Resilience is built over time and can be achieved in both the mind and the body. 

Structural Integration is a form of body work that builds resilience. Over the course of 12 sessions, the body Is placed into better alignment via soft tissue manipulation. When the body is more balanced, it is able to adapt more easily to a variety of situations. 

Somatic Experiencing also helps build resilience in the body by helping regulate the nervous system. Greater body awareness increases the capacity of the mind and body when under stress. 

I became interested in both Structural Integration and Somatic Experiencing while studying Esalen massage at Esalen in Big Sur, CA. Esalen massage focuses on the Gestalt of the person encouraging the body to achieve a relaxed state giving the body space to heal. While this style of massage is very healing, I wanted to learn what else could be achieved through bodywork especially what could be done to help heal from trauma. 

I have had several traumatic accidents which led to back surgery in 2012. Although the surgery was successful and helped with the acute pain there was lingering pain in my body due to fascial restrictions. In 2020 I began studying Anatomy Trains Structural Integration and found a practitioner who was able to do the 12-series of sessions on me. The change in my body was profound including releasing lines of tension in my back that once again allowed me to move without pain and become much more adaptable in my spine and pelvis. I gained more body awareness and felt much more confident in my movement. My self-confidence also improved, and I once again felt like I had the capacity to do and achieve more. 

My training in Somatic Experiencing and the related Touch Training for Trauma Therapists furthered my body awareness and continued to help expand my emotional capacity. I want to help others gain a better understanding of how their body responds to both positive and negative thoughts and emotions in order to help them become more grounded and resilient in their lives.