Embodied Healing

Embodied Healing utilizes breath, movement and mindfulness to restore the body-soul connection after trauma. Embodied Healing sessions are informed by my certification in Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) which is an evidence-based, adjunctive treatment for complex trauma and PTSD. It is the only kind of trauma sensitive yoga listed on the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) for trauma treatment in the United States by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). TCTSY program has foundations in Trauma Theory, Attachment Theory, and Neuroscience, as well as the central components of the Hatha style of yoga: breath, movement, meditation.

All who wish to feel more safe, present or at ease in their body are welcome including those who are living with chronic illness, processing grief, in a season of overwhelm or experiencing symptoms of past trauma. No yoga experience or diagnosis is necessary. All body types, abilities and stages of faith are welcome.

Trauma is the lasting emotional response that often results from experiencing and overwhelming life event. A traumatic event can be: - a recent, single traumatic event (e.g., car crash, violent assault) - a single traumatic event that occurred in the past (e.g., a sexual assault, the death of a spouse or child, an accident, living through a natural disaster or a war) - a long-term, chronic pattern (e.g., ongoing childhood neglect, sexual or physical abuse, chronic illness, etc). Traumatic experiences can have lasting effects on one's physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health; overwhelming one's ability to cope with life. Such overwhelm can result in a variety of responses including, but not limited to: - anxiety or panic attacks - insomnia or nightmares - disregulated emotions (either a strong emotional response or a lack of one) - intrusive memories or flashbacks - muscle tension, headaches or chronic pain. - numbness, difficulty making decisions, lost sense of self. In response to trauma, our body often remembers what our mind may be trying to forget. The practice of yoga has been shown to help heal this kind of mind/body disconnection. Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TSY) provides an opportunity for us to be in the present moment by bringing awareness to our breath and to the physical sensations of being here now. Through the practice of moving and breathing with awareness & agency, we create a pathway for reconnecting with ourselves in the present moment.

Unlike a yoga class, Embodied Healing is NOT focused on gaining flexibility, strength, or achievment of any kind. Instead, we will utilize breath and movement as opportunities for you to practice being present to physical sensations and making choices based on how you feel in your body.

Over time, this practice has the ability to reestablish a connection between mind, body and soul which is often fragmented by overwhelming experiences like trauma. Everyone is different however, past participants have reported: better sleep improved ability to breathe reduction in PTSD symptoms feeling connected, present, supported, confident, & hopeful better understanding of the connection between the mind and the body. Studies show that many TCTSY participants begin to notice a postitive shift after 5 weekly sessions and 10 weekly sessions are usually enough to create sustainable change.

No. My role in your healing journey is to hold space for you to reconnect with your body. So that you have a safe place to process things that may come up during your practice, it is highly recommended that you are under the care of a mental health practitioner while pursuing Embodied Healing.

Not unless you ask me to. Embodied Healing sessions are intentionally focused on being present to the story your body is telling. Therefore, these sessions do not include spiritual elements. At Milk & Honey, we believe that 1) God is always with us and we don't need to make this more true by reading scripture or praying 2) by healing the body-soul connection, you will come to know yourself more deeply and that this will inevitably lead to a deeper and more nourishing relationship with God as well. If you prefer to include a spiritual element, I'm happy to hold space for prayer or offer a blessing during your practice.

A total of 10 weekly sessions are recommended for those healing from trauma and wishing to see a reduction in symptoms. That said, you are free to begin and end your practice at any time and for any reason. Sessions are offered in the comfort of your home via Zoom. Local, in-person sessions will be considered for established clients livng in the Summerville area.

Private sessions are $75 per hour. A Diversity Rate of $60 is available to those with limited incomes or living outside the U.S. If a financial barrier remains, feel free to ask me about the Manna Scholarship.