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.
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.
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.
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.
Specializing in the treatment of:
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety disorders
Attentional disorders
Depressive disorders
Children
Adolescents
Couples
Families
Neurodiverency
Complex and relational trauma
Substance use disorders
Abuse recovery
Current Trainings
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Foundation Training in the Bodynamic System through Bodynamic International (in progress)
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Beginning Levels 1-3, Intermediate Levels 1-3, and Advanced Levels 1 & 2 of Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) Training through Dr. Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing, International
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Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher from Tara Brach & Jack Kornfield’s two-year professional training program through Sounds True and the University of CA’s Greater Good Science Center
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Consulting Hypnotist from The National Guild of Hypnotists
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Felt Sense Polyvagal Model: Certificate for Treating Trauma & Addiction from Jan Winhall in collaboration with The Polyvagal Institute
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Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Levels 1 & 2 from The Gottman Institute
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Partner Focusing Proficiency Award from The International Focusing Institute
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Somatic Attachment Therapy Certificate from The Embody Lab
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Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) from Janina Fisher's CCTP Training Level 1: Working with the Neurobiological Legacy of Trauma by PESI
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Participation in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) trainings
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Participation in Mindsight Institute Interpersonal Neurobiology Trainings with Dr. Dan Siegel
"The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences." ~ Seng-T’san