What does the process of working together look like, from initial contact to seeing results?

Our journey typically begins with a free strategy call to explore what is possible if we choose to work together, followed by an initial session to get a deeper understanding of where you are currently at in your life and where you are wanting to go. From there, most clients commit to weekly sessions for 3-6 months, with some noticing subtle shifts within the first few weeks and more substantial changes after 2-3 months of consistent work. Deeper transformation often unfolds over 6-12 months, though this varies based on your unique circumstances, history, and how actively you integrate our work into your daily life—some clients choose to continue longer-term work for ongoing support and growth, while others transition to less frequent sessions as they develop greater internal resources.

What does it mean to have a ‘somatic’ approach to healing?

Trauma and relational wounding is held in the body. It holds the imprint of your experiences and contains intuitive wisdom. Let’s listen to it!

According to some of the experts in trauma like Pat Ogden, Peter Levine, and Bessel van der Kolk we cannot truly heal from the top down approach that talk therapy uses (ie; CBT that says if you change your thoughts, it will change your behavior which will change your emotional experience. Nice in theory. But trauma isn’t held in the mind. It’s held in the body. To that end, somatic work moves beyond traditional talk therapy and builds body-centered awareness to allow you to access deeper levels of healing. Rather than just having a better intellectual understanding which is ‘nice’ but doesn’t support whole-being healing or create tangible change in our lives, we trust the wisdom of your body. We do this by making space for it to go where it needs to go, feel what it needs to feel, release what it needs to release as you organically unfold toward your truest, most whole Self.

What is ‘relational’ in the context of our work?

Wounds that happen in relationship can only heal in relationship. Almost ALL of our wounding happens in relationship (even ‘event trauma’ like car accidents, war and rape still have relational elements).

Having a relational approach means we recognize that healing happens within a safe, secure and trusting relationship where patterns can safely emerge and transform. Our relationship becomes a container for exploring how you connect with others and yourself, providing real-time opportunities for growth and change that ripple out into the rest of your relationships and life. The human to human connection we cultivate IS the work. IS the healing. IS what supports your transformation.

What kinds of issues or challenges are best addressed through somatic and relational approaches?

Somatic and relational approaches are particularly effective for trauma, relationship difficulties, chronic stress, exploration of identity and spirituality, and disconnection from self. These approaches excel when conventional talk therapy hasn't fully resolved your concerns or when you sense that "something is missing" in your healing journey.

Do you work with different "parts" of self or internal fragmentation in your approach?

In my practice, I am deeply influenced by the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach and incorporate other ‘parts work’ through my extensive training in Jon Eisman’s Re-Creation of the Self model, which helps clients recognize and harmonize different aspects of their internal experience. This approach allows us to acknowledge the protective functions of fragmented parts while facilitating greater internal coherence, self-compassion, and choice in how you respond to life's challenges.

What can I expect during a typical session with you?

Sessions typically begin with mindfulness - a type of inner ‘scanning’ of your experience, check-ins about your current state, followed by a blend of dialogue, somatic awareness exercises, and experiential practices tailored to what’s most alive in your body, heart, mind and soul. We move at your pace, balancing listening to your deepest stories, fears, memories, visions and dreams for yourself all while incorporating body-based exploration to facilitate more meaningful and lasting shifts in your life.

How long does the process typically take to see results?

While some clients experience significant relief within 8-12 sessions, deeper transformational work often unfolds over 6-12 months of consistent engagement. The timeline varies based on your history, goals, and how actively you integrate our work into your daily life.

What is your training and experience with somatic and relational methods?

I have extensive and advanced training in Hakomi Mind Body Psychotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique or “Tapping”, and in experiential and relational Primary Attachment Work. complemented by 12 years of relational coaching and counseling experience working with diverse clients and concerns. I participate in several consultation groups and ongoing professional development to ensure I bring the most effective and current practices to our work together.

How do you create a safe environment for exploring difficult emotions and experiences?

Establishing safety is ground zero for this work, therefore I aim to establish safety through transparent communication, clear boundaries, cultural responsiveness, and a non-judgmental presence that honors your autonomy and wisdom. I aim to create an environment where all parts of you are welcome, including those that feel most vulnerable or have been silenced.

How do you approach trauma within your practice?

My trauma approach integrates Dan Siegel's Interpersonal Neurobiology, Stephen Porges's Polyvagal Theory, and the Window of Tolerance concept to create healing that respects your nervous system's capacity. We'll work together to honor and help you recognize your nervous system states, expand your window of tolerance, and foster neural integration, allowing trauma to be processed safely without overwhelm or shutdown. Trauma work in my practice is paced and resourced focusing on building your capacities before processing difficult experiences. We move toward the biggest traumas slowly in way that prioritizes safety and stabilization, ensuring we don't overwhelm your nervous system as we work toward healing and integration.

How will we measure progress or know if our work together is ‘working’?

You know you, best. So progress is measured through your subjective experience of relief, observable changes in your relationships and daily functioning, and regular check-ins about our process. We'll collaborate to identify meaningful markers of change that reflect your unique goals and lived experience.