Offerings is a newsletter by Houston somatic therapist Katy Dimple Manning bringing you insights, tools, and resources on trauma, anxiety, and perfectionism through a somatic lens.
Offerings Edition 03
Thank you for being here! I'm so glad you're reading. Below we have an invitation, a hot take, and of course Halloween things.
How to Know if Trauma Therapy is Right for You (Right Now)
I recently had a friend say to me, "I know I have to process my trauma, but..." and I nearly cut her off. Thankfully I had enough awareness to wait till she finished her thought before chiming in with, "You don't have to process your trauma. You don't have to do anything."
When it comes to trauma specifically, so many of the lingering symptoms revolve around a loss of power. This usually stems from the original traumatic event(s), whether someone was overpowered literally or symbolically.
If you're someone whose daily life is filled to the brim with "have to's," take some time to notice how that disempowerment is impacting you. How it permeates your thoughts, how it lives in your body, and how it affects your relationships with yourself and others. No blaming yourself or someone else, just noticing the effects.
As a trauma therapist, far be from to me to discourage someone from pursuing trauma therapy. But, if it feels like just one more thing you're being forced to do, that will create so much friction.
You're Invited: Post-Halloween Walking Meditation at Houston Botanic Garden
If you're like me, Halloween takes you through so many highs and lows. Lots of energy, sugar, kiddos ranging from adorable to demanding to adorably demanding, and stimulation overload.
While I love it, I welcome the chance to ground, down-regulate, and unwind as the calendar page turns to November.
That's why I'm so excited to be partnering with the Houston Botanic Garden to offer a Walking Meditation the day after Halloween.
Guided Mindfulness Experience followed by Walking Meditation Sunday, November 1st, 2026 3:30-5:00 PM Houston Botanic Garden 1 Botanic Lane
If boundaries and power struggles are a thing with your little ones, here are a few brief scripts from Dr. Becky Kennedy to help prep before you hit the streets.
If you haven't explored Dr. Becky's material and the Good Inside universe as a parent, I highly recommend diving in!
When One More Spam Text Threatens to Send You Over the Edge
If you open this post you'll immediately see two things: 1. it's six years old 2. it was actually written after a debate rather than during midterm madness.
However, the sentiment (unfortunately) and coping skills (fortunately) seem to remain evergreen.
Walking your neighborhood, you're inundated with yard signs. In texts you're receiving another politician's "Final Hail Mary." On Facebook (are we still on Facebook?), you're fielding family posts from your uncle's cousin's godmother that make you cringe.
PS: I wish I was exaggerating about the spam texts. Seriously, if you have any advice I will take it. I have googled and tried all the basic things, but nothing seems to help 🥲. I actually wrote this whole newsletter so I'd have an excuse to send an SOS. I stand by it and would do it again.
From the Archive: What's the Scariest Thing to Bring Up in Therapy?
How to Broach the Tough Topics
Years ago, in honor of Halloween, I sent out a call on social media for the scariest topics to bring up in therapy. The answers did not disappoint!
From a client's perspective, this list is so relatable. From a therapist's perspective, these are some of the most common topics for clients to conjure. While trepidation is understandable, chances are it's not your therapist's first rodeo with a difficult topic.
In addition to the list of anxiety-inducing subjects, there are in-depth tips on how to broach these tough conversations should you want to.
