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 twenty years working in public and private school settings, homes, and vocational and community settings with exceptional learners, I was granted 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, both personally and professionally.

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After finding mindfulness 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 the treatment of trauma, I continued the process of acquiring skills, tools, and methodologies to provide a comprehensive, compassionate, and beneficial therapeutic process to support clientele in achieving a more profound sense of self-compassion, presence, and resilience.

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When I first encountered Somatic Experiencing (SE) over a decade ago, my interest was piqued, 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 and often efficient impact on clients, I decided to enroll in SE's 3-year training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) in an effort to ensure that I had an adequate foundation and understanding of this poignant methodology. As I wrap up close to three years and 274 hours of training, I am grateful to earn my SEP and facilitate this groundbreaking therapeutic approach.

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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 dysregulation as a result of trauma.

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