Finding the Best Somatic Coach for Your Needs: 2024 Round-Up
Are you feeling stuck in the past or anxious about the future? Do stress and emotional turmoil keep you from fully experiencing life? You're not alone. Many of us struggle to stay grounded and present in the face of life's challenges. As a somatic well-being coach and licensed psychotherapist, I've dedicated my career to helping individuals find inner peace and empowerment.
Through my own journey of healing and growth, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the human experience. I believe that by connecting with our bodies and minds, we can unlock a deeper sense of well-being and purpose.
While my practice is open to all who are seeking a deeper connection with themselves, I have a particular specialty in helping marginalized millennials, creatives, and high-achievers. If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out for a complimentary clarity call.
To share my passion for somatic coaching and support others on their healing journeys, I've curated a list of somatic coaches that I personally recommend. This carefully selected roundup represents a diverse group of practitioners who offer unique approaches to holistic well-being.
Whether you're new to somatic coaching or seeking to deepen your practice, I hope this resource will help you find the perfect coach (whether that's me or someone else) to support your personal growth.
6 highly recommended somatic coaches
1. Ricki Bernstein
Ricki began her career as a psychotherapist working with people who've experienced trauma. She was drawn to somatic coaching to help her clients get in touch with the physical body and unlock deeper healing than was possible through talk therapy alone. Now, Ricki draws on her extensive experience to provide somatic coach training.
Credentials: Licensed Master Social Worker
Education: MA and MPhil in English from Columbia University, MSW from the Hunter College School of Social Work in NYC
Training: Training in EMDR, somatic experiencing, brainspotting, mindfulness, focusing, affective neuroscience, and attachment theory
2. Valentin Somma
As a trained IFS practitioner, Valentin helps his coaching clients welcome the parts of themselves that they struggle with most. His focus is on intimacy, sexuality, and attachment, and he's passionate about using IFS-informed, body-oriented coaching to help people feel more connected to themselves and others.
Credentials: IFS Level 3 Practitioner
Education: Masters in Engineering from Ecole Polytechnique in France, PhD in Economics from Columbia University
Training: IFS Level 3
3. Beej Karpen
Beej specializes in using somatic coaching to help people reduce their alcohol consumption. She also works with couples, including romantic partners, family members, coworkers, and more, helping clients overcome communication barriers to connect more effectively.
Credentials: IFS Level 2 Practitioner
Education: Certificate from The New School in Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, Certificate from U Mass Center for Mindfulness
Training: Training in meditation, somatic EMDR, reiki, IFIO, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and clinical hypnosis
4. Anna Holtzman
Anna uses somatic coaching techniques to help her clients recover from chronic pain. She offers 1:1 coaching, courses, and a group membership program. In addition to being a somatic coach, Anna is also a licensed mental health professional.
Credentials: Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Professional Coach
Education: Masters in Mental Health Counseling from New York University
Training: Training in pain reprocessing therapy, somatic experiencing, nonviolent communication, and parts work
5. Rev. Tamara Celeste Lebak
Rev. Tamara offers somatic coaching to individuals, couples, and groups. Her approach blends somatic practices, including IFS and biofeedback to help people release trauma and get grounded in the present moment.
Credentials: IFS Level 2 Practitioner, Certification from the International Coaching Federation
Education: Master of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School, Doctor of Ministry from Phillips Theological Seminary
Training: Training in IFS, coaching, and more
6. Teri Baydar
Dr. Teri provides coaching and leadership skills training to her clients. She offers 1:1 services as well as a course on Cultivating Joy. Dr. Teri has extensive experience supporting executives and high-achievers, guiding her clients through mergers, organic growth, cultural and strategic pivots, and more.
Credentials: Certified Professional Coactive Coach, Certification from the International Coaching Federation
Education: Master of Business Administration from Hult International Business School
Training: Training in meditation, yoga, and more
FAQs about somatic coaching
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Somatic coaching is a holistic approach to well-being that focuses on the mind-body connection. It recognizes that our bodies hold the key to unlocking emotional and psychological healing. By tuning into bodily sensations, emotions, and physical responses, somatic coaches help individuals develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and overall well-being.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, somatic coaching emphasizes the body as a primary source of information and wisdom. Through guided exercises and practices, somatic coaches help clients explore the relationship between their physical experiences and their emotional states. This embodied approach can lead to profound shifts in perspective and lasting change.
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A somatic coach is a trained professional who guides individuals in connecting with their bodies to address emotional, mental, and physical well-being. They understand that the body holds valuable information and wisdom that can be accessed to promote healing and growth.
Somatic coaches typically have a background in psychology, counseling, or related fields. Some may have completed training in a somatic coaching certification program or somatic school. Their education and experience equip them to understand the mind-body connection and facilitate clients' exploration of bodily sensations, emotions, and physical responses.
Through guided exercises and practices, somatic coaches help clients:
Increase self-awareness and body mindfulness
Process and release emotional tension
Improve stress management
Enhance overall well-being and quality of life
By working with a somatic coach, individuals can develop new coping mechanisms, cultivate a deeper sense of self, and unlock their body's inherent wisdom.
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Finding the right somatic coach is an important step in your wellness journey. Here are some key factors to consider:
Credentials and Experience: Look for coaches with relevant certifications and experience, such as participation in a comprehensive somatic coaching program.
Modalities Offered: Consider the specific techniques and approaches the coach utilizes. Some common modalities include somatic experiencing, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and internal family systems (IFS).
Alignment with Your Goals: Ensure the coach's approach aligns with your personal goals and needs.
Intuitive Connection: Trust your gut feeling. A strong connection and rapport with your coach are essential for therapeutic progress.
Client Testimonials: Reading reviews or testimonials can provide valuable insights into a coach's effectiveness.
Remember, the best way to find the right coach is to explore different options and trust your intuition.
Your journey to well-being starts here.
Finding the right somatic coach can be a transformative experience. By exploring how a somatic perspective can help you, you're taking a proactive step toward greater wellness, relationships, and personal growth.
I hope this roundup has been helpful in your search. If you're looking for a somatic coach who combines deep compassion, expertise, and a holistic approach, I invite you to explore my own practice. I can offer in-person sessions from my office in Park Slope, Brooklyn, as well as virtual somatic coaching sessions to people around the country and the world.
Let's work together to unlock your body's wisdom and create lasting change.