Refuge For Healing
companionship and somatic work for your grief journey
We used to understand that in our culture. We used to allow time and space for people to grieve and allowed them to do so publicly. Wreaths on doors, black clothing, or arm bands signaled to others that a person was in mourning and needed some extra consideration and grace for an extended period of time.
Now we are encouraged to grieve quickly and privately. Grief is very isolating.
But we can grieve better when we walk that path with other people. Grief works better when it is witnessed. And being witnessed by someone who understands grief and understands how much work it is to grieve can relieve a lot of tension over whether you are grieving the "right way."
Maybe you've experienced the death of a loved one -- whether family, friend, or pet. Maybe you've lost a job, or had a broken relationship. Perhaps you're grieving the fact that life has not turned out the way you expected and hoped it would. You might be grieving a life you used to have or family ties that have severed. Maybe you've received a diagnosis that has left you reeling. Or maybe it's a loved one who has. Maybe you fought a disease and won but haven't ever processed the grief that came with that experience. Grief can hold on a long time.
Especially when we grieve alone.
I'm here to be your companion and
guide through your journey. I am
a trained somatic practitioner
who can help you process the grief
through your body (more about this
here). I know how to listen and hold
a safe space for your emotions. I am
not afraid of your pain. And I can
help you not be afraid of your pain.
We Aren't Meant to Grieve Alone
"The retreat was as refreshing as a glass of lemonade on a summer evening. I personally walked away with peace I had not felt in years. My heart and mind calm and there shone a bit of self love I hadn’t seen since childhood."
Athena W. Colorado
What to Expect
You will find a safe space where everything will be held in confidence within the confines of the law.
In one-on-one sessions you will be able to talk about your grief as openly as you feel comfortable. I will never push you to do more than you are comfortable with. I will listen and hold space for all the emotions that come with grief. I will help you understand what is happening in your nervous system, emotions, and body as you grieve. Then you will learn how to allow that grief to process through your body.
That may sound kind of weird or intimidating so let me give you an example.
Perhaps you feel sad. I may ask where you feel that sadness in your body. I might ask what the sadness looks like, what it feels like, what color it is, what temperature it is, that kind of thing. Some of this is imagination, but it helps you take a close look at your body and how the emotion is making you feel physically. All of this is done in small increments so that you are not overwhelmed by the emotion. You will gain tools you can use to manage and safely process your emotions on your own.
We may incorporate some creative practices if that appeals to you.
We may include spiritual direction if you'd like that.
There are many tools that can be used in the processing of grief.
I will also be offering online and in-person workshops. Sign up for my monthly Newsnote if you'd like to be informed about those.
And I will be having online and in-person support groups. The schedule for these will also be in the Newsnote.
What is Somatic Work?
Somatic is Latin for "of the body." In this practice it refers to the way the body "remembers and stores" emotions and trauma. This isn't literal, but it's a good way to visualize the way unprocessed emotions and trauma can affect us, even years later.
This can lead to being in a constant state of fight or flight. Or it can cause some physical problems. It can be difficult to relax or to feel safe. Somatic work address these problems by helping the person get in touch with their body, learn how to feel emotions in the body, and, most importantly, learn how to process the emotions through the body. In this practice, I focus on using somatic work to process grief, whether fresh grief or grief that's been around for a long time.
Disclaimer: You may have heard of Somatic Therapy. That is when somatic practices are used in a psychotherapy setting. I am not a therapist or counselor. I will not be offering psychotherapy.
About Kay
I am a divorced mom of two adult children, an artist, a writer of fiction and poetry, and companion to my cat, Banjo. I am silly and serious, an old soul with a childlike perspective. I love the forests and mountains of my Colorado home, donkeys, dad jokes, and engaging with people on a deep level.
I understands what it's like to have life turn upside-down with unexpected challenges. I know what it's like to live with CPTSD, chronic illness, chronic pain, and religious trauma. I've also grieved the death of loved ones and know very well the complex ways that grief can affect us.
I'm a bit woo-woo, but also highly value scientific evidence.
I've deconstructed from evangelical Christianity and now believe that God is bigger than any one religion. I can hold respectful space for you regardless of your belief system.
I am an ally to LGBTQIA+, BIPOC. I'm on an anti-colonizer, anti-racist trajectory with the admission that I have a lot to learn.
While these topics may not come up in a session, I want you to know who I am so that you can decide if I am a good fit for your needs. I want all of my clients to feel safe with me. If any of these things make you feel uncomfortable, I'd rather you be aware upfront.
I will hold empathetic, trauma-informed space for those who seek healing of grief and trauma through somatic work. My goal is to offer a place where everyone feels safe, seen, heard, and accepted.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Certified Integrative Somatic Practitioner
LGBTQ+ Coach
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
Grief Coach
Self-love Coach
Artist
Writer
"You won't find a safer place to do personal work. Kay is accessible and kind and genuinely interested in helping clients experience positive change." Susan P. Alberta, Canada
Pricing
There are never any hidden charges, and no contracts or obligations for Individual Appointments. You can meet with me as many times as feels beneficial.
Package pricing does anticipate that you will attend the number of sessions included in the package. There will be no refund for sessions dropped, but there is flexibility in scheduling should an emergency arise.
30 minute consultation - free
One-on-one Appointment via Zoom - 60 minute session - $110, $100, or $90 Whichever aligns with your current financial circumstances.
Package of 6 sessions - $594, $540, or $486. Whichever aligns with your current financial circumstances.
Puttering Sessions - one-on-one session with me over the phone while I clean, make art, or go for a walk. $40 for 60 minutes of somewhat divided attention. This is good when you need someone to talk to but aren't seeking a lot of depth work at the moment.
Groups - $20 per person per meeting. This would be a group that has recurring meetings over the course of a set number of weeks.
Speaking to a group one time would be considered a workshop.
Live, online workshops are $30 per workshop or buy four for $100.
If you would like for me to speak for your group please connect with me through the contact information below, or schedule a free 30 minute consultation through my Book Online page. We can talk about the effects of grief on the body or practice a number of somatic techniques for nervous system regulation. This is ideal for groups such as teachers, healthcare workers, and others who would like to manage their day-to-day stress.
People who are local to Colorado Springs (and nearby) can host an in-person workshop.
Go to the Book Online Page to schedule for a one-on-one appointment or to register for workshops.
