Dive into the transformative world of somatic healing in this compelling episode of our podcast. Join host Alex as he engages with Stephanie Scarminach, a seasoned expert in somatic psychology from Santa Cruz, California. Stephanie shares her journey from personal struggles to finding her path in healing others through body awareness and psychological healing. This episode promises not only to enlighten but also to inspire anyone interested in turning inward to facilitate deep personal change.

In this insightful discussion, Stephanie outlines her academic and professional background, including her impactful studies at Naropa University—one of the few institutions offering a program in somatic psychology. She explains the concept of dissociation, the therapeutic power of physical presence, and her method of integrating body and mind to address trauma. Alex and Stephanie explore the growing trend of somatic practices in mental health and discuss real-life applications that demonstrate the healing potential of somatic work. The conversation is rich with personal stories and professional experiences that illustrate the significant benefits of somatic therapy.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about somatic healing from a leading expert in the field. To listen to the full episode and discover how somatic practices can enrich your life or aid in your healing journey, click here [Insert Link to Full Episode]. For more resources and information about Stephanie's work, visit her website at Stephanie Somatics [Insert Link to Website], and explore upcoming opportunities like her masterclass on understanding and applying somatic principles. Join us and step into a world where body awareness can lead to profound healing and transformation.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Stephanie and Somatic Healing
• 00:52 - Stephanie's Background and Education
• 01:04 - Understanding Somatic Psychology
• 02:33 - Personal Journey into Somatic Healing
• 06:21 - Early Challenges and Therapeutic Breakthroughs
• 11:24 - Experiential Learning and Teaching Methods
• 19:21 - The Healing Potential of Somatic Work
• 15:27 - Distinguishing Somatic Healing from Traditional Therapy
• 22:26 - Stephanie's Approach to Client Work
• 25:18 - The Impact of Psychoeducation in Somatic Therapy
• 28:56 - The Process of Reassociating with the Body
• 33:34 - Building and Offering the 30-Day Somatic Course
• 40:15 - Personal Growth and Evolving Perspective on Healing
• 47:50 - Looking Forward: New Projects and Masterclasses

Links and Resources:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniesomatics/
• Website: https://stephaniesomatics.com/
• Course: https://stephaniesomatics.com/courses

In this episode of our podcast, Alex welcomes back Nicolette de Saint-Amour, affectionately known as Niki, to dive into the intricate world of the Feldenkrais method. Fresh from completing their four-year professional training in Kelowna, Canada, Alex and Niki share their experiences and compelling insights they've gained along the way. As two individuals who started their Feldenkrais journey during the early stages of the pandemic, they've developed a deep compatibility as learners and explorers of this nuanced method. Their collaboration has not only been educational but also a great source of fun and discovery.

Throughout the podcast, Niki discusses her approach to teaching Feldenkrais classes through Red Beard Somatic Therapy, emphasizing how the method enhances sensory awareness and functional movement. Alex and Niki explore crucial concepts for beginners, such as the differences between Awareness Through Movement (ATM) and Functional Integration, two fundamental components of Feldenkrais practice. They highlight how these practices promote bodily integration and improved functionality, making everyday movements more efficient and comfortable.

Interested in understanding how gentle movements can radically improve your life? Then this episode is a must-listen! Dive deeper into the world of Feldenkrais by listening to the full episode where Alex and Niki break down complex ideas into understandable insights that can be applied immediately. Discover the upcoming lessons mentioned like "Uncommon Sensing," and explore more about Red Beard Somatic Therapy to enrich your learning. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your awareness and movement

Key Highlights:

00:00 Introduction of Nicolette de Saint-Amour
01:34 Exploration of Feldenkrais Classes
02:16 Discussion on Creativity and Course Design
04:42 Applying Feldenkrais Principles Post-Training
06:45 Functional Integration in a Virtual Setting
07:55 Reversibility and Movement Options
11:06 Unique Aspects of Feldenkrais for Beginners
16:23 Kinesthetic Appreciation and Learning Efficiency
20:36 Long-Term Benefits and Methodological Learning
24:43 Integration of Teleceptors in Movement
31:33 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Links and Resources:

Join Niki’s Internal Coherence Workshop in Red Beard Somatic Therapy: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/workshops

In this episode, Alex sits down with Doshin Shim Roshi to explore the role of the body in Zen Buddhist practice, and its intersection with Hawaiian spirituality.

Alex and Doshin Shim Roshi discuss their shared experiences training in the Chozen-ji style of Zen Buddhist meditation. They share stories of rigorous training, spiritual insights, and the integration of life lessons derived from both Zen and Hawaiian practices. The conversation reveals how these traditions emphasize the physical body's role in spiritual enlightenment and the subtle ways cultural legacies shape personal and spiritual identity.

Engage directly with the rich traditions of Zen and Hawaiian spirituality by listening to the full episode available here. Expand your spiritual horizons and embrace the lessons discussed by two profound practitioners of Zen.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:23 Early Days and Introduction to Zen Training

03:18 First 21 Days of Live-in Training

06:03 Return to Training and Commitment

08:16 The Role of Live-in Training

10:09 The Importance of Kiai and Hara

11:59 Zen Ken Sho: Zen, Sword, and Brush

22:20 The Importance of Hara

25:31 The Connection Between Martial Arts, Fine Arts, and Sitting

29:47 The Healing Arts in Zen Training

38:37 Dub and Audrey's Influence in Healing Arts

41:48 Discovering True Self

43:28 The Unknown and Intuitive Perception

45:12 Breaking Free from Dualistic Thinking

46:40 The Importance of Hara and Intuition

50:40 Zen Integration Bodywork

53:09 Beyond Form in Martial Arts

55:04 The Mind of Intention Having no Dwelling Place

56:35 The Unknown and Intuitive Perception

58:23 Hawaiian Spirituality and Zen

01:05:28 Hawaiian Ancestry and Zen Lineage

01:08:43 Sailing and Teaching the Younger Generation

01:15:44 The Meaning of Nawelu Nakai

01:20:47 The Importance of Daily Meditation

In this episode of our podcast, we sit down with Mohammed Salah, the first certified TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) provider in the Arab region and the founder of TRE Arabia. Mohammed shares his transformative journey with TRE, starting from his initial skepticism to how it profoundly changed his life, leading him to spread the practice across 22 countries. He discusses the benefits of TRE not just for trauma recovery but as a holistic tool for enhancing overall well-being, including better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved physical health.

Mohammed and Alex delve into the upcoming TRE initiatives aimed at broadening the reach and understanding of TRE in the Arab world. They highlight the significance of the five-day TRE workshop in Dubai, which marks a pioneering step towards integrating TRE into various sectors such as healthcare, emergency services, and athletics. Furthermore, Mohammed outlines the structure and goals of the online TRE certification training for the Arab region, emphasizing the importance of making TRE accessible to a diverse audience, from professionals experiencing burnout to individuals seeking personal growth.

The conversation also touches on the broader vision for TRE Arabia and the potential of TRE to foster resilience and healing across cultural and professional boundaries. Mohammed's commitment to training more TRE providers in the Arab region is a testament to his belief in TRE's power to improve lives. The episode is a compelling invitation for listeners to explore TRE, whether as a tool for personal development or as a pathway to becoming a certified provider.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 01:31 History and First Experience with TRE
• 09:33 Work in Rehab Centers
• 14:02 Teaching TRE in Chiang Mai
• 16:38 Bringing TRE to the Middle East
• 24:07 Founding TRE Arabia
• 24:43 Teaching TRE in Jeddah
• 25:07 Introduction to TRE in Jeddah
• 26:21 Mission and Vision for TRE Arabia
• 27:14 Certifying Providers in the Middle East
• 28:13 Expanding TRE in Riyadh
• 29:05 Targeting Specific Groups for TRE
• 30:26 Making TRE Accessible to Everyone
• 32:15 Certifying Trainers in the Region
• 33:06 Applicability of TRE in Different Settings
• 34:34 Compassion Fatigue and Hospital Systems
• 35:32 TRE for First Responders
• 36:22 TRE for Athletes
• 37:14 TRE for NGOs and Refugees
• 39:32 Benefits of TRE for Everyone
• 41:30 Finding Home Within Yourself
• 43:27 Fascination with Personal Stories and Experiences
• 45:22 Acceptance and Results of TRE
• 47:27 Upcoming TRE Workshop in Dubai
• 49:10 Module 1 Certification Training in July
• 51:27 Expanding TRE in the Arab Region
• 51:52 Closing Remarks

Links and Resources:

TRE Workshop in Dubai

• Dates: May 27th to May 31st
• Location: Kan Yoga Wellness Center, Dubai
• Details: A five-day workshop open to everyone, with specific days dedicated to different groups such as hospital staff, athletes, police officers, and others. The workshop will feature Dr. David Bercelli, the founder of TRE, along with eight TRE providers from TRE Arabia and other regions.

TRE Online Certification for the Arab Region

• Module 1 Dates: July 19th and July 20th
• Format: Online, conducted in English
• Instructors: The certification will be led by Mohammed Salah, in collaboration with other experienced TRE professionals.

In this compelling episode of the podcast, host Alex sits down with Julia Yanker, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, coach, and self-described adventurologist, for an insightful discussion on the intersection of nervous system work, somatic experiencing, and the draw of adventure sports. Julia shares her personal journey from a stress-filled childhood to her explorations in yoga, Buddhism, life coaching, and eventually, somatic experiencing, which she sought after experiencing traumatic incidents in skiing and whitewater sports. Her story is one of self-discovery, learning to meet her own needs, and the profound impact of somatic experiencing on her life and relationships.

The conversation delves into how adventure sports served as a pathway for Julia to explore her inner landscape, revealing the neurobiology behind being an "adrenaline junkie" and how trauma can be processed without directly confronting the event. Alex and Julia discuss the importance of the relationship with the self and others in healing and personal growth. Julia's experiences highlight the transformation from seeking extreme experiences for fulfillment to finding joy and satisfaction in gentler, more introspective activities.

Listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode to hear Julia's fascinating insights and her journey through somatic experiencing, adventure sports, and self-healing. For those interested in exploring somatic experiencing further or seeking guidance in their own journey towards healing and self-discovery, resources and links mentioned in the interview can be found below.

Don't miss out on this profound conversation full of personal insights and professional wisdom. Listen to the full episode now to dive deeper into Julia Yanker's journey and the transformative power of somatic experiencing.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 - Intro
• 01:30 - Somatic Experiencing Journey
• 02:51 - Adventure Trauma
• 04:16 - Ski Incident
• 06:38 - Relationship Dynamics
• 08:13 - Choosing SE Therapy
• 10:08 - Stonewalling Pattern
• 11:59 - Whitewater Insights
• 16:15 - Inner Landscape Exploration
• 21:00 - Shift in Adventure Pursuits
• 25:00 - Self-validation Practice
• 33:47 - Training in SE

Links and Resources:

• Website: https://www.juliayanker.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julia.urbanski3/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-yanker-964021bb

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Red Beard team member Aleksandra Bazinska, a seasoned therapist from Tucson, Arizona, specializing in Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and developmental trauma therapy. Aleksandra shares her compelling journey from growing up in Poland amidst a community deeply affected by PTSD, to discovering her passion for healing through various somatic practices. She emphasizes the effectiveness of therapies that focus on bodily sensations and movements, drawing from her extensive background in physical therapy, yoga, qigong, and numerous other modalities. Her approach is grounded in the belief that therapy can be both impactful and enjoyable, moving away from the pain-centric narrative often associated with trauma recovery.

Throughout the conversation, Aleksandra and Alex delve into the nuances of developmental trauma, differentiating it from shock traumas and highlighting its profound long-term effects on individuals' lives. They explore innovative therapeutic methods that cater to the body's memory and the nervous system's capacity for healing. The discussion illuminates the transformative power of somatic therapies like SensoriMotor Psychotherapy and the DARe (Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Experience) method, underscoring the importance of safety, connection, and the re-education of the nervous system towards positive experiences.

For those intrigued by the therapeutic journey and the somatic approaches to healing trauma, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and methodologies that promise a path to recovery filled with compassion, understanding, and newfound strength. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the heart of somatic therapy and the potential for personal transformation.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Intro
• 01:24 Developmental trauma explained
• 03:17 Origin of Aleksandra's journey
• 04:29 Family's trauma history
• 05:27 Healing through touch
• 06:40 Diverse modalities explored
• 07:12 Transition to somatic therapy
• 10:21 Shift in psychotherapy
• 14:29 Somatic approaches efficacy
• 17:51 Developmental trauma dynamics
• 23:10 Importance of safety
• 27:24 Internal Family Systems benefits

Links and Resources:

• Book an online consultation with Aleksandra: https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/team/aleksandra-bazinska
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Nurturing Resilience by Kathy L. Kain and Stephen J. Terrell

In this episode of the Red Beard Embodiment Podcast, host Alex Greene sits down with Siv Jøssang Shields, a chiropractor based in Voss, Norway, to delve into her journey towards building Integrated Human, a transformative platform combining various therapeutic practices. Siv shares her profound experiences with the neurogenic tremor mechanism, highlighting its role in her chiropractic practice and personal growth. The conversation sheds light on how her quest for deeper understanding and effective healing modalities led her to integrate techniques such as Transcendental Meditation, HeartMath, and ultimately, SOMA Breath into her work. Siv’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity and the pursuit of holistic health, underscoring the innate force of nature within us all that facilitates healing and transformation.

The podcast explores the serendipitous intersection between Alex and Siv, united by their shared interest in the therapeutic applications of TRE (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) in their respective fields. Their paths crossed thanks to the guidance of David Berceli, the founder of TRE, who recognized the potential for their collaboration. This meeting of minds sparked a journey into exploring the integration of neurogenic tremors with other therapeutic modalities, aiming to enhance the scope and effectiveness of somatic healing practices.

Alex and Siv are currently embarking on an innovative project that integrates SOMA Breath workshops into the Red Beard Somatic Therapy offerings, aiming to create a holistic healing experience that harnesses the combined power of neurogenic tremoring and breathwork. This collaboration seeks to delve into the vast potential of human healing and transformation, providing participants with a unique confluence of techniques designed to foster personal growth and enhance wellbeing. The initiative represents a pioneering step towards holistic health, combining Alex and Siv's expertise and shared vision for advancing somatic therapy practices. For those interested in experiencing this transformative approach firsthand, we encourage you to join the upcoming workshops and become part of a community exploring the frontiers of healing and self-discovery. Stay tuned to Red Beard Somatic Therapy's platform for more details on how to participate in these groundbreaking sessions.

Key Highlights:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:21 Innate Force of Nature
• 00:50 Siv's Background Introduction
• 01:23 Maharishi University Meditation
• 02:13 TRE and Clinical Applications
• 03:05 Siv's Therapeutic Journey
• 06:05 Influence of Transcendental Meditation
• 08:35 Chiropractic Career Shift
• 10:10 Practice in Norway
• 11:15 Introduction to Neurogenic Tremoring
• 14:55 Meeting Stephen Porges
• 17:46 Incorporating TRE in Practice
• 20:19 Integrated Human Project
• 28:22 Neurogenic Integration Collaboration
• 31:12 Educational Platform Goals
• 37:13 Connection with David Bercelli
• 42:02 Combining Breathwork and TRE
• 48:18 Experimenting with Red Beard Audience
• 51:17 Music and Rhythms in Healing

Links and Resources:

• Website: https://integrated-human.com/
• Join the SOMA Breath Introductory Workshop with Siv Jøssang Shields : https://www.redbeardsomatictherapy.com/workshops

Video Editing by Mohammad Ali: https://www.behance.net/mohammad_alimalik

In this episode, we meet Arjuna George, a retired fire chief who has started a new journey helping firefighters and others grow stronger and lead better. Arjuna talks about his 24 years fighting fires in British Columbia and how he moved on to focus on wellness, leadership, and the benefits of Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE). He shares his struggles with burnout and how TRE helped him find peace and health. Arjuna's story shows us that it's possible to overcome tough times and find new paths to happiness and well-being.

Arjuna's conversation is full of hope and advice for anyone facing stress and looking for ways to improve their life. He tells us about his podcast, "Beneath the Helmet," where he explores mental health, physical fitness, and personal growth for firefighters. His message is clear: taking care of your mind and body is key to doing well in any job, especially in demanding ones like firefighting. Arjuna's journey from a fire chief to a coach who helps others find joy and balance is truly inspiring.

Don't miss out on Arjuna George's moving and insightful story. Listen to the full episode for a deep dive into how resilience, mental health, and personal care can change lives. Check out Arjuna's website, Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, and his podcast for more great content. You'll find links to resources and TRE providers in our show notes.

Key Highlights:

• 00:30 Meet Arjuna George
• 01:00 Why Arjuna changed careers
• 02:00 How TRE changed Arjuna's life
• 03:17 Fighting fires and facing burnout
• 04:25 Arjuna decides to take a break
• 05:20 Arjuna's path to wellness
• 07:23 First steps with TRE
• 09:09 Becoming a TRE provider
• 10:40 Starting Silver Arrow Coaching
• 14:00 Learning to manage anger
• 16:50 TRE in the firefighter community
• 19:10 Arjuna's coaching approach
• 23:31 TRE in health clinics
• 26:15 Planning wellness retreats
• 28:26 TRE after losing a firefighter
• 35:35 "Beneath the Helmet" podcast themes

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjunageorge/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilverArrowCoaching/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silver_arrow_coaching/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOk6WxxtCfp0DsTx5_jrO4g
• Podcast: Beneath the Helmet Show www.beneaththehelmet.ca
• Book: Burnt Around the Edges - A Guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout www.burntaroundtheedges.com
• Website: www.silverarrowco.com
• Email: arjuna@silverarrowco.com