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 which include actual physiological changes which are reflected in changes in thought, emotion, and behavior.

Working with Melissa is to engage the field of personal and relational mindfulness which 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. Adults with developmental wounding and developmental trauma often struggle in relationships. Folks with developmental trauma often feel anxious, depressed, and experience a number of trauma symptoms including difficulty sleeping and making decisions, emotional dysregulation and volatility, distractibility and overwhelm.... Inner life is often polarized and confusing. And yet, we often look very high functioning, and struggle inside with a lot of pain.

The kind of work I offer is best for people who have already done a number of years of work on themselves. 

My primary niche area is psychotherapists. I also enjoy working with  healthcare practitioners, meditators and those on a spiritual path, and artists of all flavors and varieties.

I also work with trans folx and all gender identities and sexual orientations. Kink and poly knowledgeable and welcoming. Though 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 experience as a somatic trauma therapist, my work with others is influenced by hakomi, IFS, somatic experiencing, and sensorimotor work. My approach includes strong grounding in buddhist psychology.  I have lived 25 years of spiritual practice and bring that to our journey. I have also attended innumerable personal and professional retreats and trainings, including mindfulness mentor training with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. 

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.

When we work together, we will learn to listen to YOUR nervous system. Everything that we do will be informed by and based on that listening and the skills we will develop to hear what your nervous system is saying. 

The self within you that is whole and complete is obscured by layers of  defense and protection, and yet at the same time, your system is trying to return to that state. All it needs is the support to do so.