What is Somatic Healing?

Somatic Healing is a therapeutic approach that involves the body directly in the healing process. It focuses on recognizing and addressing trauma by connecting bodily sensations to mental processes.

Emotions need to be experienced fully to facilitate healing. Often when we start to feel emotions in our body, our rational mind intervenes, telling us to dismiss our feelings with thoughts like "Don't worry about it!" or "It wasn't that big of a deal." This suppression can prevent emotional chemicals from being processed, causing them to be stored in the body. Somatic Healing aims to complete this emotional cycle effectively.

Through techniques like meditation, body scanning, and tailored therapeutic exercises, Somatic Healing helps you discover how your body perceives and processes emotions. This personalized approach enables you to find what specifically aids you in expressing and resolving these emotions, thereby tapping into your inner healer and promoting ongoing self-care and recovery.

How Does Somatic Healing Work?

In Somatic Healing sessions, you are empowered to take control of your healing journey. As your coach, I guide you in exploring the emotions and sensations stored in your body. The goal is to approach these feelings with equanimity, accepting them as they are without projecting our desires or expectations. This process involves identifying links between your physical sensations and associated emotions, memories, or traumas.

Once we identify specific objectives, we explore various techniques that may resonate with you, such as grounding, centering, and resourcing exercises, to help manage and process these stored emotions. The therapies we might use include breathwork, sound therapy, shamanic plant medicines like sananga and hape, interpretive dance, art therapy, IFS (internal family systems), interoception, Reiki, shamanic extraction and journeying, and techniques to express 'sacred rage'. The approach is highly personalized, focusing on discovering what uniquely aids your emotional processing.

Throughout this process, I serve as a teacher and guide, helping you understand how your body and mind can collaborate towards healing. With my expertise in body language, I provide ongoing feedback and reflections to help you progress towards your healing goals. You remain at the helm of your journey, continually adapting our approach to fit your evolving needs.

What is the Difference Between an Online Appointment and In person?

The key difference between online and in-person Somatic Healing sessions is the range of methods and tools available. In online sessions, physical interaction is limited, meaning hands-on therapies aren't possible. Nevertheless, I can effectively guide you through various self-directed exercises, such as pressure point releases, tapping, and touch-based resourcing. You'll take a more active role in addressing and exploring your stored trauma through techniques like interoception, meditation, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, all under my guidance.

In-person sessions offer a more immersive experience. These sessions are extended to 90 minutes, allowing us to use a wider range of modalities that I am trained in. We can incorporate smells, sounds, touch, and even legal plant medicines to aid the healing process, depending on your comfort and consent.

Both online and in-person sessions are designed to be safe, interactive, and empowering. You are fully informed about all therapies and remain in control of how you engage with the process.

What is Reiki?

Osui Reiki is a healing method from Japan, created by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century. This technique involves me channeling a universal life force through my hands to help you heal naturally. It's a very gentle approach that aims to balance your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. During a session, I use specific hand positions and symbols to direct this healing energy, which can help reduce stress, release emotional blockages, and improve your overall sense of well-being. Osui Reiki is easy to receive and can be a powerful part of your health and wellness routine. (In-person only)

What is interoception?

Interoception is the practice of tuning into your body’s internal signals, such as hunger, thirst, heart rate, and emotional sensations. It involves developing a heightened awareness of what’s happening inside your body, which can significantly enhance your understanding of your own physical and emotional needs. In our sessions, I guide you through exercises designed to improve your interoceptive awareness, helping you recognize and respond to these internal cues more effectively. This practice is key to self-regulation and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being, allowing you to make more informed decisions about your needs and emotions.

What is Breathwork?

Breathwork is a powerful practice that involves intentionally changing your breathing patterns to influence your mental, emotional, and physical state. In our sessions, I'll guide you through specific breathing techniques designed to help you release stress, improve your focus, and enhance your overall well-being. This practice can be particularly effective for accessing deep emotional insights and promoting a profound sense of relaxation and connection to oneself. Whether you’re looking to calm your mind, energize your body, or achieve a meditative state, breathwork can be a transformative tool in your wellness journey.

What is Hapé?

Hapé is a sacred herbal snuff used traditionally by indigenous tribes of the Amazon basin. It is a finely ground powder made from a blend of tobacco and other plant ingredients, each chosen for its therapeutic properties. In our sessions, I will guide you in the ceremonial use of Hapé to help clear your mental and emotional clutter, align your energy centers, and deepen your connection to the spiritual realm. This powerful tool is revered for its ability to provide clarity, grounding, and an enhanced sense of presence. Hapé can be an integral part of your spiritual or healing practice, fostering profound transformations and insights. It is legal but you must be 21 years of age or older. (In-person only)

What is IFS (Internal Family Systems)?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is a transformative approach to psychotherapy that helps individuals understand and harmonize the various parts of their personality. Developed by Richard Schwartz, IFS posits that the mind contains distinct sub-personalities, each with its own unique perspectives and emotions. This therapy guides you to identify these parts, particularly those affected by trauma or conflict, and foster an environment of internal healing and balance. At the heart of IFS is the core Self, characterized by qualities like compassion, clarity, and calmness. By accessing the Self, you can heal troubled parts, leading to greater emotional stability and improved mental health. IFS is particularly effective in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues, promoting a deeper self-awareness and a path to emotional well-being.

What is Sound Therapy?

Sound Therapy is a healing technique that uses the therapeutic properties of sound vibrations to promote health and well-being. In our sessions, I utilize various instruments such as singing bowls, rain and ocean shakers, rattles, and drums to create an immersive sound environment. These sounds and vibrations work to harmonize the body’s frequencies, helping to reduce stress, enhance relaxation, and facilitate emotional release. This practice is based on the principle that sound frequencies can influence our energy fields and internal processes, aiding in the healing of physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. Sound Therapy is a powerful tool for anyone seeking to achieve a deeper state of calm, improve their concentration, or simply enjoy the profound effects of resonant sound on the body and mind.

What is “sacred rage”?

Sacred Rage is a transformative healing practice that encourages the expression of deep-seated anger and frustration in a controlled and therapeutic environment. It involves techniques that allow you to safely release pent-up emotions that may have been suppressed due to societal norms or personal inhibitions. In our sessions, I will guide you through exercises designed to help you access and articulate these intense emotions through vocalization, movement, and other expressive methods. The goal of Sacred Rage is not just to vent, but to channel and transform this powerful energy into a source of strength and liberation. This practice aids in healing emotional wounds and reclaiming personal power, contributing to overall emotional resilience and well-being.

What is Sananga?

Sananga is a potent eye drop made from the roots and bark of the Tabernaemontana undulata shrub, traditionally used by indigenous tribes of the Amazon. This powerful herbal remedy is applied directly to the eyes and is known for its intense effects that can range from a sharp initial sting to profound long-term improvements in spiritual and physical vision. In our sessions, I guide you through the use of Sananga to help cleanse your energetic field, sharpen your mental focus, and enhance your inner perception. Sananga is revered for its ability to open the mind to deeper insights and emotional clarity, making it a valuable addition to spiritual practices and healing rituals. (In-person only)

What is Shamanic extraction and journeying?

Shamanic Extraction is a healing practice used in shamanism to remove spiritual intrusions believed to cause illness and disharmony within the body. During a shamanic extraction, I work to identify and extract these intrusions, which are seen as misplaced energy that does not belong in your body. This process helps to restore your energy balance and enhance your overall well-being. It is particularly beneficial for those feeling blocked, fatigued, or spiritually burdened. By removing these energetic blockages, Shamanic Extraction supports your body’s natural ability to heal and maintain health.

Shamanic Journeying is a core practice in shamanism that involves entering a trance-like state to access spiritual guidance and healing. Using rhythmic drumming or other sound techniques, I guide you into a deep meditative state where you can explore non-ordinary realms. This journey allows you to connect with spiritual guides, ancestors, or power animals that provide insight, wisdom, and assistance in addressing various life challenges. Shamanic Journeying is used for personal growth, healing past traumas, and gaining clarity on life's path. It’s a profound way to deepen your connection to the spiritual world and uncover valuable perspectives to empower your life. (In-person only)