Welcome back to the HEAR HER podcast!
In this episode, Heather is joined by Desiree Cafaro—somatic experiencing practitioner, Pilates teacher, and nervous system guide—for a grounded and clarifying conversation about trauma, patterns, and how the nervous system actually works.
Together, we explore a powerful reframe: the nervous system isn’t meant to be calm all the time—it’s meant to be responsive.
Desiree shares how many of us are living with patterns of activation that feel like who we are, when in reality, they are protective responses shaped by past experiences. Her work focuses on supporting the nervous system so that it can move through activation and settling with more ease, rather than getting stuck.
We also talk about the difference between somatic healing and somatic experiencing, the importance of working with a trained practitioner, and how healing happens through small, gradual shifts over time.
This conversation offers a deeper understanding of how the nervous system functions—and how we can begin to support it, rather than trying to override or force it to change.
We Explore:
Why the nervous system is not meant to be calm all the time
Trauma as patterns held in the body
Building capacity instead of trying to “fix” yourself
The difference between somatic healing and somatic experiencing
Co-regulation and how our nervous systems respond to others
Resourcing and simple ways to support regulation
Why healing happens slowly, through small shifts over time
Connect with Today’s Guest
Website: https://www.rootedwellnessandpilates.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rooted_wellness_and_pilates
🎥 Free Pilates Class for Nervous System Support:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5AijUS3fDI&t=37s
📬 Sign up for her newsletter:
https://rootedwellnessandpilates.com/newsletter
Work with Heather
✨ Join the HEAR HER Sisterhood - Email us at divinelysensitive@gmail.com to learn more and receive your personal invitation with Legacy Sister pricing.
✨ Book a Session at OverSoul (Charlottesville, VA) - https://oversoulhealingcenter.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/35
Let’s Stay in Touch
Join the Email Community - https://artisanal-teacher-5816.kit.com/2212c835d6
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/divinelysensitive/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hearherpodcast
Email - divinelysensitive@gmail.com
Thank You for Listening
If this episode resonated, you’re invited to like, subscribe, or share the podcast — it helps this work reach the hearts it’s meant for.
Until next time, may you remember to quiet the chaos, tune inward, and HEAR HER. ✨
