Hella Rader, somatic personal transformation work for women in midlife
Hella Rader, somatic personal transformation work for women in midlife

Let’s work together—at your pace, and on your terms.

You already know that thinking, talking or doing your way through it only goes so far.

Somatic work invites your body into the conversation. Together, we slow down enough to notice what's actually happening beneath the surface: the tension you've been holding, the grief you haven't named, the beliefs your nervous system has been running on autopilot.

Because You are not broken. And there is notHING to ‘fix.’

A collection of crumpled handwritten notes and sticky notes on paper, including a green sticky note with 'Be safe & sound' written on it, and a yellow sticky note with a handwritten poem or note.

what this work covers

This work often starts with grief that doesn't look like grief—the loss of an identity, a dream, or the self you used to be. From there, this work can show up almost anywhere: it can live in the body itself—a lack of physical safety, or fear about being in your body. It can manifest in your voice—having lost it, wanting it back, finding it. Sometimes it’s about starting over, and finding your footing somewhere in the messy middle. Sometimes it's about community—facing isolation, the estrangement that can happen in families, or finding the people who actually show up. And sometimes it’s about recovery, yours or someone else’s, from co-dependence, alcoholism, or addiction.

What a session looks like

Each session begins with where you are that day, not where you think you should be. We might start with a check-in, a grounding exercise, or simply noticing what's alive in your body right now. From there, we follow what emerges and begin to untangle stuck patterns, feelings you've been avoiding, or desires you haven't let yourself say out loud.

In our work together, I draw from:

  • Body-centered somatic practices: guided movement and nervous system regulation exercises that reveal what your body holds, and ways to safely release it

  • 12-step recovery-informed frameworks: practical, spiritually grounded tools for seeing the full picture clearly, letting go of control, and developing a sustainable, daily practice to stay connected to self

  • Narrative and creative inquiry: writing prompts to help reclaim your story as yours where you are today

If you're not sure this is the right fit yet, start with a free 30-minute intro session on Zoom—a low-key conversation to ask questions and get a feel for how I work, with no obligation to continue. Ready to begin? Use the Scheduler below to book your intro session or first full session. New clients complete a short intake form beforehand so I can show up prepared. Sessions run 50 minutes.

I split my time between northwest Virginia and New York City, and work with women on Zoom. That means you can work with me from wherever you are.

my story, briefly

Just as I entered midlife, everything changed at once. My body shut down. My 20-year marriage dissolved. And my career ended. Depleted from years of caregiving and holding onto trauma, I had to learn to start over. This time, I chose to do it from the inside out.

I leaned on 20+ years of recovery work, added a somatic practice to inhabit my body again, and expanded my experience of spirituality. In doing so, I found my voice, claimed my story, and created the life I always wanted.

Now I help other women do the same.

The somatic work I do does not replace clinical mental health care. If you are in crisis or managing a serious mental health condition, please seek licensed clinical support.

Have more questions? Check out the FAQ page. Or reach out via my contact form.

getting started

Not sure yet? Start with the free 30-minute intro session — no intake form required. Ready to dive in? Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Use the scheduler below to book your first session. New clients will complete an intake form, which helps me show up prepared for you. All information is confidential. Share as much or as little as you like.

Step 2: We meet. You don't need to have it all figured out. Just bring yourself.

Step 3: After our first session, we'll talk about what support looks like going forward, whether that's a few focused sessions or ongoing work over time.

Still have questions? Feel free to reach out. I’m happy to talk through it (including the investment) before you book.

Logo with a water droplet symbol and the text 'Embody & Create' with the tagline 'Reveal, Release, Reclaim'.
Logo with a water droplet symbol and the text 'Embody & Create' with the tagline 'Reveal, Release, Reclaim'.