Our bodies send us clues when we are in a state of stress, but most of us do not recognize the signals.
This TEDxYYC Talk explains how stress can accumulate and how clues from your body can guide you to well-being.
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Certified Wellness Practitioner
Workshop Facilitator
Professional Speaker
Former Television Journalist
After I had left a 26 year career as a television journalist, it was a big shock to realize that during my career I'd had all the signs of Vicarious Trauma. VT is a condition that can develop when we are exposed to other peoples' trauma. Back then, none of us in the newsroom knew that Vicarious Trauma was a potential risk.
Years later, while studying to become a counsellor, I learned how stress can accumulate over time and eventually overwhelm us. I also learned that my condition could have been prevented. All I could think was, "Why are we not taught this before it happens?"
After trying many types of therapy, I found healing in a process called Somatic Experiencing (SE), founded by Dr. Peter A. Levine, Ph.D. I am so grateful for his work, in which I am now trained and passionate about sharing.
Prevention is possible. Healing is possible.
Somatic Experiencing (SE) works with your nervous system to help you gently release stress in your body. SE helps you to understand your fight, flight, freeze stress signals and understand how to calm and stabilize yourself in the moment of a stressful event.
While I do conduct sessions online, I also offer one-on-one extended sessions, akin to individualized workshops.
Please Note: I am only accepting new clients by referral from other therapists
Like water in a bucket, stress can build and overflow if we do not know how to monitor and reduce our stress levels.
Workshops are customized, and include the latest in scientific research and stories of personal experience. Participants are guided on how to spot stress signals that are universal as well as unique to each individual. Discover how your stress shows up, and how your body can play a critical and guiding role in your own healing and prevention.
The Vicarious Trauma workshop is for professionals who deal with other peoples' trauma;
social workers, clergy, media, teachers, medical/emergency professionals.
AWARDS:
Somatic therapy works with your nervous system to foster natural stress release and well-being. For more information go to:
https://traumahealing.org/about-us/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapy-types/somatic-therapy
Shock vs. Developmental Trauma - Dr. Peter A. Levine, Ph.D.
Collective Trauma - Gina Ross, MFCT
Body-Mind Centering - Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen, OTR/L, RSMT, RSME
Body Wisdom - Anastacia Metcalf Lundholm
Anger, Boundaries & Safety - Greg Gurel
Reiki Levels I & II - Phyllis Kane, Reiki Master
Shamanic and Nature Practices - Sandra Ingerman, New Mexico; Jaki Daniels, Calgary
"With Barb I always felt comfortable enough to reveal the deepest parts of myself that I was too afraid to show the world. At a time when I felt like no one could truly understand what was happening in my life, Barb did. She was able to see and help me through some of life's toughest problems. I now walk with my head a little higher because I know that anything I encounter in life can be compassionately worked through using the skills that I've gained when working with my own emotion." B.
" I consider myself lucky to have had the chance to work with Barbara as my Counsellor. Although I've had training before and did a considerable amount of work to connect with my body, Barb took me to a new level. Her respect to my previous knowledge was great. Barb worked with me in a new format without limiting me into a time frame and instead allowed my body to lead the sessions. Barb supported me during the sessions, and between. Today, I refer back to many teachings and inspirations I learned about myself through the sessions I had with Barb, the biggest one was learning my body's language. I would confidently recommend Barbara's services and her abilities to support anyone who's looking to connect deeper with their body, soul and mind." R.
'I have worked with Barb extensively in the past. Barb was insightful, kind, warm and accepting in her guidance and skill as a counsellor. I was able to unravel my tangled thought patterns that were keeping me trapped in a self imposed prison of perfection. She helped me find my own answers by tapping into my inner wisdom and deep knowing; she created space for me to accept and embrace my imperfections which in turn decreased my overall anxiety and increased my self love. If you are interested in doing your own 'deep work', I recommend Barb Higgins wholeheartedly! S.