Soma Bodywork Therapy

Meet Elizabeth.

I believe once people learn to love themselves, they’ll be better able to love those around them.

I have long devoted my life to reminding those around me of the healing powers of love. Before I focused on yoga and bodywork, I sought to better understand and seek connection with the natural world. To that end, I earned a Bachelors of Science in Natural Resources from Colorado State University and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines.

In 2003 I completed my first Massage and Reiki course at the Gate Key Institute of Mind-Body Therapy. I also completed my first yoga teacher training at Kalani on the Big Island of Hawaii. In Hawaii, I also finished trainings in Polarity Therapy and Thai massage. In the years since I have become an RYT E-500, which means I have over 500 hours of professional training, in addition to having taught over 3000 hours of classes, served as a workshop and retreat leader, and facilitated Yoga Teacher Trainings with 3 Oms Yoga and my own SomaYoga school in Bellingham, Washington. Combined with additional extensive training at the Soma Institute of Neuromuscular Integration, I love to consider the whole person through the lines of fascia and the multi-faceted Yogic approach of the persons mind, body and spirit.

Today, I focus on a practice that helps people experience long lasting relief from pain and greater joy in life. I am co-owner of Shanti Center, a healing arts center in Bellingham, Washington. There, I engage in my Soma bodywork practice, mentor new practitioners and facilitate community outreach. I also teach group yoga classes and workshops at 3 Oms Yoga. And, as much as possible, I play with my two kids and partner outside, enjoying all the mountain biking, hiking and skiing that I can in Sandpoint, ID and Bellingham, WA.

The 11 Session Series.

Session 1

An amazing session! Have only excitement to receive this treatment. In this session the tissues surrounding the IT bands, hips, rib cage are freed. The front line of the chest will also be lengthened, resulting in a feeling of lightness and well-being. Posture will be more upright posture and breathing deeper. This can be a stand-alone session.

Session 2

Here, the focus in on the body’s foundation: the lower legs and feet. We will find a sense of firm grounding and presence. Consider: if the body was a house and the structure needed a remodel, one would first assess the foundation to create a safe, healthy, and supported change. Work on the feet and lower legs gives the body a solid foundation to grow from!

Session 3

In this session, the sides of the body will be lengthened and the shoulders will be freed. Breathing expands for greater relaxation and more immediate energy. The low back will be worked deeply through the side of the waist. Often, bodies look slimmer after this session.

Sessions 4, 5, and 6

The center line, or core, that runs vertically through the body will be adjusted and lengthened. We’ll work with the pelvis under the body to provide ample support so the upper body may extend effortlessly toward the sky. This is achieved by working the adductors, psoas and lateral rotators. After these sessions, walking takes a fraction of the energy typically expended, with improved balance and freedom of movement.

Session 7

In session 7, the muscles of the neck, face and head, will be released, resulting in a more softened and relaxed appearance and an increased feeling of self-reliance and personal power. After the previous three sessions (4,5,6) this session reconnects the head to the new physical being.

Sessions 8, 9,10, and 11

In sessions 8-10 the whole body is integrated in a new and more efficient manner. Energy and vitality increase as the body's structure becomes more aligned and balanced in gravity. Session 11 is an additional session to the original 10 that releases and integrates the myofascial wrappings of the arms and shoulders. This session was added because, in our society, those who spend considerable time on the computer or drive regularly receive healing benefits.

History of Soma.

SNI® is an 10+ session series developed by Dr. Ida Rolf, pioneer and founder of Structural Integration. Psychologist Dr. Bill Williams was one of Dr. Ida Rolf’s first students. Dr. Williams was among the Institute’s first practitioners to branch out, and, with Dr. Rolf’s blessing and suggestion of the name Soma, he developed his own school within the Structural Integration tradition. He created The Soma Institute of Neuromuscular Integration® after realizing the vital role the body plays in achieving deep and lasting physical and psychological change. Many structural schools now exist worldwide as heirs of Dr. Ida Rolf. Karen Bolesky is the current owner of the Soma Institute and continues to develop and evolve Soma.

The Soma theory and teaching reflects this basic foundation of wholeness of the body, mind and spirit. Elizabeth applies this theory in her practice and clients are encouraged to be participatory in their journey with readings, movement and personal reflection logs. Elizabeth also uses her long standing experience as a yoga teacher to help guide participants in mindfulness, wise & gentle functional movements, and the awareness of the multi-faceted experience of the self (Koshas)- recognizing that the symptoms in one layer of the being, may actually belong in another layer (emotion, breath, mind, spirit).

Each SNI® session addresses a specific goal and builds on previous work. Elizabeth address the body layer by layer, region by region, going deeper each visit. Each layer is released and integrated so the entire being can be lighter and move with grace and ease. Some participants engage in the series every few weeks, some come weekly. If you have the space in your life to schedule weekly, or even multiple sessions a week, the changes can be fast and profound. Be ready!