety Support
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of trauma-informed clinical experience since 1998
- Dual expertise in psychodrama psychotherapy and Alexander Technique
- Specialist support for neurodiversity, chronic conditions, and eco-anxiety
- Proven track record with NHS, academic institutions, and international clients
- Holistic approach integrating body-mind psycho-physical education
Associations and certifications
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
- Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT)
What people say
Genuine care
Expert guidance
Transformative results
Safe environment
Tailored approach
Services
Psychotherapy
Our psychotherapy services provide confidential support for emotional and psychological challenges through humanistic, trauma-informed approaches. We specialise in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties using psychodrama and creative methods. Sessions help clients develop self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience through structured therapeutic processes.
Alexander Technique
This psycho-physical method teaches improved body awareness and movement efficiency to alleviate pain and stress. We address posture issues, chronic conditions, and performance anxiety through hands-on guidance and movement re-education. Clients learn to reduce muscular tension and enhance physical coordination for daily activities and specialised tasks.
Doula Support
Specialised pregnancy and birth support focusing on emotional wellbeing and informed decision-making. Our doula services provide continuous support during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum recovery. We help clients navigate medical systems while maintaining personal agency and psychological comfort throughout the birthing process.
Psychodrama Therapy
Creative group and individual sessions using role-playing and action methods to explore psychological issues. This approach helps clients externalise problems, practice new behaviours, and gain insights through embodied experiences. Particularly effective for trauma processing and interpersonal relationship patterns in a supportive therapeutic environment.
Climate Crisis Support
Specialist support addressing emotional responses to environmental crises through psychotherapeutic frameworks. We help clients process eco-anxiety, solastalgia, and climate grief using mind-body approaches. Services include individual therapy and Climate eMotion Cafe sessions for collective emotional processing and resilience building.
People
Doris Prgel-Bennett
Psychotherapist & Alexander Technique Teacher
MSc-qualified psychotherapist with 25+ years' experience in trauma-informed care, neurodiversity support, and eco-psychology. UKCP-registered practitioner combining psychodrama, Alexander Technique, and doula services for holistic wellbeing. Published researcher in psychodrama psychotherapy and female self-perception.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
We integrate psychodrama psychotherapy, Alexander Technique, and trauma-informed care tailored to individual needs. Our methods combine creative action techniques with psycho-physical education for comprehensive treatment.
Do you offer online therapy sessions?
Yes, we provide remote sessions via Zoom for clients preferring virtual consultations, maintaining the same therapeutic quality as in-person appointments across Southampton and surrounding areas.
What mental health issues do you specialise in?
We specialise in trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity support, chronic condition management, and eco-anxiety. Our practice addresses relationship difficulties, life transitions, and perinatal mental health concerns.
Are concessions available for therapy sessions?
Yes, we offer sliding-scale fees based on financial circumstances for students, teenagers, and low-income clients to ensure accessible mental health support.
Do you provide group therapy sessions?
We facilitate regular psychodrama group sessions in Southampton for adults seeking peer support and collective healing experiences in structured therapeutic environments.
How can Alexander Technique benefit me?
This method improves posture, reduces chronic pain, enhances movement efficiency, and builds stress resilience through mindful body awareness and re-education techniques applicable to daily activities.
