EMBODIED WELLBEING YOGA THERAPY
Author, Speaker, Healing Guide
AN EMPATHIC WITNESS
"Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness."
~ Peter Levine
I am a C-IAYT, Certified Yoga Therapist, SEP (Somatic Experiencing Practitioner), Somatic Touch Facilitator, Author, Trauma Survivor and Cancer Thriver.
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Embodied Studies I integrate into my work​
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Thousands of hours of study in yoga and Yoga Therapy
600+ hours study in Yoga for Spinal Health with Rachel Krentzman
Restorative Yoga Level 1 and 2 with Judith Hanson Lasater
3 year study Somatic Experiencing developed by Peter Levine
Touch Skills for Trauma Therapists with Kathy Kain
Resilience and Regulation with Kathy Kain and Stephen Terrell
Sensory Foundations Level 1 and 2 with Sonia Story
Neuraffective Touch with Dr. Aline LaPierre
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I am a lifelong learner with recent studies focused on continued learning in trauma healing and Ayurveda. I infuse my studies along with the wisdom of my own "lived experience" in my work.
My life's work is dedicated to supporting others in their path towards healing. I grew up in the mountains of Montana. Nature was and still is my greatest resource. I infuse the elements of nature in my sessions along with yoga, somatic and embodiment practices and somatic touch to help facilitate healing. I am deeply drawn to working with women who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, cancer diagnosis and treatment, autoimmune conditions, neurodivergence, Ehlers Danlos, anxiety/depression, disability, sexual abuse/trauma, eating disorders and those who are working towards healing their inner child wounds. I also specialize in spinal health and supporting those who are experiencing back pain and working with children and teens.
I believe we all have an innate ability to not only survive, but thrive, following life's struggles and challenges. Healing happens in the presence of an empathic witness. It is my greatest honor to serve as an empathic witness to those who are seeking healing.
MY OFFERINGS
INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS
Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety or depression, a sense of being "stuck' or in over-drive, feeling overwhelm from unmanaged stress or recent life challenges. Maybe you are navigating grief, loss of someone or something or the grief of a health diagnosis or lack of feeling like yourself. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to serve as an empathic witness to your experience. To work collaboratively together to help you connect back to your essential self. Exploring Yoga, Somatic Experiencing and Embodied Practices we'll tap into your own innate resilience and work towards self-empowerment, self compassion and deep healing.
GROUP EXPERIENCES
We must not underestimate the power of connection. Suffering arises from the experience or feeling of being alone in the world. Through community we can remove obstacles, learn from and grow with one another, provide a container of safety and support and experience individual and collective healing together. The group experiences I offer include virtual and in-person group practices, workshops and other learning opportunities.
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND HEALING RETREATS
My Women Empowerment and Healing Retreats serve as a time of self-exploration, self-love, self-empowerment, self-healing and community with other women. We explore these elements through yoga, meditation, somatic movement and embodiment practices such as art, dance, creation, writing and so much more. I offer retreats both in the US and Internationally.
TRAUMA EDUCATED TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION FOR WORKING WITH YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
Comprehensive Training & Certification!
Begins May 25th!
Yoga and Somatic Practices through a Trauma and Polyvagal Theory Lens to Support Youth and Young Adults in Building Greater Capacity & Resilience and Connecting to their
True Essence.
Heart Tendrils
The heart does not exist in isolation.
It nests between the lungs, receiving comfort with each breath.
Its tendrils spiral out, searching for a place to expand, reaching for connection.
It is only when it is touched in a harsh way that it shrinks back, in self-preservation.
With each careless word, it clings.
But with tenderness, it grows stronger, wraps itself around and moves through.
And there, cradled in a bed of warmth and love, the healing begins.
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Shawnee Thornton Hardy