About Michelle & SZ

Reflecting on my career, I recognize the perfection in my experiences as a paraprofessional, behavioral therapist, and, eventually, a special education teacher. By spending over 20 years working in public and private school settings, homes, and vocational and community settings with exceptional learners, I was given the opportunity to be immersed in the principles of human development, behaviorism, socio-emotional instruction, and the learning process. I also explored different ways to learn to relate to and manage my experiences differently, given the complex demands of being an educator.

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After finding mindfulness, shamanism, and regularly meditating, I came home to myself and decided to pursue my passions and live a more authentic, heart-centered life. While shifting careers to become a licensed professional counselor with an emphasis on trauma treatment, I continued to explore and develop skills, tools, and methodologies to provide a comprehensive, compassionate therapeutic process that supports a deeper sense of self-compassion, presence, and resilience.​​​​

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When I first encountered Somatic Experiencing (SE) over a decade ago, my response was felt, and I began to study the mind-body connection in depth. After several years of incorporating somatic-based interventions into my approach and witnessing the positive, often efficient impact on clients, I decided to enroll in SE's 3-year training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) to ensure I had an adequate foundation and understanding of this poignant methodology. After completing nearly 300 hours of training, I am grateful to have earned my SEP certificate and to be able to facilitate this groundbreaking therapeutic approach. Presently, I am studying psychomotor development to further enhance my understanding and ability to support positive change for clients of all ages.

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Having spent several years working in substance use disorder treatment and then shifting to an agency setting, I decided to open Somatic Zen as my private practice in November of 2024. I hope to cultivate a therapeutic environment where you can feel comfortable, supported, and seen as you process and integrate your experiences. My approach aims to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and learn to recognize and work with your mind and body's tendencies to ultimately promote living more fully again - particularly if you continue to experience the impact of trauma.​

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