Exploring Meditation & Somatic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
On somatic therapy and Somatic Experiencing™
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Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection and helps individuals explore and address emotional and psychological blocks through their physical sensations, such as tension, pain, or relaxation.
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Somatic Experiencing™ (SE™) is a body and nervous system approach to the healing of trauma and other stress disorders. Developed by Peter Levine, SE™ teaches us to heal the symptoms that trauma (overwhelming life events) creates when it overwhelms and dysregulates the nervous system.
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Somatic Experiencing™ can help a wide range of individuals, particularly those who experience stress, overwhelm, or feel disconnected from their body. It’s especially good for those:
Dealing with past difficult experiences like an accident, a loss, or a frightening event;
Looking for a body-based approach: If talk therapy hasn’t fully worked for you, or you’re looking for a more holistic way to feel better, SE offers a body-focused method to find relief.
Experiencing burnout and overwhelm: If you’re feeling exhausted or overwhelmed by life’s demands, SE™ can help you restore your energy and calm.
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I use techniques such as resourcing and co-regulation to create safe and supportive conditions to release blocked energy. My approach is consent-based, and is rooted in mindfulness, compassion and unconditional acceptance, drawing from my decades of Buddhist meditation practice and teaching.
Our sessions will include a combination of discussion, awareness of body sensations and emotions, visualization, and movement. When appropriate, I might suggest a ritual or prompt to aid in integration beyond our session.
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What can you expect when you book?
Appointment duration: 30 minutes*
Location: Google Meet; link will be sent upon booking
Payment: by debit or credit card via Stripe; e-receipts provided
24-hour Cancellation policy: Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be subject to a 50% fee unless I am able to fill the spot, in which case you will receive a full refund.
Insurance: Naturopathy receipts provided; covered by most insurance policies (please check with your provider)
Tax Deduction: You may list me as a naturopath for Quebec tax purposes and submit my naturopathy receipt.
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Preferably, join the virtual session using a larger device like a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet. If you’re joining from a tablet or phone, you may need to download the Google Meet app.
Set yourself up in a quiet place where you’ll be uninterrupted. Notify anyone you live with that you won’t be available for the duration of our session. Turn off any devices that may send you notifications.
If you’re comfortable on the floor, you might set yourself up sitting on the ground, otherwise, a comfy chair or bed could also be supportive.
Have your beverage of choice nearby–water, tea, etc.–and accessible during the session. If scent is supportive as well, light a candle or incense
Before logging into our one-on-one, take 3-6 full breaths.
On meditation
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I’m currently co-teaching a Community Meditation Teacher Mentorship Program for True North Insight. Also, although I don’t organize or lead it, I’m a mentor in Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program.
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Practice, practice, practice! The essence of any teachings are deeply rooted in practice. This doesn’t only mean silent retreat practice, this includes daily practice, weekly sangha gatherings, workshops, daylongs, and self-study with reading. Steep yourself in practice, in addition to learning the basic teachings of Buddhism. You can do that on your own through readings or via this yearlong course I co-lead for True North Insight.
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I can confidently recommend the two trainings I’m involved in (the Community Meditation Teacher Mentorship Program for True North Insight and Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program) because I know the curriculum well. Although I am not involved in any of these trainings, I trust the accreditation of the International Meditation Teachers’ Association, and so you may want to consider them.
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Yes! Take a look at my events page. I look forward to practicing with you.
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I strongly suggest all the retreats organized by True North Insight and Spirit Rock.
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I embarked on the meditation teaching path thanks to my teachers and mentors. I was dedicated to my practice without putting much thought into becoming a teacher. After years of practice, my teachers offered to mentor me and would nominate me for teaching positions and trainings. I would not be on this path if it wasn't for their gentle encouragement and support. I receive many inquiries from meditation enthusiasts who wish to become certified. My suggestion is to find a teacher with whom you can practice regularly and dedicate yourself fully to practice. I was a meditation practitioner for 12 years before teaching, and for many years I would teach for free or on a donation basis.
On practicing together
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I teach both online and in person. You can see my teaching schedule here and online practice opportunities here.
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Because I have a full teaching and travel schedule, I use any downtime to turn inwards and continue deepening my own practice and study. When my schedule is more spacious, I see students through meditation practice mentoring, however, I only have a handful of those spots available a month and the folks in my membership community get priority access. To learn more about my membership community, click here.
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I do, and there are two ways in which I do. The first is from the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program or the Dharmapāla Training, two 2-year programs I’m involved in. At any given time, I'm mentoring about 50 students.
The second way is through one-on-one mentoring to individuals not in either of those programs. Since I have a full teaching schedule at the best of times, I only have a handful of these spots available on a given month. As a result, those in my paid membership community get priority access. To learn more about my membership community, click here.
On movement and yoga
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Oh, it’s been a long time since I’ve taught yoga! My response now is the same as it was then, however. I don't organize or run my own teacher trainings.
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Nope. I've cut back from leading yoga retreats to make room for more meditation teaching and practice. Additionally, with the current climate crisis, I no longer felt comfortable organizing retreats of which the majority of participants would have to fly.
On collaborating together
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We do not currently do blog collaborations nor feature other writers on our blog.