ABOUT MELISSA
A Little Background
Originally from Indiana, I spent my early 20’s clarifying my professional calling and seeking a place that I could call home. Always drawn to the fascinating world of human psychology, with a strong interest in understanding ” how we become who we are”, I graduated from Antioch College in 1997 with my BA in psychology. My undergraduate education and personal experience as a client of various styles of therapy gave rise to my curiosity about how the body fit in with more traditional psychology. I began to envision a career that allowed me to be with people in way that encouraged body, mind and heart all joining together towards healing and deepening one’s inner exploration & growth.
My professional journey of discovery took me to the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, where I graduated in 1999 as a Certified Massage Therapist. I then spent the next 12 years practicing massage and bodywork in various settings: private practice, premier day spas, chiropractor’s offices as well as opening a massage business for a busy mountain guiding operation. During this time, I longed for a way to bring my vision of “body, mind & heart work” to fruition.
Moving forward on this path, I began studying the Hakomi Method (an experiential, body-centered, somatic psychotherapy). In 2013, I graduated from the 2 year Hakomi Comprehensive Program in Durango, CO. Deepening my skill with applying Hakomi principles to Bodywork, I graduated in December 2015 from the year-long training in Hakomi for Bodyworkers in Santa Fe, NM. I have since assisted in the Hakomi Bodywork trainings in Santa Fe.
In 2018, I delved into a 700-hour Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy practitioner training In Boulder, CO. Earning both diplomas in both Biodynamiac Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) and Polarity Life Coaching (PLC), I have truly appreciated being able to offer this beautiful “nervous system regulating” modality to my clients of all ages. I continue to study with my cranial-sacral & PLC teacher/mentor, always deepening in my skills to support each client along their unique healing journey.
My most recent exploration has been into the world of Internal Family Systems (IFS). “IFS is a transformative tool that conceives of every human being as a system of protective and wounded inner parts led by a core Self” (from: https://ifs-institute.com). Bringing my deep love and respect for the ways in which our bodies participate in the WHOLENESS of who we are allows me a particularly somatic angle to support these new IFS skills. Exploring our inner landscape thru the portal of our bodies can allow for a deepening and wider understanding of who we are, how we came to be ourselves and how to support healing and growth by listening to our inherent inner-intelligence and wisdom.
I am currently offering Somatic Coaching support for psychedelic experiences. As the world of psychedelic & enthogenic medicines is reaching a broader audience, there is an increased need for support before, during and after use of these medicines. Pulling from my ever-expanding toolbox (including Hakomi, nervous system regulation, Biodynamic CranialSacral Therapy & Internal Family Systems work), I am now available to support clients in somatically grounding their learning, expansion and growth via new avenues.
I am ever grateful that The Incredible Journey of Life & Learning Continues……
“This is a journey of discovery, not a journey of fixing what is broken”
~Morgan Holford
“We are the context in which healing is inspired”
~Ron Kurtz
“Remember your own sense of Wholeness”
~Melissa Countryman
