Somatic Therapy for liberation and healing

“All that you touch, you change. All that you change, changes you.” ~Octavia Butler

One of the things I value about Somatic Therapy is that it highlights life as a process, and individual therapy as part of the journey rather than an end point. In my own journey, it has taken me some time to choose therapy as a profession. Even as I moved through my Master’s Degree program, I was reluctant to become a clinician. But then I discovered something about myself: I really enjoy being a Somatic Therapist and supporting people in this role. I recognized that I was able to help people in profound ways, which was both humbling and exciting.

My experiences as a Somatic Therapist have evoked a sense of deep dedication to this path, and I am grateful to have found such a satisfying practice. As a clinician, I do my best to work with folks in the ways that feel aligned with their unique healing journey. I consider therapy sessions to be sacred space where you can safely explore your inner landscape and any challenges you may face. For me, compassion, dignity, and respect are at the heart of this work. I give thanks to the teachers, ancestors and lineages from whom I have learned, and who have encouraged and supported me in offering this work to you.

Hi, I’m Phoenix. Welcome.

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About me

  • Education & Professional Background

    I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Somatic Psychotherapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies. My current private therapy practice is through the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy, and my supervisor is Abigail Collins Thompson. Previously, I completed my MFT trainee practice over a year and a half at the Center for Somatic Psychotherapy, during which time I became registered as an Associate MFT.
    Before I began training as a Somatic Therapist, I was a teacher in a variety of contexts for over 25 years. I have also been a Certified Advanced Rolfer, Rolf Movement Practitioner, and Massage Therapist for many years, and am a faculty member at the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute. For a more detailed list of my credentials, see below.

  • Identity & Therapy

    If you are considering working with me, I believe that it is relevant for you to have a sense of me both professionally and personally. While I hold clear boundaries as a clinician, I also know that we are human, and you and I will relate as humans as we work together. I name some of my identities here to offer you a little more context around who I am.
    My identities include cisgender, woman of color, mixed race, queer, middle-aged, animist, recovered from disordered eating, daughter of a blended family with an immigrant parent, and trauma survivor. You are welcome to ask me about what I have written here, or other aspects of my identity in consultation or in session. If I am available to share more I will let you know, and we can discuss further in service of our work together.

Credentials

  • California Institute of Integral Studies
    Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology,
    emphasis in Somatic Psychotherapy
    2021

    California State University, Fullerton
    Bachelor’s Degree in English, Cum Laude
    2000

  • CIIS Public Programs & Education for Racial Equity
    Certification in Intersectionality & Equity in
    Therapeutic Practices
    2021

    Certification Board for Structural Integration
    Board Certified Structural Integration
    2018

    Brazilian Rolfing® Association
    Certified Advanced Rolfer™
    2012

    Brazilian Rolfing® Association
    Certified Rolfer™ & Rolf Movement® Practitioner
    2007

    Hawaii Healing Arts College
    Certified Massage Therapist
    2005

  • Conference Presentation: United States Association of Body Psychotherapy Conference: A Somatic Revolution
    Virtual Somatic Therapy: Holding a Trauma-Informed, Accessibility and Social Justice Lens
    2023

    Publication: Structure, Function, Integration: Journal of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute
    Working Across Difference: Expanding Perceptual and Observational Skills in Rolfing SI
    2021

    Conference Presentation: Decolonizing Research - Alternative Research Methodologies in Western Academic Institutions
    Eating Disorders and Women of Color: Deconstructing the Myth that ED’s are a white Women’s Issue
    2021

    Conference Presentation: International Association of Structural Integrators Symposium
    Language, Listening & Learning: The Art of Therapeutic Relationship
    2021

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