Body-based care for transitional times
Somatic:
of, relating to, or affecting the body; also an umbrella term for therapeutic modalities that focus on (re)connecting with the whole body
Doula:
a person who provides non-medical care (physical, emotional, logistical, educational, spiritual) through a significant life experience
Hi there, I’m Ashley.
I’m a full-spectrum doula, a somatic practitioner, and a zine maker. If those words don’t mean much to you, that’s okay! There’s a little more info about somatics and doulas, below.
It’s hard for me to put into words the work I do. These published words feel so complete and unchangeable, which is very much the opposite of how this work feels to me. Things are always shifting & changing & evolving as I change, my clients change, and the world around us changes. I try to show up to the present moment with my toolkit(s) and support people in whatever way(s) make the most sense in that moment.
For instance… sometimes I’m supporting people while they go through a physically / emotionally hard thing (ie: birth, other reproductive experiences, or processing life experiences). Sometimes I’m offering tools or practices or little experiments to run to see how people’s bodies respond (ie: TRE or other somatic practices). Sometimes I’m educating individuals or groups on how bodies work (ie: zines or workshops). But ultimately, my role is to be a compassionate witness to whatever is coming up in the body, mind, and spirit (for myself and for the people I’m with).
It’s easier to talk about specifics person to person (as opposed to typing to someone I can’t see or hear through this website), so reach out and we can chat!
Is somatic support like talk therapy?
Nope! Somatic support uses a different toolkit than psychotherapy: we focus our attention on the information coming from the the body (sensations, images, behaviors) and the state of the present moment nervous system—which doesn’t include diagnosing or advice from a mental health perspective. As a somatic practitioner I offer a space where people can practice listening to their body with compassion & patience and explore different tools for bringing those listening skills into everyday moments. Sessions are typically a combination of talking / checking in and also grounding practices, movements, exercises, etc. that engage the physical body.
Is working with a doula like having a midwife?
Nope! Doula support includes emotional, physical, mental, informational, logistical, and / or spiritual support—which doesn’t include medical-related care or advice from a medical perspective. Doula clients often appreciate having a support person who is dedicated solely to their emotional wellbeing during birth, death, or other health-related experiences (surgeries, procedures, appointments, etc.) and who can be with them before / during / after in a way that a nurse or doctor simply can’t. As a doula I help create care plans, ask questions, find resources, and help people to feel witnessed and cared for while interacting with a fast-paced medical system.
Book a free consultation
Interested in learning more? Set up a free 20 minute virtual consultation to see if we’re a good fit.