Embodied Clay Practice
Reflection through clay
Clay Field · Somatic · Material-based reflection
Embodied Clay Practice can be a meaningful approach for people seeking a deeper connection with themselves, especially during times of change, transition, stress, or emotional challenges. It offers a quiet space to slow down, listen inward, and explore experiences that may not always be easy to express through words.
Embodied Clay Practice offers a different way of exploring thoughts, emotions and experiences through clay.
Rather than relying only on conversation, we work with the hands. Clay becomes a space for reflection, awareness and exploration, allowing thoughts and feelings to emerge through touch and movement.
There is no expectation to create an object or make art. The focus is on the process.
What is the Clay Field method?
Clay Field is a somatic, body-focused method that uses the natural power of clay to support emotional exploration and self-discovery.
Developed by Heinz Deuser, it is part of Art Therapy and is informed by developmental psychology, sensorimotor approaches, and the importance of touch in human development.
It helps people work through memories that may be held in the body, often linked to early-life experiences and relationships.
During a session, you use your hands in the clay to express what may be difficult to put into words. The tactile, grounding nature of the work helps reduce stress and brings you into the present moment. It can support emotions such as anger, fear, grief, guilt, and more. It’s especially helpful for people who find it hard to express their feelings verbally, offering a non-verbal, deeply embodied way to explore emotions.
How can the Clay Field support you?
Our hands are full of sensory receptors and are constantly communicating with the brain. By touching and engaging with the clay, your hands can express what may be difficult to put into words. The movements that naturally emerge may reflect personal patterns and the way you relate to yourself and the world around you.
By following the natural impulses of your hands, you may reconnect with early, nonverbal memories or emotions. The Clay Field supports this process by allowing these inner movements to be felt, expressed and completed.
According to Peter Levine (founder of Somatic Experiencing), during overwhelming experiences, natural movements are often interrupted, and that energy remains stuck in the body. People can find release in the clay field by completing some moves and using their impulse to push, press, hide, or do other actions that their hands want to do in the Clay. The hands can act until they feel free and released. The next part of the process is to see how we can start and create something new.
What happens during a session?
The setup is simple: a wooden box filled with clay, a bowl of warm water and a sponge. The Clay Field becomes your space for exploration.
You are invited to follow the natural impulses of your hands, not to make an object, but to explore what your body wants to express through movement and touch.
Your hands lead the process, telling the story they hold. We allow whatever needs to emerge to unfold naturally, listening to what the body wants to express through movement.
At the end of the session, we take time to reflect together and bring awareness and understanding to the experience.
My role
I trained in the Clay Field method with Cornelia Elbrecht at the School of Sensorimotor Art Therapy.
As a ceramic designer, coach and trained Clay Field practitioner, I bring over 20 years of experience working with clay. While I’m not a certified art therapist, I have spent many years exploring the deep connection between hands, clay and the inner self.
As your Clay Field practitioner, I will guide you through the session, helping you feel safe and supported in a calm, welcoming space where you can express yourself freely. I help you become more aware of your movements and accompany you through the process of meeting yourself in the Clay Field. At the end of the session, we take time to talk and reflect, bringing greater understanding to what emerged.
I work with clients in Amsterdam, offering a quiet, private and supportive space for this work. I am fully committed to confidentiality and take great care in protecting your trust.
This practice may be for you if you:
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find it difficult to express experiences through words alone
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are looking for a slower, more embodied way to reflect
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feel drawn to working with your hands
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are navigating change or transition
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feel stuck and want to reconnect with movement and clarity
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are curious about exploring yourself through a non-verbal process
Sessions
Sessions take place one-to-one in Amsterdam.
60-minute session
€105
Curious about Clay Field?
If you'd like to explore whether Clay Field is right for you, I'd be happy to hear from you.
