For my lifetime I have sought answers to healing the body, mind, and soul. This curiosity led me to traditional medical model, neurobiological, and energy medicine approaches to wellness.
Energy Medicine:
My first love! For 15 years I had a Polarity Therapy bodywork practice, treating people with anxiety, depression, and trauma from sexual abuse. I have been a health advocate, providing pre- and post-surgery Therapeutic Touch energy healing for clients in hospitals and clinics. At Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehab Hospital in Boston, I led relaxation groups and developed a unique form of guided imagery that gently, mindfully guided people into their chronic pain and its inherent wisdom, which led to remarkable transformation of emotional and physical pain. In 2020, during COVID, I intensively studied, practiced, and became certified in Spring Forest Qigong as a Practice Group Leader.
Clinical Practice:
In 2000, I enhanced my energy medicine approach with clinical education at the Smith College of Social Work, graduating with an MSW and specializing in trauma healing and recovery. After graduation I served in various capacities at Smith, including adjunct faculty, Faculty Field Advisor, and student counselor.
I studied extensively with Janina Fisher, PhD, becoming CCTP-II certified in her approach to healing traumatic attachment and complex PTSD. As a specialist in treating C-PTSD, I provide clinical consultation to therapists and outpatient clinical teams and offer a highly effective ego-state, “parts-work”, trauma-informed model for healing the fragmented self.
I am also certified in cutting edge neurobiological approaches to healing trauma, including Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, EMDR, and the Flash Technique.
In 2023, I was honored to be asked by Janina Fisher to be a Senior Facilitator in her Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) international training.
Grief and Loss:
For several years, I participated in Honoring Grief and Gratitude workshops, facilitated by Francis Weller, author of The Wild Edge of Sorrow. In 2018, due to the overwhelming demand for his unique approach to healing grief, Francis and Judith Weller created their first training for “grief-tenders.” I participated in that training, and since then have offered Grief and Gratitude groups locally and nationally, on-line and in-person. I also incorporate the wonderful grief healing teachings of Malidoma Somé, Martin Prechtel, and David Kessler into my work.
Spirituality:
For over 30 years I have had my own Insight meditation practice, including many 10-day silent meditation retreats at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA. My meditation practice has been “my rock,” key to healing, self-discovery, and well-being. I teach clients how to calm, center, and “self-regulate” with several forms of mindfulness and qigong.
My Philosophy:
After studying these wonderful healing modalities for decades, I’ve discovered that the most important ingredients in healing are: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion.
What Clients Are Saying
J.S.
My work with Marilyn has been life changing. She has not only been an emotional support during a very challenging time, but has also given me concrete tools to utilize in my day-to-day life that have been incredible. Her soft-spoken but confident demeanor is not only comforting but reassuring that in the end all will be well, and also instills an inner strength with those that she works with that is priceless. Marilyn has been a true gift that I will forever be thankful for.
