Last updated: February 24, 2026
1. Accessibility Statement
Understanding Somatics is committed to ensuring that this website is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. We strive to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, as published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Our efforts include:
- Semantic HTML structure with appropriate heading hierarchy
- Sufficient color contrast ratios (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text)
- Descriptive alt text for meaningful images
- Keyboard-navigable interface with visible focus indicators
- Skip-to-main-content link for keyboard and screen reader users
- ARIA labels on interactive elements
- Responsive design that adapts to different screen sizes and zoom levels
- Forms with labeled fields and accessible error handling
Known limitations
Some third-party components embedded on this site—including MailerLite newsletter forms, Google reCAPTCHA, and Bookshop.org book widgets—may not fully meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards. We cannot control the accessibility of these third-party services but encourage you to contact their respective providers if you encounter barriers.
Feedback and contact
We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of this website. If you experience any accessibility barriers, please contact us. We will make reasonable efforts to address your concerns in a timely manner.
2. Privacy Policy
Your privacy matters to us. This policy explains what information we collect, how it is used, and your choices.
Information we collect
Newsletter subscriptions (MailerLite)
If you choose to subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your name, email address, country, and city through MailerLite. This information is stored on MailerLite's servers and used solely to send you updates about somatic practices and resources. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link included in every email.
MailerLite may process your data in accordance with their own Privacy Policy. We do not sell or share your subscription data with any third parties beyond MailerLite's platform.
Analytics (Google Analytics 4 & Google Tag Manager)
This site uses Google Analytics 4 via Google Tag Manager to collect anonymized usage data, including pages visited, time spent on pages, general geographic location (country/region), device type, and browser type. This data helps us understand how visitors use the site and improve content accordingly.
Google Analytics uses cookies and similar technologies to collect this information. Your IP address is anonymized before storage. Google's data practices are governed by their Privacy Policy. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Behavior analytics (Microsoft Clarity)
This site uses Microsoft Clarity to record anonymized session replays and generate heatmaps. This helps us understand how visitors interact with the site—what they click, scroll, and read—so we can improve usability. Clarity may record mouse movements, clicks, and page interactions, but does not capture passwords or payment information.
Microsoft Clarity's data practices are governed by Microsoft's Privacy Statement.
Contact form
Messages submitted via the Contact page are processed through the form provider configured on that page. We use the information you provide only to respond to your inquiry.
Children's privacy
This site is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Data retention and your rights
Newsletter subscriber data is retained for as long as you remain subscribed. You may request deletion of your data at any time by contacting us or unsubscribing from the newsletter. If you are located in the European Union or California, you may have additional rights under GDPR or CCPA respectively. Please contact us if you wish to exercise those rights.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.
3. Cookie Policy
This site uses cookies and similar tracking technologies. Cookies are small text files placed on your device by your browser when you visit a website.
Cookies used on this site
| Source | Purpose | Type |
|---|---|---|
| This site (localStorage) | Remembers if you have dismissed the newsletter popup | Functional |
| Google Analytics / GTM | Anonymized usage statistics | Analytics |
| Microsoft Clarity | Session recording and heatmaps | Analytics |
| MailerLite | Newsletter form functionality and subscription tracking | Functional / Analytics |
| Google reCAPTCHA | Spam prevention on newsletter forms | Security |
Managing cookies
You can control and delete cookies through your browser settings. You can also opt out of Google Analytics using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of newsletter forms on this site.
4. Medical Disclaimer
The content on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Understanding Somatics explores somatic practices—body-centered approaches to awareness, movement, and healing. While these practices have demonstrated value in many people's lives and are supported by a growing body of research, the information presented here should not be interpreted as medical or clinical advice.
- Do not use content from this site to self-diagnose or self-treat any medical or psychological condition.
- Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern.
- Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
- If you are in crisis or experiencing a mental health emergency, contact a crisis line or emergency services immediately.
Somatic practices may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have a history of trauma, dissociation, physical injury, or other conditions, please consult with a qualified professional before engaging in somatic work. The creator of this website, Donavon Lerman, is a Certified Somatic Sex Educator, not a licensed therapist, psychologist, or medical professional.
Crisis resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (US)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (US)
- International Association for Suicide Prevention: Crisis centers directory
5. Affiliate Disclosure
In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines on endorsements and testimonials, we disclose the following:
The Resources page of this website contains affiliate links to Bookshop.org. If you click one of these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
We only link to books and resources that we genuinely believe are valuable for learning about somatics. Bookshop.org is an independent online bookstore that financially supports local bookshops. Our recommendation of Bookshop.org is also consistent with our values around supporting independent and community-based businesses.
Affiliate commissions, if any, help sustain this free educational resource. The presence of affiliate links does not influence our editorial content or recommendations.
This site does not currently have affiliate relationships with Amazon or any other retailers. All Bookshop.org links on the Resources page are clearly presented as book recommendations.
6. Copyright & Terms of Use
Copyright
All original content on this website—including written text, page structure, and design—is © 2024–2026 Donavon Lerman / Understanding Somatics. All rights reserved unless otherwise noted.
Educational use
You are welcome to quote or reference content from this site for educational, non-commercial purposes, provided that you clearly attribute the source with a link to the original page. Please do not reproduce entire pages or substantial portions of content without permission.
Third-party content
This site references, quotes, and links to the work of many researchers, educators, and practitioners in the field of somatics. All such references are attributed to their respective authors and are used for educational commentary purposes. If you believe your work has been misrepresented or improperly used, please contact us so we can address your concern promptly.
No warranties
This website is provided "as is" without any representations or warranties of any kind. We make no warranty that the information on this site is complete, accurate, or current. Somatic knowledge is evolving, and content may become outdated. We encourage you to verify information with current sources and qualified professionals.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Donavon Lerman and Understanding Somatics shall not be liable for any damages arising from your use of, or reliance on, content from this website.
Contact
For permissions, corrections, questions about these policies, or any other inquiries, please visit the Contact page.