Ellen Falconer
Somatic Coach & Mindfulness Teacher
Starting here, take a step, reach out…
What is Somatic Coaching?
A life coach, through observations and questions can help clients find their way through the “weeds” of their minds’ habitual patterns of thinking, re-connect with their authentic self, and follow their “vein of gold”- that wealth of insight and passion that is unique to each of us. Coaches are not therapists, yet a coaching session can be therapeutic! We do not analyze clients or encourage clients to dwell in their past- rather, we support the clients curiosity and drive to create a new way forward. A somatic coach pays attention to a clients body language and offers support in exploring their “gut feelings”. Bessel van der Kolk’s book title, “The Body Keeps the Score”, says it all.
What is mindfulness, & how does it relate to coaching?
It is helpful to understand how the mind processes and stores our sensory information: what we see, hear, touch, taste, smell and feel is instantly evaluated by the mind, primarily to keep us from harm. This information forms our beliefs, habitual reactions and decisions, our self-talk. What we believe we can do- and become- can often be challenged by habitual patterns of thinking. Humans generally spend over 45% of our waking hours ruminating about the past or worrying about the future! Somatic coaching offers insights around our goals and our challenges. Becoming more mindful about our reactions, and fear of change can help release us from these (unconscious) patterns. Our creativity and joy live in the present, where we can make our wisest decisions. For more information on the classes Ellen offers, please visit her fabulous website: Olympic Peninsula Mindfulness: https://olympicpeninsulamindfulness.com/
“The most interesting moment of a person’s life is what happens to them when all their certainties go away. Then who do you become? And then what do you look for? That’s the moment when the universe is offering up an invitation saying, ‘come find me.”
Ellen has a calming presence - There’s something about her that opens me up and makes me feel like I can say anything and it would be okay. Her authenticity and sense of humor bring a refreshing, joyful presence I rarely ever feel to every conversation. I feel lucky every chance I get to have a coaching session with her because every time, I walk away with hurting cheeks and a fresh perspective on life!
Carolyn
Welcome!
I am delighted that you have ventured onto my website. let me tell you a wee bit about myself.
I was born in Puerto Rico, grew up in New England, and moved to the west coast for college and the start of various careers: broadcasting in public radio, baking, ordinary seaman, sail maker, massage therapist, mindfulness teacher and now: a somatic coach. I know my way around change!
Since 1986 I have lived in Port Townsend, Washington on the beautiful Salish Sea. The skills that I offer are a blending of years of mindfulness teacher training, Zen Buddhism, bodywork and massage therapy. I’ve seen how my self, my body, my relationships with friends, family and clients can change, and how they can become stuck. Being stuck is no fun. My motivation to become a certified life coach is to be able to offer you a toolbox of wise and heartfelt techniques to move away from feeling stuck, to get grounded on a path that will move you towards fulfillment and increased joy.
Outside the office I increase my joy through playing music: Scottish small pipes and African Marimba.
This beautiful world- the mountains, woods, the sea, and sky- this is our home, a blessing, a cathedral where I find spiritual nourishment and a peaceful heart.
Ellen shows openness and vulnerability. She has a really gentle, welcoming spirit who hold a beautiful space in a session.
Glenda
Education
Licensed Massage Therapist, specializing in post-surgical and oncology massage therapy, including certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. 2006 to present.
The Somatic School: Accredited Diploma in Body-Oriented Coaching, ICF Level 2.
Mindfulness trainings:
completion of Mindfulness Northwest’s 350-hour Mindfulness Teacher Training Program June 2018.
completion of teacher training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction from Mindfulness Northwest. I am a “graduate” of numerous MBSR courses and a Mindful Self-Compassion course. I am an MBSR teacher, online and in-person, since 2020. For information on the classes and events I offer in mindfulness training, please visit: Olympic Peninsula Mindfulness: https://olympicpeninsulamindfulness.com/
certification in Mindful Awareness in Body-oriented Therapy. I was chosen to be part of a University of Washington research team. As an LMT I was trained in this protocol focused on offering recovering opioid addicts support through developing somatic awareness to make healthier choices.
You Can Design Your Life
A life coach is a guide and companion during the times when you reach a crossroad in your life journey.
A somatic coach can help you use your inner wisdom (those “gut” feelings) to make better-informed decisions, using your mind, your heart, and your body in unison. We are already whole, we may just have trouble remembering that if we depend only upon our minds information!
This may be a time in your life where you need to shake things up, make a change in your routine: at work, in a relationship, or at play. Virtually all relationships change over time. A fresh perspective, from the inside out, can revitalize your day-to-day, create more joy and enrich your relationships.
Start where you are- right here, right now! I can help you stay focused, accountable, and show you how to tap into your own wisdom, find and celebrate your strengths.
What you can expect
I am here to support you as you investigate and clarify your goals, then help you to navigate your experiences. I will collaborate with you along the way: to uphold accountability and re-visit your intentions as your path forward becomes clearer. You are the visionary, the artist of your life- you hold the keys to the doors of your imagination and passion.
Sessions generally begin with leading a grounding exercise to help us “arrive” -to settle into the moment, into your question, with the mind, body, and spirit. Our conversation creates the intention for the session. I will make suggestions on how you may find more clarity through somatic -based inquiries/interventions, described below. I will support you in creating methods to explore your goals between sessions. I can be your accountability companion to help you stay excited and focused on your progress!
Presencing
Bringing mindful attention to a sensation, to an emotion~ giving it a “voice”.
Constellations
Creating a “map” of your goal: for example: where you are, where you would like to be/accomplish, your strengths, wisdom, and obstacles. We call on the bodies wisdom to explore each “star”.
Movement
the body has a wealth of stored information. For some, movement can allow expression of an emotion or a vision of oneself: where we are, how might we feel if…
Environmental & Object Feedback
Often an object that we are drawn to can become a “voice” or a guide to help express an emotion or thought.
Psychodrama
Can take several forms. This method of inquiry can employ role-reversal, which allows a voice to speak from another perspective~ your own or another’s!
Hakomi Verbal Experiments
Becoming aware of our implicit beliefs or unconscious assumptions about ourselves or others in a non-judgmental, curious attitude can be liberating.
Ellen’s coaching offers “a beautiful lending of warm, sweet, gentle then playful and feisty. It all comes together into a beautiful experience to be a part of.”
Chelsea
Booking A Session
Choosing the coach who will support you in your exploration, who you feel at ease with, whom you feel you can trust, is not to be taken lightly. I encourage you to take advantage of the (free) 30 minute session where we can meet in-person or online, to establish whether we are compatible. This is a great introduction to understanding somatic coaching! What will those “gut feelings” tell you about our first meeting?
I can tell you about somatic coaching. You can share your hopes, fears and expectations on reaching clarity and forward momentum. We can discuss how often and in what manner we may continue. This is an important first step- I hope you take it!
Once we decide to “team up” we can discuss affordable financing to help keep the ball rolling if that is what you choose.
I look forward to meeting you.
Ellen is a medicine woman. She is so light and lively and alive in herself. As a coach she creates a warm, accepting and genuine space.
Carmen