Somatic Therapists in Halifax, NS
My approach to trauma therapy is rooted in transpersonal, humanistic, somatic, and nature-based modalities.
Healing from trauma isn't about "fixing" something that's broken within you; it's a profound unravelling of rediscovering and embracing the parts of yourself that have remained hidden in the shadows of fear and chaos. It's about dismantling destructive patterns created out of survival so that you can reconnect and come home to your authentic SELF. It's about learning to live with a full range of experiences and emotions and feeling as though you are capable, worthy, and enough.
My approach to trauma therapy is rooted in transpersonal, humanistic, somatic, and nature-based modalities.
Healing from trauma isn't about "fixing" something that's broken within you; it's a profound unravelling of rediscovering and embracing the parts of yourself that have remained hidden in the shadows of fear and chaos. It's about dismantling destructive patterns created out of survival so that you can reconnect and come home to your authentic SELF. It's about learning to live with a full range of experiences and emotions and feeling as though you are capable, worthy, and enough.
Sessions with me typically integrate elements of talk therapy, music therapy, and somatic/body-based practices.
My approach to therapy is person-centred, affirming, and anti-oppressive that integrates many psychological approaches and theories. Therapy is also a collaborative process: together, we can develop tools and a deeper self-understanding to help you move through life.
Sessions with me typically integrate elements of talk therapy, music therapy, and somatic/body-based practices.
My approach to therapy is person-centred, affirming, and anti-oppressive that integrates many psychological approaches and theories. Therapy is also a collaborative process: together, we can develop tools and a deeper self-understanding to help you move through life.
Michelle Chisholm
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
1 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3H
Waitlist for new clients
I take an eclectic approach, integrating somatic and mindfulness practices along with narrative and parts work approaches in order support clients in both mind and body.
Do you feel like there are deep roots to your problems but become overwhelmed trying to unpack these feelings on your own? Are you looking for some guidance to untangle your conflicting thoughts and behaviours and connect with your authentic self? I work with folks to understand where these big feelings come from, and support them to communicate with the parts of themselves that are experiencing difficulty. If you are tired of constantly fighting your own inner thoughts and want a space where where you can finally stop fighting and feel safe to open up about what is really going on for you, this may be it!
I take an eclectic approach, integrating somatic and mindfulness practices along with narrative and parts work approaches in order support clients in both mind and body.
Do you feel like there are deep roots to your problems but become overwhelmed trying to unpack these feelings on your own? Are you looking for some guidance to untangle your conflicting thoughts and behaviours and connect with your authentic self? I work with folks to understand where these big feelings come from, and support them to communicate with the parts of themselves that are experiencing difficulty. If you are tired of constantly fighting your own inner thoughts and want a space where where you can finally stop fighting and feel safe to open up about what is really going on for you, this may be it!
Together, we will use various techniques from therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy, internal family systems, CBT, EFT, mindfulness, somatic, and attachment-focused therapy to help you navigate life's challenges.
I am a registered counseling therapist practicing in Kjipuktuk, Mi’kmaki (Halifax, Nova Scotia). My work taps into the transformative power of storytelling, the wisdom of the body, and the language of emotions to facilitate healing. It is my belief that with the right support, we are all capable of change, re-imagining our life stories, and navigating our hardest seasons.
Together, we will use various techniques from therapies such as acceptance and commitment therapy, internal family systems, CBT, EFT, mindfulness, somatic, and attachment-focused therapy to help you navigate life's challenges.
I am a registered counseling therapist practicing in Kjipuktuk, Mi’kmaki (Halifax, Nova Scotia). My work taps into the transformative power of storytelling, the wisdom of the body, and the language of emotions to facilitate healing. It is my belief that with the right support, we are all capable of change, re-imagining our life stories, and navigating our hardest seasons.
Elizabeth Berlasso
Counsellor, MEd, RCT, SEP, CCC
3 Endorsed
Halifax, NS B3H
Waitlist for new clients
I work with close attention to the impact emotions have on the body's physiology; and I am trained in Somatic Experience to treat trauma as developed by Peter Levine PhD.
I have a wait list for new clients. Online appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings. My approach to therapy is rooted in the view that people have an inherent capacity for healthiness. I will work with you to uncover that wellbeing again so that you can live the life you deserve with more vitality and authenticity whether you suffer from chronic illness, the burden of a traumatic injury or complex trauma, a diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, depression, unprocessed grief, or the malaise that comes from being over-stressed and not coping as well as you'd like.
I work with close attention to the impact emotions have on the body's physiology; and I am trained in Somatic Experience to treat trauma as developed by Peter Levine PhD.
I have a wait list for new clients. Online appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings. My approach to therapy is rooted in the view that people have an inherent capacity for healthiness. I will work with you to uncover that wellbeing again so that you can live the life you deserve with more vitality and authenticity whether you suffer from chronic illness, the burden of a traumatic injury or complex trauma, a diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, depression, unprocessed grief, or the malaise that comes from being over-stressed and not coping as well as you'd like.
Using narrative, trauma informed, and somatic approaches, I follow the philosophy that people are not their problems, behaviours, or past.
My work has a strong focus on attachment trauma, relationship stressors, anxiety and depression, substance use, and how the body and mind work in tandem. I spend time connecting and building strong relationships with people, as I believe that trust, communication, and boundary setting are the foundations of healthy relationships in & outside of counselling.
Using narrative, trauma informed, and somatic approaches, I follow the philosophy that people are not their problems, behaviours, or past.
My work has a strong focus on attachment trauma, relationship stressors, anxiety and depression, substance use, and how the body and mind work in tandem. I spend time connecting and building strong relationships with people, as I believe that trust, communication, and boundary setting are the foundations of healthy relationships in & outside of counselling.
I'm currently in ongoing training with a focus in Somatic Experiencing, EMDR and Brainspotting.
I am a Halifax-based counsellor, psychotherapist, and creative arts therapist with a background in mindfulness, body-based, and trauma-oriented modalities. I believe that to struggle is a fundamental part of human experience. As humans are relational beings, we need to be witnessed, supported and deeply heard in order to process and expand beyond our grief and our pain. We all have the innate capacity for healing. With the right space to hold and befriend our difficult memories and emotions, our minds and bodies learn that there can be safety, freedom, and possibility in our lives.
I'm currently in ongoing training with a focus in Somatic Experiencing, EMDR and Brainspotting.
I am a Halifax-based counsellor, psychotherapist, and creative arts therapist with a background in mindfulness, body-based, and trauma-oriented modalities. I believe that to struggle is a fundamental part of human experience. As humans are relational beings, we need to be witnessed, supported and deeply heard in order to process and expand beyond our grief and our pain. We all have the innate capacity for healing. With the right space to hold and befriend our difficult memories and emotions, our minds and bodies learn that there can be safety, freedom, and possibility in our lives.
My Qualifications: Certified Canadian Counsellor; Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate; trained in Somatic Experiencing and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy; RYT-500 (Kundalini Tantra & Hatha); certified practitioner in Reiki, Sound Therapy, NLP, and Trauma-Sensitive HeartMath.
I primarily work with individuals and couples who experience anxiety, depression, relational challenges, and/or forms of traumatic stress. However, I may also be a fit for you if you experience reoccurring overwhelm, panic, chronic stress, nervous system/emotion dysregulation, bodily and/or emotional numbness, shut down/freeze states, unhealthy life patterns, insomnia or restless sleeps, dependency on substances, feelings of hopelessness, and/or thoughts that hinder your ability to live well.
My Qualifications: Certified Canadian Counsellor; Registered Counselling Therapist Candidate; trained in Somatic Experiencing and Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy; RYT-500 (Kundalini Tantra & Hatha); certified practitioner in Reiki, Sound Therapy, NLP, and Trauma-Sensitive HeartMath.
I primarily work with individuals and couples who experience anxiety, depression, relational challenges, and/or forms of traumatic stress. However, I may also be a fit for you if you experience reoccurring overwhelm, panic, chronic stress, nervous system/emotion dysregulation, bodily and/or emotional numbness, shut down/freeze states, unhealthy life patterns, insomnia or restless sleeps, dependency on substances, feelings of hopelessness, and/or thoughts that hinder your ability to live well.
I will often pull from approaches rooted in somatic, polyvagal, solution-focused, emotion-focused, strength-based, and voluntary image replacement/eye movement therapies.
I support people navigating symptoms of complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and burnout. In my experience, therapy has provided a contained space to process distressing thoughts, work through challenging situations, address emotional wounds, celebrate wins, focus on areas of growth, develop supportive practices, and enhance resiliency to navigate the obstacles of daily life. My intention is to provide this type of intentional space for my clients, one that welcomes all their parts and unique experiences.
I will often pull from approaches rooted in somatic, polyvagal, solution-focused, emotion-focused, strength-based, and voluntary image replacement/eye movement therapies.
I support people navigating symptoms of complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and burnout. In my experience, therapy has provided a contained space to process distressing thoughts, work through challenging situations, address emotional wounds, celebrate wins, focus on areas of growth, develop supportive practices, and enhance resiliency to navigate the obstacles of daily life. My intention is to provide this type of intentional space for my clients, one that welcomes all their parts and unique experiences.
I provide holistic therapy encompassing the cognitive, emotional, and somatic aspects of being human for healing, wellness, and growth.
I use multiple trauma-informed approaches and tailor work with each client according to their wants and needs at any given time. Depending on client interest, I also integrate psychotherapy with mindfulness; a combination well supported in research on healing and cultivating resilience and well being.
I provide holistic therapy encompassing the cognitive, emotional, and somatic aspects of being human for healing, wellness, and growth.
I use multiple trauma-informed approaches and tailor work with each client according to their wants and needs at any given time. Depending on client interest, I also integrate psychotherapy with mindfulness; a combination well supported in research on healing and cultivating resilience and well being.
I am trained in EMDR and also draw on CBT, DBT, ACT, EFT, narrative therapy, somatic practices as well psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches.
Currently Accepting New Clients . I specialize in helping clients heal from; Trauma, Relationship issues (including abusive relationships), Repeating Patterns, Life Transitions, Attachment Styles, Complex Family Dynamics, Self Esteem - Anxiety/OCD, Depression, Perfectionism and Emotional Processing.
I enjoy working with clients for symptom management and also in the realm of personal growth. All of my clients will be met with a warm and compassionate approach. I work with the general public 18+ as well as Veterans, Victim Services, WCB, and people on the Autism Spectrum.
I am trained in EMDR and also draw on CBT, DBT, ACT, EFT, narrative therapy, somatic practices as well psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches.
Currently Accepting New Clients . I specialize in helping clients heal from; Trauma, Relationship issues (including abusive relationships), Repeating Patterns, Life Transitions, Attachment Styles, Complex Family Dynamics, Self Esteem - Anxiety/OCD, Depression, Perfectionism and Emotional Processing.
I enjoy working with clients for symptom management and also in the realm of personal growth. All of my clients will be met with a warm and compassionate approach. I work with the general public 18+ as well as Veterans, Victim Services, WCB, and people on the Autism Spectrum.
I have training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic approaches, and engage in various Communities of Practice to strengthen my ongoing learning with both.
I believe that people have a deep wisdom in their bodies, and an innate capacity for growth and healing. I believe that strengthening our capacity to be with the fullness of our experience can support us to live in greater presence, aliveness and in alignment with our values. And! This can be really difficult to do, especially when we've experienced relational trauma. I work with people who might feel that their strategies for coping are getting in the way of the connection they seek, or who might long for a greater sense of safety, dignity and belonging to themselves and the world around them.
I have training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and somatic approaches, and engage in various Communities of Practice to strengthen my ongoing learning with both.
I believe that people have a deep wisdom in their bodies, and an innate capacity for growth and healing. I believe that strengthening our capacity to be with the fullness of our experience can support us to live in greater presence, aliveness and in alignment with our values. And! This can be really difficult to do, especially when we've experienced relational trauma. I work with people who might feel that their strategies for coping are getting in the way of the connection they seek, or who might long for a greater sense of safety, dignity and belonging to themselves and the world around them.
Through the integration of EMDR, Somatic therapy and other evidence-based psychological modalities, I guide clients on a transformative journey.
When was the last time you experienced harmony with your core principles? At Hartwell Counselling, I provide a compassionate and transformative therapy rooted in evidence-based practices such as EMDR. EMDR which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and its the gold standard for treating and processing trauma. EMDR reduces trauma symptoms in a shorter time frame than the traditional talk therapy. Many clients have reported a reduction of traumatic symptoms after the initial few sessions of EMDR. EMDR is not a magic cure for trauma but it might produce some symptoms relief.
Through the integration of EMDR, Somatic therapy and other evidence-based psychological modalities, I guide clients on a transformative journey.
When was the last time you experienced harmony with your core principles? At Hartwell Counselling, I provide a compassionate and transformative therapy rooted in evidence-based practices such as EMDR. EMDR which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and its the gold standard for treating and processing trauma. EMDR reduces trauma symptoms in a shorter time frame than the traditional talk therapy. Many clients have reported a reduction of traumatic symptoms after the initial few sessions of EMDR. EMDR is not a magic cure for trauma but it might produce some symptoms relief.
I am trained as a somatic, relational, and trauma therapist, and I can help you understand the unique ways you learned to resist or avoid parts of yourself as a way of protection.
It's commonly believed that therapists are impartial and unbiased, but like everyone else, they can be subject to unconscious biases. When it comes to clients who have experienced trauma, I place a high value on honesty and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. This is because trust is crucial in the healing process.
I am trained as a somatic, relational, and trauma therapist, and I can help you understand the unique ways you learned to resist or avoid parts of yourself as a way of protection.
It's commonly believed that therapists are impartial and unbiased, but like everyone else, they can be subject to unconscious biases. When it comes to clients who have experienced trauma, I place a high value on honesty and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. This is because trust is crucial in the healing process.
I am especially interested in early life experiences and integrate various theories and modalities into my practice including somatic experiencing, internal family systems, attachment theory, and emotional embodiment.
I specialize in trauma therapy and work with individuals on their journey of healing, growth, and wellness. I use a collaborative, holistic, and body-oriented approach to support clients experiencing challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, sleep, digestion, chronic pain, grief, and relationship difficulties.
I am especially interested in early life experiences and integrate various theories and modalities into my practice including somatic experiencing, internal family systems, attachment theory, and emotional embodiment.
I specialize in trauma therapy and work with individuals on their journey of healing, growth, and wellness. I use a collaborative, holistic, and body-oriented approach to support clients experiencing challenges related to trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, sleep, digestion, chronic pain, grief, and relationship difficulties.
This is done through developing collaborative relationships, engaging in somatic work, and helping you create your own pathways to repair.
Gender-based violence, restorative approaches and narrative therapy have led me to work internationally. Locally, I have spent 25 years working for a trauma-informed community-based organization and for the past fifteen I have also worked for the Canadian Armed Forces. Currently I continue to speak publicly and train others about domestic violence. I co-founded the Canadian Domestic Violence Conference when I saw a need to bring more light to the subject. I am available to help couples work through the damages caused by domestic violence as well as to help individuals repair the harm done to them so they can move forward.
This is done through developing collaborative relationships, engaging in somatic work, and helping you create your own pathways to repair.
Gender-based violence, restorative approaches and narrative therapy have led me to work internationally. Locally, I have spent 25 years working for a trauma-informed community-based organization and for the past fifteen I have also worked for the Canadian Armed Forces. Currently I continue to speak publicly and train others about domestic violence. I co-founded the Canadian Domestic Violence Conference when I saw a need to bring more light to the subject. I am available to help couples work through the damages caused by domestic violence as well as to help individuals repair the harm done to them so they can move forward.
I use a somatic-based, attachment-led, spiritually-informed, and trauma specialized approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy.
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. Therapy is a collaborative process that uses curiosity, courage and compassion to start exploring and unpacking all of the parts of ourselves and our experiences so that we can become connected to our wholeness once again. There are times when we may feel haunted by our past experiences, are having difficulties coping with life transitions or stressors, or are feeling stuck. It is my belief that through gentle exploration we can start to find the inner resources needed to move through and grow from these difficult experiences.
I use a somatic-based, attachment-led, spiritually-informed, and trauma specialized approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy.
Thank you for taking the time to view my profile. Therapy is a collaborative process that uses curiosity, courage and compassion to start exploring and unpacking all of the parts of ourselves and our experiences so that we can become connected to our wholeness once again. There are times when we may feel haunted by our past experiences, are having difficulties coping with life transitions or stressors, or are feeling stuck. It is my belief that through gentle exploration we can start to find the inner resources needed to move through and grow from these difficult experiences.
Then I add resources of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Somatic Therapy to understand the connections between body and mind as a whole.
Whether you are feeling lost, confused, lonely, questioning life, or experiencing depression, anxiety or trauma, I offer you a safe space where you can feel free to express and be yourself without judgment. I work with different modalities to help you organize your thoughts and understand your feelings so you can have a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I will do what I can to make time to meet either in person or virtually so you don't have to wait long for help.
Then I add resources of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Somatic Therapy to understand the connections between body and mind as a whole.
Whether you are feeling lost, confused, lonely, questioning life, or experiencing depression, anxiety or trauma, I offer you a safe space where you can feel free to express and be yourself without judgment. I work with different modalities to help you organize your thoughts and understand your feelings so you can have a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I will do what I can to make time to meet either in person or virtually so you don't have to wait long for help.
I am a Registered Counselling Therapist with particular interest & training in Narrative Therapy, EMDR, Creative Arts Therapies, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Trauma and somatic work.
You may face sadness, worry, repetitive thoughts, following experiences that are tough to talk about, violence and trauma resulting in numbness, isolation. Maybe you want to dig deeper, to better understand these events and how they are impacting your life now. You may feel increasingly ready to move through and beyond the difficulties you face, to embrace what feels more like the real you. I am trained to work creatively with folks who are in the midst of life’s challenges, to help them process and cope with their emotions. I know how to work with trauma, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, depression and anxiety.
I am a Registered Counselling Therapist with particular interest & training in Narrative Therapy, EMDR, Creative Arts Therapies, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Trauma and somatic work.
You may face sadness, worry, repetitive thoughts, following experiences that are tough to talk about, violence and trauma resulting in numbness, isolation. Maybe you want to dig deeper, to better understand these events and how they are impacting your life now. You may feel increasingly ready to move through and beyond the difficulties you face, to embrace what feels more like the real you. I am trained to work creatively with folks who are in the midst of life’s challenges, to help them process and cope with their emotions. I know how to work with trauma, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, depression and anxiety.
I also integrate elements from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Techniques, and the Gottman Method and PACT Model for couples.
Have you ever felt lost or overwhelmed, especially in your relationship with yourself or others, but couldn’t quite understand why? Often, the patterns that leave us feeling unhappy or disconnected are rooted in unhealed trauma that hasn’t been fully processed or addressed. I take a holistic and non-pathologizing approach that focuses on uncovering the root causes of your distress. I believe that anxiety, depression, and other common diagnoses are not indications that something is “wrong” with you. Instead, they are often wise, protective responses from a body and nervous system that have experienced stress or threat.
I also integrate elements from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Techniques, and the Gottman Method and PACT Model for couples.
Have you ever felt lost or overwhelmed, especially in your relationship with yourself or others, but couldn’t quite understand why? Often, the patterns that leave us feeling unhappy or disconnected are rooted in unhealed trauma that hasn’t been fully processed or addressed. I take a holistic and non-pathologizing approach that focuses on uncovering the root causes of your distress. I believe that anxiety, depression, and other common diagnoses are not indications that something is “wrong” with you. Instead, they are often wise, protective responses from a body and nervous system that have experienced stress or threat.
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How does somatic therapy work?
Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.
Is EMDR a somatic therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.
Is somatic therapy evidence-based?
Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.
What is somatic trauma therapy?
Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.