1
Your site talks a lot about the body. It sounds different than what I'm use to. Do we still talk in session to process what I'm dealing with?
Yes! There is a misconception that because somatics privileges the wisdom of the body, that we don't spend much time talking in session. We actually do. I connect what you're saying and sharing in session to where it is those feelings or thoughts exist in your body. Have you ever noticed that your muscles tense up when you're stressed or your mind is racing? That's your body's physical response to the stress or anxiety. Your brain and other parts of your body work together in response to difficulties. To prevent stress from overwhelming you, it's important to tend to where you notice it. But not a lot of people are even aware of where or how stress impacts their body. That's what I help you do in session as you voice your struggles and feelings: I guide you toward more awareness and provide tools you can use to support yourself in times of stress or overwhelm.
2
What is Somatic Stress Release™?
Somatic Stress Release™ is a wellness modality created by Dr. Scott Lyons in which the practitioner empowers the client to engage the wisdom of their body. It uses the natural stress response cycle of a person's nervous system to process through stress and other stimuli. It uses movement, mindfulness, and visualization to ease and release any stuck energy and builds capacity to increase resilience.
3
What if I'm new to somatics?
Welcome! I'm glad you're here. I have experience working with folks with a range of exposure to this modality. You don't have to have prior experience to benefit from a session. That's one of my favorite aspects of this modality! We all have bodies and nervous systems and tending to them is a kind and healing experience no matter when you start.
It's also important to mention, regardless of your experience with somatics, the first handful of sessions are always foundational. We don't dive into addressing specific stressors until later. Our initial focus is on building a foundation of tools, resources, and trust with one another. Building a foundation allows us to do more meaningful and lasting work down the road.
4
What approaches do you use?
Somatic Stress Release™
Somatic Experiencing™
The Resilience Tool Kit by Nkem Ndefo
Narrative Trauma Care
Rest is Resistance Framework by Tricia Hersey
Story Work
Bottom-Up Approach
Process-Oriented Care
Trauma Centered Care
Salutogentic Care
Embodied Activism
5
Are you a licensed mental health professional?
No. Though my services can be experienced as therapeutic, I'm not a licensed clinician. Some of the benefits for you, are that I'm not bound by location and provide care for people around the globe, and there is no limitation on how many times you see me.
I'm certified to practice as a somatic practitioner and trauma specialist with extensive training in mental health. Though I'm not licensed in any of the traditional mental health modalities, I'm still required yearly to continue education to keep my certifications up to date.
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I also often work in tandem with therapists, counselors, social workers, etc. who may not have the training themselves, but desire their clients to experience the benefits of a body-based approach and trauma centered care.
6
Do you accept insurance?
While I would like to, I can only accept payment through private pay. Private pay is when an individual pays for services with their own resources without the help of insurance. At this time, insurance, medicaid, and medicare do not cover my services on your behalf.
7
What if I'm injured or don't have full mobility?
Good somatic care is still possible! I recommend signing-up for a 40 minute consultation so that I can learn more in depth about your specific needs ahead of time. Please notify me when signing-up for the consultation of any accommodations you may need.
8
How does what you do differ from traditional therapy?
Traditional therapy looks to identify (label) a problem(s) and fix the issue through a variety of behavior based approaches. In somatics, we are less concerned with the behavior and labeling it, and more concerned with the context around the behavior and what support is lacking. My training leads me to identify where there is capacity, and work with that existing capacity. We don't push or work toward behavior change; instead, I believe in pausing and guiding clients to find rest or support in each moment. Supporting clients in finding a sense of felt safety and stability will increase their capacity over time to naturally adapt and adjust to living in ways that feel honoring to who they are and want to be.
9
What's the best way to sign-up for my first session?
A consultation is required before booking a session. You can schedule your consultation here. Once we've met and determined if we're a good fit, you and I will schedule your first session directly.
10
What do I need for my session?
After you schedule your first session, you'll receive an informed consent form via a new client welcome packet. You'll need to complete that form prior to our first session.
You'll also need a reliable internet connection and ideally a computer or tablet for our private Zoom appointment.
I recommend that for each session you are in a space that allows for privacy as well as a sense of safety and comfort. It's best if you have enough space to sit, stand, lay, or move around a bit.
11
Do you speak Farsi?
Baleh, Azizaam. I speak at an advanced level 1, and as some of my relatives like to point out, ba lahje e Amricaee. :P If it's something you value, with your permission, I can incorporate it into our sessions. I believe it can be helpful to include, because as the saying goes, "trauma does not occur in a vacuum." Bringing all the parts of your identity into your healing is powerful and freeing.
12
Do you use AI in your practice?
No. I value critical thinking, art, creativity, and interpersonal relationships, and I believe these things are important to engage without the assistance of AI. I do not use any AI software in my practice. AI capabilities are turned off on all platforms (i.e. search engines, website building, email, video conferencing, forms, and word documenting). I also hand write any notes I take in session.
I value your privacy and right to have your experiences be your own and not used to train an AI model.
13
I read that you're a COVID conscious practitioner. What does that mean?
It means if you're someone who struggles with feeling safe, seen, or validated in regards to the dangers and risks of COVID or struggle with long COVID, then this is a safe space for you. You're welcome as you are and will not be judged. I can help support you with any challenges you face as you continue to take the virus seriously.
14
How can your services help me any better than info I can find for free on social media or AI platforms?
As humans, we heal through connection. Real time, human connection. Someone looking you in the eyes, hearing your words, and creating an environment of empathy and kindness for whatever you’re navigating. The tools and resources that I provide are based on your unique needs and your lived experiences, and I do it in real time within the session. Social media tools and AI can’t do that. What AI does is gather data that it’s found and gives you an answer based on other people’s experiences. It doesn’t have the ability to respond to the uniqueness of your context and lived experience. Social media videos and posts are giving generic advice as well. What if your body doesn’t respond well to the tool you saw on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube? There is no real time feedback to give you a different tool that better suits your needs in that moment. AI and social media can’t witness and hear the changing of your breath as you speak, or the curving of your shoulders, or the clenching of your jaw, or the crinkle of your forehead, or any other shifts your body goes through. I’m trained to recognize those kinds of shifts and help support you with each shift. Social media and AI can’t witness the tears falling down your face and support those tears with empathy and kindness in real time. As a somatic practitioner, I know that you can be experiencing multiple things at once and know how to support each thing. AI and social media platforms can never fully know you and create a safe and trusting environment for your healing. A person cannot fully heal without the support of another human(s) in real time engaging and guiding them to feel safety and support in ways that are unique to their context and lived experience.
