I offer mindfulness-based somatic (body-oriented) approaches to wellness and stress management. I help participantsdevelop inner resources and specific skills to manage stress. Together we tap into a felt sense experience of being “resourced”—feeling calm, grounded, centered and good. I draw the connection between self-care practices and increased cognitive capacity, resiliency and sense of well-being. Workshops are largely experiential and can be lovingly tailored to meet the needs of the group.
My approach: My work is rooted in an understanding of the nervous system, and informed by mindfulness, neuroscience and attachment theory. The main idea is that knowing and accessing your resources soothes your nervous system, and a well-regulated nervous system leads to success in all areas.
I start by explaining the nature of stress, using physiological and psychological lenses. I then explore how various resources can reduce the impacts of stress. I teach a number of somatic resources—such as grounding, centering and containing—that can help reduce stress in the moment. I also facilitate reflection on and exploration of creating long-term self-care plans. The goal of any workshop is that participants will walk away with specific tools for self-regulation, and the intent to take steps to decrease stress and increase well-being.
Topics include:
· The physiological basis of stress and anxiety—understanding the autonomic nervous system
· Understanding inner resources, efficiency and developing a self-care plan
· Working with the breath
· Tracking the subjective experience and developing somatic awareness
· Exercise, nature and sensory engagement
· Finding and developing supportive relationships
· Daily practices (including family, spiritual and body-based practices)
· Creative outlets and rhythms
· Understanding existing capacities (intelligence, self-awareness, strength, tenacity and problem solving. )