My Personal Pathway to Embodied Wholeness

Social media in particular has created a culture where one's passion can easily become a profession, where there are “experts” at every turn, and where a platform for sharing our hobbies has the potential to position people as trusted resources. Though in most cases intentions are good, and natural abilities are what makes us unique, when it comes to our well being - emotionally, spiritually, physically - we think it’s important to ensure that the people entrusted to guide us are well experienced, trained, and positioned. 

In an effort to encourage transparency and authenticity in our culture, and to build trust, this blog aims to highlight my unique experiences and qualifications, as well as to share where my qualifications are limited so you can make the best decision for your well being based on what is most relevant to you. 

My studies, training, and personal journey are diverse, varied, and abundant - and all position experiential learning at the forefront. It’s important to me to have experienced something many times in order to guide, lead, or offer that experience to others. My goal as a somatic practitioner and holistic movement specialist is not necessarily to fix people’s problems, but to empower and support others to trust their own journey, their capacity to heal, and to uncover their full potential safely and sustainably.

Embodied Learning for Somatic Trauma Healing

My path has been one of continual growth and discovery, and like the pathway to healing, it hasn’t been linear. Each step along the way has offered valuable insights and opportunities for expansion through various experiences, certification programs, and training. Most recently, my completion of the Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate Program at The Embody Lab included leaders in the field such as Peter Levine, Deb Dana, Arielle Schwarz, Manuela Mischke-Reeds, Staci Haines, and Pat Ogden. It has been a profound journey of self-reflection and integration, deepening my understanding of trauma-informed care, somatic healing, somatic psychology, Somatic Experiencing™, resiliency, shadow work, systemic trauma, Polyvagal Theory, Hakomi, Focusing, and more.

I have also completed Relational Somatic Psychotherapy Training with Dr. Michael Sieck of The Three Fold Way, which included 175 hours of highly-experiential education, practice, individual and group therapy, and supervision, as well as The Ryzio Institute’s Holistic Coaching Certificate with Dr. Marti Glen. I have not only deeply studied somatic trauma therapy, trauma-informed care, and relational somatic psychotherapy, I have experienced the benefits and life-long impacts of these practices directly which contributes greatly to my own pathway towards embodied wholeness. My lived experiences, certifications, and training in this field inform the work I do and the capacity I have to support others - all in authentic congruence with the way I live, learn, and relate. 

Rooted in Holistic Movement 

The word soma refers to our entire living organism, and makes up the “soma” of somatic - requiring that we contact and engage all the various parts of ourselves in the healing process. Many mental and emotional health protocols leave the body out of the process, and somatic healing differs in that the body is integral to the work. My background in body-centered practices, which I have been studying and practicing since I was 3 years old, has created the perfect segue for me into somatic healing. Years of experience through competitive dance training, Sheridan College’s Musical Theatre Program, and a career in the performing arts, deepened my connection to my body and sparked my passion for further exploration of the body's potential to heal through movement - the catalyst for the somatic healing work I have grown into today. 

With over 1000 hours of yoga teacher training, which included in-depth studies of human anatomy, meditation, breathwork, philosophy, asana, and so much more, and certifications in Functional Range Conditioning®, Pilates, and barre, my love for body-forward work, expression through the body, and trust in the body’s wisdom, has fortified my understanding of and commitment to somatic trauma healing. My roots in physical practice and my belief that restoration means recognizing and addressing every aspect of who we are, requires that our bodies are not left out of our pathway towards embodied healing - we must remain aware that each and every aspect of ourselves is always informing the whole. 

My Offering

As a somatic healing practitioner, informed by my training, experiences, certifications, and education, I am able to offer a whole-being approach to healing that guides you back to a place of sustainable connection, wholeness, and embodied well-being. I empower clients with education and practices including movement, meditation, breathwork, nervous system regulation, visualization, safety exercises, and somatic relational trauma healing techniques that encourage individual and collective repair. 

Though this journey can be described as therapeutic and provides a profound opportunity for healing, I am not a regulated psychotherapist through the governing body of Ontario, and yet, The Messina Movement’s personalized sessions and our signature group program The Process, have both positively impacted the health and quality of life of so many of our clients. I take into account the entirety of each individual, meeting unique and ever-changing needs, and this is the work I know I’m meant to be doing and the work I know I’m well-equipped to offer. 

If working with an accredited psychotherapist is important to you, I welcome that need wholeheartedly. It’s important that practitioners acknowledge our limitations, boundaries, and scope of practice, and unfortunately this is oftentimes bypassed in wellness spaces. Most wellness practitioners want to be effective, supportive, and impactful, and because of this, our scopes can creep - but as someone whose life and work are built upon authenticity and wholeness, it’s imperative that my offerings are transparent, effective, and meet the needs of my clients. 

Here at The Messina Movement, your “no” is as important, welcomed, and encouraged as your “yes” and if your journey towards embodied wholeness requires this accreditation for safety, we are so happy you’re here learning more and hope that we can offer something to support your journey, whatever form it takes! 

My Commitment to Growth

The goal of my work is to help others enhance their overall quality and experience of life through greater awareness, understanding, resiliency, and compassion. This work continues to evolve for me as an individual and professional, and the science and research being done to better understand trauma and its impacts is ever-evolving too. I have a commitment to myself and to my clients to continue to explore new modalities, experiences, and to deepen not only my understanding of the human experience but to live it and practice it as well. I’m dedicated to ever-expanding and believe wholeheartedly that the pathway to embodied wholeness is never complete - it coincides with our entire journey through life.

Your Pathway to Embodied Wholeness

Wherever you are on your pathway to embodied wholeness, you’re exactly where you need to be. I trust that if you’re here, and feel curious about somatic healing and what we do at The Messina Movement, then you have the information you need to decide if our offerings are a fit for you. Life isn’t linear, our needs change and evolve, and we’re always here to meet you if and when we may be able to support your unique needs with my unique skills, experience, and expertise. If there’s ever anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out and inquire - a complimentary consult is always available to you and is absolutely without any further pressure or commitment. 

With deep gratitude and reverence for your journey,
Lisa and The Messina Movement Team

Looking to learn more about me?

Check out the About Me page if you’re interested!

Looking for more ways to connect and get support with this work?

1:1 Sessions with Me
Join The Process, our online 8-week group program
Practice with our On Demand Library
Design your Private Retreat