“The effects of trauma are stored in the body. Until they are addressed there, words alone are not enough.
”
— Bessel van der Kolk
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1:1 Virtual Session (50 min)

Tall aspen trees with white bark and yellow autumn leaves against a clear blue sky.

$130 per 50-minute session

Package of Three Virtual Sessions (50 min each)

$360 for a Package of 3 Sessions (50 min each) - Saves $30

Scenic mountain landscape during sunset with purple and orange sky, distant mountain ranges, green grassy foreground with pink wildflowers.

Package of Five Virtual Sessions (50 min each)

$575 for a Package of 5 Sessions (50 min each) - Saves $75

  • Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to balancing the nervous system, developed by Dr. Peter Levine. SE supports the nervous system to release “stuck” survival energy from past experiences. By working gradually, grounding, and resourcing, SE creates a safe path towards resilience and balance.

    Somatic Experiencing Can Help:

    • Increase your capacity for experiencing joy and ease

    • Cultivate internal safety and resource

    • Regulate the nervous system and increase resiliency

    • Process and release “stuck” energy stored in the body from past experiences

    • Deepen embodiment and your connection to your physical body

    • Increase ability to move fluidly between nervous system states as needed rather than feeling stuck in any one (fight, flight, disassociation, etc)

    • Reduce or resolve a variety of symptoms from shock, stress, and trauma 

    • Increase system coherence and balance

  • SE works with what you are experiencing in the present moment. Utilizing your body’s inherent wisdom, gentle attention, and curiosity, we will work to gradually release stress and stuck energy, and restore greater balance and ease.

    Each session is designed to support your goals, and adapts to your comfort level and needs. Together, we’ll work collaboratively to create an experience that feels safe, and move at your pace.

    It’s not necessary to re-tell or re-hash the story of what happened. And if you’re someone who likes to know the why and the concepts behind what we are doing, we can bring that in as we do the work. 

    This work is not about big cathartic releases, or pushing yourself through anything. It’s about small and gradual work to increase the capacity to remain balanced while touching into areas of challenge.

  • Virtual SE sessions operate by all the same principles as in person sessions. SE work can happen wherever you are with no needed commute and no geographic barriers, and also reduce mobility limitations.

    Feeling safe is an important part of healing trauma, and being in your own comfortable space can bring a sense of security. We work at your pace, at your chosen spot.

    For virtual sessions to be most productive, it’s helpful to log in from a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted.

    If we run into any tech issues, we’ll troubleshoot, or reschedule if needed.

  • Longer sessions can be possible - feel free to get in touch!

  • "Melanie has a powerful presence and an ability to hold the breadth of the human experience fearlessly and lovingly. She is kind, gentle, good-humored, and willing to meet you wherever you are. Her gift as a healer is clear and her intuition sharp. If you are seeking a curious, compassionate co-explorer who can offer guidance and deep care as you learn to contact and lovingly evolve some of your most tender places, I suggest you meet with Melanie."

    —Rebecca

  • Training and Education

    3 Year Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) Training, Somatic Experiencing International

    Over 10 years as an Insight Meditation Practitioner, eight months of intensive silent residential retreat practice (including two month long retreats)

    2 year Eden Energy Medicine Certified Practitioner (EEM-CP), Eden Energy Medicine

    Over 250 hours of standalone training in conflict resolution, collaboration, facilitation, and nonviolent communication

    M.S. Conflict & Dispute Resolution, M.S. Environmental Studies, University of Oregon

    Women’s & Gender Studies and Nonprofit Management Graduate Level Certificates, University of Oregon

    B.S. Biology, Liberal Arts and [Business] Management Certificate, Indiana University

Ready to Take the Next Step?

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