ABOUT

Coaching vs. therapy

Coaching

Coaching services are intended to help clients achieve goals. Coaches usually present specialty areas such as Somatic, Career, Feminist, Parenting, etc. While coaching is often focused on the future, it intentionally considers the present and is built on an understanding of the past/past trauma. Coaching is encouraged for those who feel ready to go beyond auto-pilot in their every day lives and explore their truest needs and desires.

therapy

The field of therapy is operated by licensed mental health professionals who are trained to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar, depression, schizophrenia, and others. They formulate treatment plans and may have the ability to prescribe medication. Therapy is often focused on the past/past trauma and how symptoms from that currently present. It is encouraged for those with severe, diagnosable mental health conditions and/or for those who feel as if they are unable to function in their day-to-day lives.

both

Feeling your best is not a linear path nor one with a final destination. Human beings are designed to function within a community. Your community of support can include coaching or therapy exclusively, or a combination of both. The two fields often overlap in client care. Regardless of your individualized care plan, through a cultivated relationship with a practitioner, both can benefit you and advocate for reconnection to your whole self and optimal well-being.

Per information shared before/during consultation, I will refer to best-fit practitioners, as necessary.

As a life-long student, I have strived to keep my curiosity alive - for the health of my mind, the health of my body, the strength of my Spirit. Identifying, at times, as a committed practitioner, writer, partner, daughter, sister, friend, I want to share what I have learned and what I am learning with you.

I started my practice with one goal in mind: to help others. To help others find their way back home to their most authentic Self. This help comes in the form of sustainable habit work and mindset shifts. It comes in the form of curiosity, kindness, to Self and others, and gratitude. It comes from presence, not perfection.

Mindfully,

Monica

Somatic Coach

photo by Scott Adames

Approaches

Wellness

Together, we consider different dimensions that are interconnected: Mental, Physical, Spiritual, Social, Environmental, Vocational - including nutrition, movement, and sleep, Stress Management, Behavioral Psychology, Neuroscience, and Habit Change.

Somatic Trauma Therapy

I use an integrative understanding of the foundational principles of different approaches including: Applied Polyvagal Theory, Hakomi Method, Internal Family Systems, Somatic Attachment Theory, and Somatic Experiencing. These offer techniques for clients to resource themselves through restoring regulation and safety in their body and promote an optimal, overall well-being.

structure

Our work together is based on your individual needs and crafted around your strengths and where you are in your current chapter of life. After an initial consultation, we will use recurring sessions to:

  • Figure out what you want/your goal(s)

  • Identify any obstacles or challenges

  • Make a plan to move through any obstacles/challenges and get closer to your goal(s)

  • Reground yourself in the present moment and in your body

We might explore guided meditations, parts work/inner-child work, somatic experiences, journaling prompts, and activities. You will have personal access to your private coach M-F via email.

You will be met exactly as you are, in a safe and non-judgmental container.

here to guide you through an intentional pause,

to be a champion for all your healing,

so that you may live your most radiant life -

body, MIND, and spirit.  

TESTIMONIALS

  • "I WAS FEELING STUCK AND IT FEELS AS IF MONICA EXTENDED A HAND AND PULLED ME UP. DURING OUR WORK TOGETHER i HAVE DEVELOPED A NIGHTTIME ROUTINE THAT INCLUDES GETTING MORE SLEEP AND SCROLLING ON MY PHONE LESS. I AM PRACTICING YOGA AGAIN AND INVOLVED IN OTHER HABIT WORK THAT IS CREATING EXCITMENT AND ENERGY IN MY LIFE."

    -Greta S.

  • "Monica's coaching teaches you how to develop the life skills that help you achieve your health and wellness goals, but also gives you the proper tools to achieve any type of goal you are looking to meet."

    -Kelsey L.

  • "I enjoy how Monica ties the sessions together each week, building on one another. I look forward to our calls and working with her on my health and wellness goals."

    -Marie G.

  • "Monica knew how to steer the conversation for me to be honest with myself - which is not always easy. She reminded me that making my health a priority is not selfish. She provided me with a fresh perspective where I am excited to make myself and my health a priority again because she made me feel as though I matter."

    -Mary Y.

  • "Showing up for myself through my work with Monica is helping me create the life I want to be living."

    -Sarah E.

  • "Monica was encouraging and provided positive strategies to help me meet my goals."

    -Marie G.

QUESTIONS? LET’S CHAT.

HAVE SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT MY SERVICES? SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH ME.

Certifications & Training

Certified Health Coach (CHC); Certified Life Coach (CLC), Health Coach Institute (ICF-accredited)

Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, The Embody Lab

Additional study includes:

  • Master of Arts (M.A.) in English and Humanities, Marymount University

  • CIJ Clarity Catalyst, based on Stanford University’s Creativity in Business

  • Lineage of Love, Sacred Ancestry

  • Root Cause Gut Health + Healing, Medicine Mami

  • Healing Trauma: Working with Traumatic Wounds, Dr. Peter Levine

  • Transformation through Compassion, Steph Stern Coaching

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Cornell University

DOES schedulING A PHONE CALL FEEL LIKE TOO MUCH? I GET IT. SEND ME A MESSAGE BELOW AND WE CAN CONNECT VIA EMAIL FIRST.

Let's Connect

Let's Connect

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