The way I work is through a somatic integrative approach that can be used to strengthen mindbody awareness and insight, to move energy and to establish new neural pathways of connection/integration. I offer an integrated and embodied approach to movement, the body and consciousness. Sessions often have a creative element in which embodiment of the material is explored in the context of self-discovery and openness. Each person is both the student and the subject matter and the underlying goal is to discover the ease that underlies transformation. Somatic movement practices can be great tools for correcting inefficient developmental/postural and alignment patterns, for reducing/managing stress and promoting more relaxation through nervous system regulation and psychoeducation. Somatic movement can often include an educational component from an experiential approach, together we learn about our unique experience/perception of being in the body through exploration and curiosity. The way I work with people is grounded in connecting to the different physiological systems by incorporating learning about anatomy/physiology and the ways our systems, issues and cells support our functioning, emotions, thoughts and feelings. The practices I offer not only build on existing inherent bodily wisdom but they promote a more embodied way of moving through the world. Working with the mindbody through gentle somatic practices are great for regulating the nervous system which can aid in healing and balancing behavioural and emotional processes.
The way I work is inclusive to all ages, abilities, genders/orientations, from infants to older adults and folks living with various abilities/disabilities and neurodivergence. If you have a new injury, past injury, emotional blockage/injury, are experiencing disharmony, imbalance or trauma, the way I work is customized to your unique needs by using a person-centered approach. I will meet you where youโre at and begin there each session. With a sensitive and gentle approach I will energetically track and follow your cues as I guide you through a session.
A somatic session may incorporate a combination of:
- somatic movement exercises
- gentle yoga
- breath work
- guided visualization
- sound meditation (crystal singing bowls, chimes, tuning forks),
- vocal toning
- healing touch
- journaling
- counselling/therapy
There are three core pillars of my practice that I follow:
- Safety - We practice in not judging ourselves or others & practice exploring bodily sensations & soft observation or experimentation
- Non-Violence - Nothing should hurt or cause pain, all movements should be soft and at your own speed and your own interpretation
- Slow - This is a mindful practice, staying with the body's attention requires us to slow down so we can unlock & discover bodily wisdom that is often missed when we are moving fast or without awareness.
These practices can be helpful in cases of:
- Recovery/rehabilitation (physical/emotional)
- Chronic pain
- Digestive issues
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Postural imbalances
- Unfinished stress responses (trauma/PTSD)
- Mental health responses (anxiety, depression, etc)
- Grief & Loss
- Gender dysphoria
- Relational/developmental trauma
- Birth trauma/perinatal mood responses
- A desire to get in touch with the felt sense/intuition
- Creative exploration/artistic inspiration
Other practices that inform my work include dance, Authentic Movement, Somatic Experiencingยฉ, trauma-informed movement, Thomas Hanna Somatics, Alexander Technique, attachment theory, relational & psychodynamic therapy, parts work, expressive arts/healing arts, emotion-focused therapy and narrative therapy.
*Please note, I am not a registered therapist or social worker yet. This work does not substitute for psychotherapy/therapy but can be a great additional support to compliment more traditional talk therapy. I will refer out where necessary to aid in further support for all my clients.
