Somatic Skills for Parts Work (IFS):
Small Groups
Move from…
Fixing to Supporting
Analyzing to Connecting
Thinking to Sensing
Isolation to Community
Fixing to Supporting
Analyzing to Connecting
Thinking to Sensing
Isolation to Community
Dive into a supportive small group for lasting personal change!
These groups are for people who have walked a personal growth journey for a while, but feel stuck or are longing to go deeper. You may have trouble pausing or making time for yourself. You may find it hard to find compassion for yourself, but sense that this would be helpful for you.
Having some familiarity with IFS or body-based practices is helpful, but not required. The main pre-requisites are the courage for self-discovery and an abiding curiosity about what dwells within.
In this group, you will have an opportunity to:
• Be seen and heard.
• Know yourself more deeply.
• Develop greater self-compassion.
• Slow down, lean in and listen to your inner voices.
• Feel empowered when difficult feelings knock at your door.
• Explore the joys of co-regulation and playful connection.
• Discover the power of movement and sensing.
What are sessions like?
We begin by slowing down, settling into the body and feeling the support of the earth to cultivate embodied presence. We root into our center—that calm, spacious and grounded aspect of us called "Self" in IFS. Next we check-in, a time where each participant shares what is present for them that day.
Then we get curious about our inner landscape: What feelings, thoughts, or body sensations are arising? Parts of us may feel feel strong, compassionate and capable and others may feel feel tense, judging, angry or tender. We map these parts on a simple diagram which allows us to have clarity for the often amorphous world of our feelings.
Then we get to know ourselves more deeply through writing, drawing, movement and sharing. Drawing from foundational practices of IFS, we engage in caring conversations with the voices within. I weave in embodiment skill, such as breath awareness and sensing throughout. Some explorations are done individually while others are done in small groups or pairs. We practice turning towards each other with non- judgement, warmth and curiosity. Each person has opportunities to be witnessed and supported by the group.
As we practice, we learn how to come back to our center more easily. Self-compassion grows. We let go of old emotions and beliefs that don't serve us, called "unburdening" in Parts Work. Somatic practices lend joy and richness to this process, and many times, make the healing journey more efficient.
And we get to this together, sharing our humanness with each other. This reduces shame and helps us accept ourselves and each other. Nobody has this human journey figured out. We are all learning together.
About the practices:
Sensing brings us into the present moment and this is where the truth of our parts lives. While we might analyze or talk about a part of us, connecting to a part happens through our bodies.
Movement:
People wonder if they need a dance background, and the answer is no. The movements we are exploring are simple and intuitive. We move so we can get to know ourselves better: For example, when our head tilts towards our chest, we become aware that a part of us is feeling hopeless or defeated, or when we stand tall and stretch our hands wide, we are clear there is confidence and joy here. Movements make the invisible visible.
“I feel closer to parts showing up through movement. It feels like authentic expression". One participant noted.
We also move to help us to regulate the nervous system, to feel more settled and at ease. Movement invites flow, support the release of held tension and can open us to that childlike joy we may have lost, that dancing around the living room feeling.
Resonance:
Resonance is about connecting with others. Being with each other in nonjudgemental and caring ways can be deeply healing. Neuroscience is helping to elucidate how this practice of healthy co-regulating has the potential to help our nervous system shift into a state of deeper safety. In this group we practice in a few ways, including mirroring, silent witnessing and breathing together.
We will also have time for co-creating healing experiences for each other. We come back to the central question, “What is needed here?” For one person, they may want us help soothe a young one, and so we offer song or caring words. For another, they may want us to say words that affirm that we have their back. We try something new and different. This takes courage and is very often transformative.
Does this kind of experience speak to you? I invite you to read the logistical information and apply.
You are also welcome to email me directly at mandymovingarts@gmail.com for more information or to ask any questions.
These groups are for people who have walked a personal growth journey for a while, but feel stuck or are longing to go deeper. You may have trouble pausing or making time for yourself. You may find it hard to find compassion for yourself, but sense that this would be helpful for you.
Having some familiarity with IFS or body-based practices is helpful, but not required. The main pre-requisites are the courage for self-discovery and an abiding curiosity about what dwells within.
In this group, you will have an opportunity to:
• Be seen and heard.
• Know yourself more deeply.
• Develop greater self-compassion.
• Slow down, lean in and listen to your inner voices.
• Feel empowered when difficult feelings knock at your door.
• Explore the joys of co-regulation and playful connection.
• Discover the power of movement and sensing.
What are sessions like?
We begin by slowing down, settling into the body and feeling the support of the earth to cultivate embodied presence. We root into our center—that calm, spacious and grounded aspect of us called "Self" in IFS. Next we check-in, a time where each participant shares what is present for them that day.
Then we get curious about our inner landscape: What feelings, thoughts, or body sensations are arising? Parts of us may feel feel strong, compassionate and capable and others may feel feel tense, judging, angry or tender. We map these parts on a simple diagram which allows us to have clarity for the often amorphous world of our feelings.
Then we get to know ourselves more deeply through writing, drawing, movement and sharing. Drawing from foundational practices of IFS, we engage in caring conversations with the voices within. I weave in embodiment skill, such as breath awareness and sensing throughout. Some explorations are done individually while others are done in small groups or pairs. We practice turning towards each other with non- judgement, warmth and curiosity. Each person has opportunities to be witnessed and supported by the group.
As we practice, we learn how to come back to our center more easily. Self-compassion grows. We let go of old emotions and beliefs that don't serve us, called "unburdening" in Parts Work. Somatic practices lend joy and richness to this process, and many times, make the healing journey more efficient.
And we get to this together, sharing our humanness with each other. This reduces shame and helps us accept ourselves and each other. Nobody has this human journey figured out. We are all learning together.
About the practices:
Sensing brings us into the present moment and this is where the truth of our parts lives. While we might analyze or talk about a part of us, connecting to a part happens through our bodies.
Movement:
People wonder if they need a dance background, and the answer is no. The movements we are exploring are simple and intuitive. We move so we can get to know ourselves better: For example, when our head tilts towards our chest, we become aware that a part of us is feeling hopeless or defeated, or when we stand tall and stretch our hands wide, we are clear there is confidence and joy here. Movements make the invisible visible.
“I feel closer to parts showing up through movement. It feels like authentic expression". One participant noted.
We also move to help us to regulate the nervous system, to feel more settled and at ease. Movement invites flow, support the release of held tension and can open us to that childlike joy we may have lost, that dancing around the living room feeling.
Resonance:
Resonance is about connecting with others. Being with each other in nonjudgemental and caring ways can be deeply healing. Neuroscience is helping to elucidate how this practice of healthy co-regulating has the potential to help our nervous system shift into a state of deeper safety. In this group we practice in a few ways, including mirroring, silent witnessing and breathing together.
We will also have time for co-creating healing experiences for each other. We come back to the central question, “What is needed here?” For one person, they may want us help soothe a young one, and so we offer song or caring words. For another, they may want us to say words that affirm that we have their back. We try something new and different. This takes courage and is very often transformative.
Does this kind of experience speak to you? I invite you to read the logistical information and apply.
You are also welcome to email me directly at mandymovingarts@gmail.com for more information or to ask any questions.
.Winter Dates:
Sunday Group:
4:00 to 6:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (New York).
10 Weeks: January 22nd through March 26th.
January 22nd is required, unless you've already done a group with me.
Total participants: 3 to 8 people.
Cost: $350 to $475 sliding scale.
Monday Group:
10:00 am to 12:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (New York).
10 Weeks: January 23rd through April 3rd (No Group on February 20th)
January 23rd is required unless you've already done a group with me.
Total participants: 3 to 8 people.
Cost: $350 to $475 sliding scale.
Tuesday Group:
10:00 am to 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time (New York).
10 Weeks: January 31st through April 4th.
January 17th is required unless you've already done a group with me.
Total participants: 3 to 8 people.
Cost: $350 to $475 sliding scale.
Sunday Group:
4:00 to 6:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (New York).
10 Weeks: January 22nd through March 26th.
January 22nd is required, unless you've already done a group with me.
Total participants: 3 to 8 people.
Cost: $350 to $475 sliding scale.
Monday Group:
10:00 am to 12:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (New York).
10 Weeks: January 23rd through April 3rd (No Group on February 20th)
January 23rd is required unless you've already done a group with me.
Total participants: 3 to 8 people.
Cost: $350 to $475 sliding scale.
Tuesday Group:
10:00 am to 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time (New York).
10 Weeks: January 31st through April 4th.
January 17th is required unless you've already done a group with me.
Total participants: 3 to 8 people.
Cost: $350 to $475 sliding scale.
Sign up for my email list to stay in the loop (I won't overwhelm your email box).
Important information to know before applying:
-While this work is therapeutic, it is not a substitute for mental health counseling. If you are dealing with mental health issues, please have support from a therapist.
-Even if you are not facing a mental health challenge, I recommend having some source of outside support either ongoing or someone on call, a therapist, bodyworker, etc. Sessions may catalyze the movement of emotions that you don’t have time to fully process during a session.
-This work draws from Parts Work (Internal Family Systems), but doesn’t necessarily use all of the tools or in the order in traditional IFS. This approach is more fluid. I use the concept of a “part” more broadly. At times it will refer to a subpersonality that has a specific age and other details, but at times it will refer to a segment of your experience such as an emotion, thought or image.
My goal is to establish a compassionate relationship to whatever is emerging, allow for unblending/rooting in Self, and release (unburdening), and restoring a sense of wellness and safety. My background in Internal Family Systems is a 3 year study group with Wendy Weiss.
-Somatic approaches draw inspiration from 2 years of training in Somatic Experiencing, and over 20 years of mindfulness practices, and improvisational dance forms. My main goals with these practices are to discharge stored nervous system energy and foster an internal sense of safety and resilience.
-There will be some readings and optional homework throughout.
-I welcome all genders to my groups.
-Groups are done online. Sessions will NOT be recorded, because these are highly experiential.
Participant Requirements:
You are able to:
-Listen to others without interrupting.
-Speak with respect and kindness.
-Refrain from giving advice, unless asked.
-Communicate your needs and make requests.
-Tend to your own triggers and come prepared with a few tools for self-care.
More about triggers and self-care: A trigger happens when your nervous system perceives a threat from the present or one is evoked from the past. You might feel antsy, tense, irritated, nervous, shut-down or have other symptoms. These are often uncomfortable and you start to feel a sense of disconnection from the group.
It is very likely that you will feel this nervous system response during at least one of the meetings. At these moments, unless we are working one-on-one, I won’t be able to attend to you, BUT I highly support you in doing self-care. This can look like taking a break, doing some deep breathing or journaling. You can let me know via chat that you are doing some self-care. If some self-care doesn’t help bring you to center and the trigger feels quite big, you may exit the Zoom meeting. These choices ARE part of honoring our parts and I will encourage it along the way.
Application Process:
If you feel ready to register, please fill out the application form below. I will respond within 2 days. You are welcome to reach out to me with any questions beforehand: mandymovingarts@gmail.com.
If accepted, you need to submit payment to hold your spot. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
I look forward to hearing from you!
-While this work is therapeutic, it is not a substitute for mental health counseling. If you are dealing with mental health issues, please have support from a therapist.
-Even if you are not facing a mental health challenge, I recommend having some source of outside support either ongoing or someone on call, a therapist, bodyworker, etc. Sessions may catalyze the movement of emotions that you don’t have time to fully process during a session.
-This work draws from Parts Work (Internal Family Systems), but doesn’t necessarily use all of the tools or in the order in traditional IFS. This approach is more fluid. I use the concept of a “part” more broadly. At times it will refer to a subpersonality that has a specific age and other details, but at times it will refer to a segment of your experience such as an emotion, thought or image.
My goal is to establish a compassionate relationship to whatever is emerging, allow for unblending/rooting in Self, and release (unburdening), and restoring a sense of wellness and safety. My background in Internal Family Systems is a 3 year study group with Wendy Weiss.
-Somatic approaches draw inspiration from 2 years of training in Somatic Experiencing, and over 20 years of mindfulness practices, and improvisational dance forms. My main goals with these practices are to discharge stored nervous system energy and foster an internal sense of safety and resilience.
-There will be some readings and optional homework throughout.
-I welcome all genders to my groups.
-Groups are done online. Sessions will NOT be recorded, because these are highly experiential.
Participant Requirements:
You are able to:
-Listen to others without interrupting.
-Speak with respect and kindness.
-Refrain from giving advice, unless asked.
-Communicate your needs and make requests.
-Tend to your own triggers and come prepared with a few tools for self-care.
More about triggers and self-care: A trigger happens when your nervous system perceives a threat from the present or one is evoked from the past. You might feel antsy, tense, irritated, nervous, shut-down or have other symptoms. These are often uncomfortable and you start to feel a sense of disconnection from the group.
It is very likely that you will feel this nervous system response during at least one of the meetings. At these moments, unless we are working one-on-one, I won’t be able to attend to you, BUT I highly support you in doing self-care. This can look like taking a break, doing some deep breathing or journaling. You can let me know via chat that you are doing some self-care. If some self-care doesn’t help bring you to center and the trigger feels quite big, you may exit the Zoom meeting. These choices ARE part of honoring our parts and I will encourage it along the way.
Application Process:
If you feel ready to register, please fill out the application form below. I will respond within 2 days. You are welcome to reach out to me with any questions beforehand: mandymovingarts@gmail.com.
If accepted, you need to submit payment to hold your spot. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
I look forward to hearing from you!
APPLICATION for the Winter Groups
Thank you!