frequently asked questions
Everything you might want to know before we work together.
what is somatic coaching?
Somatic coaching is a body-centered approach to personal growth and healing. Unlike traditional talk-based coaching, which focuses primarily on thoughts, goals, and strategies, somatic coaching recognizes that your body holds wisdom your mind may not yet have access to. It works with physical sensation, breath, movement, and nervous system awareness to help you shift deeply held patterns, not just think about shifting them.
The word "somatic" comes from the Greek soma, meaning body. This work is grounded in the understanding that our emotions, experiences, and beliefs live not just in the mind, but in the tissues, posture, and nervous system of the body.
Somatic coaching occupies a different space than therapy by a licensed therapist. It does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Somatic coaching is forward-facing, growth-oriented, and focused on helping you identify what you want, understand what's in the way, and move toward it by using the body as a guide. It pairs beautifully with therapy and is often a powerful complement to clinical care.
If you are currently in therapy, 12-step recovery or both, somatic coaching can work alongside that support. If you are managing a serious mental health condition or in active crisis, please prioritize licensed clinical care first.
How is Somatic Coaching different from therapy?
Sessions are conducted over video (Zoom) and run 50 minutes. It is verbal, relational coaching that invites you to notice and work with what's happening in your body from wherever you are.
You might be asked to pause and notice what you feel in your chest, your belly, your breath. You might be guided through a short grounding or centering exercise. You might be invited to move slightly as a way of accessing something that words alone can't reach.
It's gentle, it's relational, and it meets you where you are. You won't be pushed to do anything that doesn't feel right.
what does a somatic coaching session actually feel like?
My coaching is informed by over 20 years of personal experience with recovery from the effects of someone else's alcoholism. This framework offers practical, spiritually grounded tools for letting go of control, moving through grief, and rebuilding an identity outside of caretaking or enabling patterns.
You do not need to be in recovery, or related to someone in recovery, to benefit from this approach. The principles of honesty, self-compassion, accountability, and spiritual openness are universal.
what is 12-step recovery-informed coaching?
I work exclusively with women primarily in midlife, though women at any life stage are welcome. I especially love working with women who are navigating a major transition they didn't choose, rebuilding after loss, stepping out of long-term caretaking roles, or finally giving themselves permission to design the life they actually want.
Many of my clients are highly capable, intelligent women who are used to figuring things out on their own, and who have reached the edge of what figuring things out alone can do.
who do you work with?
I have 20+ years of experience working with women one-on-one through recovery from the effects of a loved one's alcoholism. Professionally, I bring 30 years of experience across arts, entertainment, manufacturing, project management, and supply chain — which means I'm comfortable working with both the emotional and the practical dimensions of a life.
I am currently enrolled in the Somatic Practitioner Program (Integrative Body Psychotherapy) at the Institute of Core Energetics in New York City. I hold a B.A. from the University of Virginia and an M.A. in Media Studies from The New School.
what is your background and training?
Yes! If you’re not sure this is the right fit, you’re welcome to reach out through my contact form and we can connect before you commit to a session.
do you offer a discovery call before booking?
do you work with clients anywhere in or outside of the us?
Yes. All sessions are held online via Zoom, and I work with women wherever they are in the world. (I also accept payment in all currencies via credit or debit card).
Head to the Work with Me page and use the scheduler to book your first session. New clients complete a short intake form when they first schedule (even if you schedule an intro session). This helps me understand where you are and what you're hoping for so we can make the most of our time together.
how do i get started?
That depends on you, where you hope to be, and what you’re working through. Some clients meet weekly, some bi-weekly, and some come for a focused short-term engagement and return as needed. We’ll talk about what makes the most sense for you after your first session, and allow it to evolve as we get into the work. Either way, you are in driver’s seat and I will help you name what you want and need—including from me.
how often do we meet?
Coaching is not a licensed clinical service and is not covered by health insurance. If cost is a concern, please reach out. I’m happy to have a conversation about what’s possible.
is this covered by insurance?
That uncertainty is completely normal. The best thing to do is reach out through my contact form and tell me a little about where you are. I'll give you an honest answer about whether I think this work is a fit or if I am the best person for you to work with. If it's not, I have access to wide range of practitioners, coaches and therapists and will do my best to point you in a direction and towards someone who might be a better fit.
what if i’m not sure somatic coaching is what i need?
Still have a question that isn’t answered here? Send me a message and I will get back to you.