“How do you ~do~ that?” is a frequent question usually referring to ukemi when directed to me. The quiet falls, smooth rolls, breakfalls, high falls, quick get ups, strong attacks - there are so many tangible skills, but the sum of all those together still don’t quite capture great ukemi. An uke can learn, practice, and do all those things, but where’s the je ne sais quoi?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that encourages individuals to express themselves creatively through various art forms, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and other artistic media. This therapeutic modality utilizes the creative process to enhance emotional well-being, self-awareness, and personal growth.

Somatic Flow Writing is a practice to connect with our wisest Self. This wise Self is within each and every one of us and is also known as our true nature, higher self, or even Grace. The goal is for you to get curious about this version of you who is the natural leader of all the other parts that live inside.

The Hakomi Method offers a unique approach to psychotherapy that combines mindfulness, compassion, and somatic awareness to foster personal growth and healing. Originally developed in the late 1970s by Ron Kurtz, Hakomi is influenced by humanistic psychology and Eastern philosophical traditions.

Eco therapy, also known as nature therapy or “green therapy”, is a therapeutic approach that taps into the healing power of nature to address various mental and physical health issues. Drawing inspiration from the vast expanses of natural resources and the calming effects of the great outdoors, eco therapy offers a holistic path towards healing and personal growth.

Twelve Step recovery offers a profound approach for recovery from all types of addictions. The Steps can bring awareness to, and eventually freedom from, our dependency on unhealthy patterns, substances, and behaviors—whether it be drugs, alcohol, or sugar; overeating or undereating or compulsive exercise; compulsive shopping, workaholism, debting, or underearning; technology or sex or gambling or unhealthy relational dynamics—all of the ever-present behaviors that result in the devastation of our bodies, our relationships, and the Earth.

As partners become more familiar and comfortable with each other, it is natural to begin moving from the “honeymoon phase” into a more mature type of love. Some couples may choose to throw the towel; however, with a commitment to growth, couples can continue to deepen their connection far beyond the initial rush of new love. Intimacy coaching is one tool that can help couples accomplish just that.

In a recent session led by renowned psychologist and somatic healing expert, Dr. Arielle Schwartz, participants had the opportunity to experience an enriching movement integration exercise followed by an interactive Q&A session.

By embracing emotions as valuable sources of information and guidance, EFT helps individuals develop deeper self-awareness, cultivate healthier emotional responses, and empower them with the necessary resources to confront challenging situations with resilience and strength.

Mindfulness is the art of being in the present moment, aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. Emerging from a long line of ancient traditions, mindfulness therapies present an antidote to the stress of fast-paced modern life. They focus on bringing the practitioner back into the present moment and away from ruminating thoughts and anxiety.

In the world of trauma recovery, innovative approaches that merge different disciplines hold immense potential. A notable example is the integration of Applied Polyvagal Theory with yoga principles. Join us in reflection of our recent conversation with Dr. Arielle Schwartz, a renowned somatics expert, as she shares insights on the polyvagal perspective and its implications for trauma healing and somatic practices.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that can be used to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences. It was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s after she discovered a decrease in her anxiety while moving her eyes from side to side.

To use a wide repertoire successfully, we need to deepen our understanding of each tool without marrying ourselves to it. Widening the repertoire of tools creates choice points, introduces options, and cultivates cognitive flexibility and creative thinking, all factors that promote health for trauma survivors. A trauma-informed approach requires an integration of approaches.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as “tapping,” is a mind-body intervention that utilizes the capabilities of acupressure points to release anxiety and lower stress levels.

By understanding the crucial role of the vagus nerve in establishing balance within the autonomic nervous system and tapping into the mind-body connection through yoga, we can embark on a transformative journey toward healing.

Scrutiny of others who are in anti-oppression work with us can appear to be a beneficial element of our collective culture. Our desire to build an alternative to supremacy culture seems so naturally to lead us to vigilance. And yet, many of us have seen how our drive to hold accountability in ourselves and others can create a form of relating that is at a minimum corrosive, and at worst, a way of operating that can impact mental health, livelihoods, and remove all possibility for creating a liberatory collective.

Healing from trauma is a profound and intricate process that extends far beyond mere catharsis or storytelling. It involves re-patterning our experiences and transforming how we hold them.

Understanding the dynamics of trauma and its consequences is crucial, especially when it comes to the narratives we share and consume.

Navigating stress and trauma requires self-awareness, trauma-informed approaches, and a critical examination of the damaging effects of trauma porn. By prioritizing healing and acquiring new resources, individuals can embark on a journey of recovery and resilience.

When is it time to focus on healing - processing stuck emotions and changing old patterns of behaviour - and when is it time to focus on “doing”?