“I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive...we want to feel the rapture of being alive.” -Joseph Campbell
My Hope for You
Maybe “the rapture of being alive” feels like too big of a step.
At the very least, I know that you want your life to be better than it currently is. From my perspective, it’s not okay for people to experience life-crippling shame, social anxiety, depression, addictions, self-harm behaviors, or being stuck, especially because it’s possible to be free of that. And really, I learned myself that it’s best to start with simple human pleasures as our pathway out.
Despite decades of depression, loneliness, and shame, I was committed to finding a way to feel more fully human and fully alive. I wish I knew earlier what I know now. I believe it could have made the journey more enjoyable and at the very least, shortened the journey. Experiencing freedom and joy for myself now drives me to want the same for you.
My tools
My Training
I have trained in numerous modalities. The underlying principle for all my work is rooted in complex systems theory applied to human growth and change. The work that has most informed me is Organic Intelligence®, which I have studied since 2014. I include what I’ve learned from Somatic Experiencing®, Touch Skills for Trauma Therapists, and NeuroAffective Touch®. I trained early on in therapeutic bodywork such as neuromuscular therapy and Myofascial Release®, giving me an understanding of how the body works as well as the tools to assist in complex pain relief.
Formally, I have a B.A. in Social Work, specializing in community organizing and an M.A. in Teaching English, having taught in various university-level writing programs for a decade. I have studied human sexuality to support healthy love and sexuality when appropriate. And I have participated in regular mindfulness and compassion practice for 20 years. My unstructured learning and training is broad and continuous. In particular, I love studying history, philosophy, economics, and health and wellness. Most importantly, I have a sense of when I can help you; when it is best to refer you to someone else instead of, prior to, or concurrently working with me; and who that might be.
My Coaching Practice and Clients
Before developing my Journey of You: From Shame to Connection™ course, I had a private bodywork and coaching practice, both in person and online since 2006. I have worked with adults of various walks of life, with a variety of cultures, philosophies, worldviews, religions, sexual orientations, and gender expressions. I have loved the diversity, and my goal is to help you feel comfortable and at ease so you don’t need to fear judgment from me or in my coaching practice.
My Commitments to You
- Create as safe of an experience as possible that leaves you feeling better.
- Shepherd the process to minimize adverse feelings and prevent re-traumatization.
- Honestly discuss progress towards your goals so you feel satisfied with the results.
- Refer you to other professionals if I believe that something else is a healing priority or someone else can better help you.
- Protect your confidentiality.
- Create enjoyment and fun in the process.
My Experience Informs My Hope for You
I know that whatever you’re experiencing, your biology is driving it, and life gets easier when your physiology is in sync. Relationships, work, living situations, finances, health–all can improve when your system is not stuck in high-intensity patterns that are draining your energy. I know that from personal experience.
I now get to do work that I love and be with people I love in the beautiful state of Colorado. I enjoy numerous personal hobbies such as reading non-fiction, hiking, snowshoeing, paddleboarding, and playing cello.
I want to support you in what you want to do in life and the unique ways you want to live. I cannot wait to share with you the tried and true steps that I have learned to expand your capacity to not just tolerate the next overwhelming stressor, but to thrive. No matter what happens next in life, you can feel capable, actively engaged, and at ease. Life is too short to miss out on the rich goodness available for you, and you wouldn’t want to miss that, would you?
So, let’s get started.