About Michelle & SZ

Reflecting on my career to date, 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, given the complex demands of being an educator.

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After finding mindfulness, shamanism, and establishing a regular meditation practice then experiencing a life-changing injury, 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 mindfulness and somatic-based skills, tools, and methodologies that now support my ability to provide a comprehensive, compassionate therapeutic process that cultivates 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 of all ages, I decided to enroll in SE's 3-year training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) to provide a solid foundation and understanding of this profound methodology. After completing nearly 300 hours of training, I am grateful to have earned my SEP certificate and be able to facilitate this groundbreaking therapeutic approach. In the summer of 2026, I wrapped up a comprehensive exploration of psychomotor development via the Foundation Training of Bodynamic International's revolutionary somatic developmental psychology approach to further refine my treatment approach, particularly for individuals with developmental trauma, neurodivergence, and complex trauma.

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Having spent several years working in substance use disorder treatment and then shifting to an agency setting, I opened Somatic Zen as my private practice in November of 2024. To commemorate almost two years this October of 2026, the therapeutic space has now expanded to include a dedicated play space and group room.

 

My mission is 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/body/system's tendencies to ultimately promote living more fully and presently - particularly if you continue to experience the impact of shock, acute, developmental, complex, and/or relational trauma.​​​

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If you're curious or would like additional information, please reach out.

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Take such good care,
Michelle

michelle@somaticzencounseling.com