Orla Skelly is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, midwife and pre- and perinatal therapist. With over 15 years of clinical midwifery experience, she brings a depth of knowledge to supporting women through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Her work focuses on how early experiences shape patterns in the body, nervous system and relationships. Drawing on Somatic Experiencing® and Integrated Pre- and Perinatal Dynamics, she supports clients to understand how stress and trauma are held in the body, and to build capacity for regulation, integration and a renewed sense of safety.
Orla offers birth debriefing for those wanting to process a previous experience, as well as support in planning for a future birth, particularly following a difficult or traumatic outcome. Her approach combines clinical insight with a relational, body-based perspective, creating space for experiences to be explored without overwhelm.
Her work is informed by a background in complementary health, bringing a broader, body-based perspective. She incorporates somatic touch, movement, mindful awareness and self-enquiry into her sessions.
While grounded in perinatal care, Orla also works with individuals outside of this period, recognising the ongoing impact of early imprints across the lifespan.
She has a particular interest in intergenerational and ancestral patterns, and in supporting nervous system regulation and resilience. She also supports health professionals, offering reflective space to process the cumulative impact of care work through a body-based, nervous system-informed approach, aiding recovery from and reducing the risk of burnout.