Embodied Awareness: Somatic Trauma Therapy

Ancient wisdom: mindfulness practice has been in use for centuries as a path to awakening. Modern technology: science is now starting to understand the mechanics of change involved in mindfulness practice, including actual physiological changes that are reflected in shifts in thought, emotion, and behavior. Sensorimotor based approaches allow you to engage in personal and relational mindfulness, which is essential in somatic trauma therapy. This process initiates and stimulates your own healing intelligence and process.

Most of us experienced repeated wounding when we were growing up. When those emotional and psychological pains are strong, developmental trauma occurs, and that is what I help people with through trauma therapy. Adults with developmental wounding and developmental trauma often struggle in relationships. Folks with developmental trauma frequently feel anxious, depressed, and experience a variety of trauma symptoms including difficulty sleeping and making decisions, emotional dysregulation and volatility, distractibility, and overwhelm. The inner life can often feel polarized and confusing. Yet, we often appear high functioning while struggling internally with significant pain. The kind of work I offer, including somatic therapy in Ann Arbor, is best suited for those who have already engaged in years of self-work. My primary niche area is psychotherapists, but I also enjoy working with healthcare practitioners, meditators, spiritual seekers, and artists of all kinds. I work with trans folx and all gender identities and sexual orientations, and I am kink and poly knowledgeable and welcoming. Although I have white appearing skin, my ancestry is Sicilian, Nigerian, Ashkenazi Jew, North and East European. My heart and practice are oriented to the human in us all.

With nearly 15 years of experience in somatic therapy, my work as a somatic trauma therapist is influenced by hakomi, IFS, somatic experiencing, and sensorimotor work. My approach incorporates a strong grounding in Buddhist psychology. Having engaged in 25 years of spiritual practice, I bring this depth to our journey together. Additionally, I have attended numerous personal and professional retreats and trainings, including mindfulness mentor training with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.

*Courage

*Curiosity about your own experience

*A sense of humor

*Willingness to change

*Willingness to let go of what no longer serves you

*Willingness to be uncomfortable - Therapy often is difficult

*Willingness to feel the pain you have been carrying as part of the transformation process

*Willingness to commit to yourself and a path of healing that may require more support than therapy alone

*Willingness to look inside at your own experience. For some that means being willing to make a departure from blaming others

*Willing to make a significant financial and time commitment to your own growth and healing

"The roots of lasting relationships are mindfulness, deep listening, loving speech, and a strong community to support you." - Thich Nhat Hanh

"Be where you are. Otherwise, you will miss your life." - Buddha

"The body reveals, especially in the context of trauma, the emotions we often hide." - Ron Kurtz

"Intelligence is what you use when you don't know what to do, a concept that can be explored further through somatic therapy." - Jean Piaget

While there is not one panacea for everything and all things, recent findings in neurobiology and various studies support the ancient wisdom that untreated wounds can lead to illness and even death. Leaders in healing, such as Janina Fisher, Gabor Mate and Frank Anderson, emphasize the importance of addressing unresolved childhood trauma, which aligns with the principles of somatic therapy. I also share their belief that many physical and mental health problems are rooted in these traumas, highlighting the need for effective trauma therapy.

When you work with me, I make one basic assumption that informs every contact you and I will make: within you is already that self which is whole and complete.  I will help you learn to listen to YOUR nervous system. Everything that we do will be informed by this listening and the skills you will develop that enable you to hear what your nervous system is saying. The self within you that is whole and complete is often obscured by layers of defense and protection, yet your system is actively trying to return to that state. With the right support, including effective trauma therapy, it can achieve that.