barbhiggins.ca

barbhiggins.cabarbhiggins.cabarbhiggins.ca

barbhiggins.ca

barbhiggins.cabarbhiggins.cabarbhiggins.ca
More

BARB HIGGINS

Somatic Experiencing Practitioner

Certified Wellness Practitioner

Workshop Facilitator

Professional Speaker





THE BODY'S LANGUAGE OF STRESS, TEDxYYC, June 15, 2019

Our bodies constantly send us signals to tell us whether we are in a state of stress or wellness, but most of us do not know how to listen to the cues. This TEDxYYC talk deals with stress, cues from the body and the basics of Somatic Therapy.

Background

After a 26 year career as a television journalist, it was a big shock to learn that during my career I'd had all the signs of Vicarious Trauma, a condition that can develop when we are around other peoples' trauma. At that time, none of us in the newsroom knew Vicarious Trauma was a potential risk.    


Years later, while studying to become a counsellor I learned how stress can add up 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, founded by Dr. Peter A. Levine, Ph.D.   I am so grateful for his work, in which I am now trained, and am passionate about sharing.  


Prevention is possible. Healing is possible. 

My Services

Somatic Therapy Sessions

Somatic Therapy Sessions

Somatic Therapy Sessions

Somatic Experiencing gently releases stress that stores in your body, affecting your behaviours and well-being.


Sessions are currently conducted via Zoom (until Covid-19 restrictions allow for more face-to-face interaction). 


Please Note: I am only taking new clients by referral from other therapists

(as of January 2021)





Workshop Facilitation

Somatic Therapy Sessions

Somatic Therapy Sessions

VICARIOUS TRAUMA

Why It's So Tricky 

& How Our Bodies Lead Us To Health


This workshop is for professionals who deal with other peoples' trauma, such as social workers, clergy, media, teachers, medical/emergency professionals. 


 Mixing personal stories with the latest in scientific research, this workshop helps you spot stress clues that are universal to all of us, as well as unique to you.  Discover how your stress really shows up, and how your body can play a critical role in your healing.

Professional Background

Somatic Therapy Sessions

Professional Background

  • Award-winning TV News Anchor, Writer, Producer, CTV Calgary News at 6 (1989-2010)


  • Award-winning documentary Writer, Producer, Host.


  • Speaker, Emcee, Moderator at corporate, charity and community events. 


AWARDS: 

  • Queen's Jubilee Award
  • Educator of the Year, UNICEF 
  • Peter Legge Philanthropist of the Year, CAPS

Education

Somatic Experiencing Practitioner - Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute, Denver, Colorado

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

Certified Wellness Counsellor - Rhodes Wellness College, Vancouver, British Columbia

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - works with our thoughts, which can suppress or support growth.  
  • Therapeutic Release -  guides the release of emotion. 
  • Somatic Therapy - follows cues from the body to guide relief and health.
  • Spiritually Focused Therapy - provides insight and guidance if spirituality is important to you.

Embodied Awareness Facilitator - Dr. Beth Hedva, PhD, M.A., Calgary, Alberta

Embodied Awareness attunes us to sensations, intuition and other ways of knowing 

Satir Model - Level II - Satir Institute of the Pacific, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Satir method is a hopeful approach to therapy. Virginia Satir (1916-1988) was a social worker known for her compassion and belief that every person has inherent self-worth.  

Additional Training includes:

Shock vs. Developmental Trauma - Dr. Peter A. Levine, Ph.D.

Collective Trauma - Gina Ross, MFCT

Body-Mind Centring - 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

Client Testimonials

"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.


Social

Copyright © 2021 Barbara Higgins Counselling & Retreat - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy