Elena Jacinta – trauma-informed somatic practitioner
Elena Jacinta -
trauma-informed somatic practitioner
Hi, I’m Elena Jacinta. I’m a trauma-informed somatic practitioner based in Thailand offering Somatic Experiencing (SE) sessions online/ virtually, as well as in-person.
My story
I was born in Latvia and spent 15 years of my life as a professional dance artist, touring and teaching across Europe. During my time in London, I discovered somatic practices that I often used in my choreographic work. However, it wasn’t until my body collapsed after burnout and a personal crisis that I truly appreciated the subtle healing power of these body-mind tools.
At that time, I was dealing with numerous psychosomatic symptoms that seemed to have no apparent cause, so I started to research the impact of chronic stress and trauma on the nervous system. That’s when I began to study the body-oriented approach to healing, also known as the “bottom-up” approach.
It became clear to me that understanding trauma was the missing piece in my recovery puzzle. This knowledge, along with trauma-informed somatic tools and therapy, helped me regulate my nervous system and dramatically improve my health. And this is the knowledge and tools that I use with my clients, many of whom, just like me, have tried almost everything in search of relief.
My approach
I believe in the power of a slow and mindful approach to working with the body and the nervous system. I am convinced that our body and mind are inextricably linked, which means that by working with our bodies, we can release many unhelpful emotional, mental, and behavioral patterns.
In my Somatic Experiencing sessions, I address both physical and emotional aspects of an issue offering time and space for my clients to release those patterns in a safe and regulated way. This approach is particularly crucial for individuals who have experienced trauma, as it allows them to work through their experiences at their own pace.
My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where my clients can explore their feelings and sensations without fear. By tuning into the body’s innate wisdom, we can tap into our natural healing abilities and work towards achieving long-lasting change. I am passionate about helping my clients build resilience and develop a deeper sense of self-awareness, so they can create new, healthier ways of being in the world.
My credentials
My practice is rooted in over 20 years of working with the body through movement – initially as a dance artist, later as a yoga facilitator, and currently as a somatic practitioner.
I hold a Masters in Research (MRes) in Choreography and Performance from Roehampton University in London, UK.
I’m also a certified trauma-informed yoga teacher (CYT-300) experienced in facilitating Yin Yoga and traditional Hatha Yoga. I specialize in functional anatomy and the mental health approach.
I’m a Somatic Experiencing practitioner in training (SEP). I’m in my final year of the 3-years professional certification program with Somatic Experiencing International.
I continue to deepen my knowledge through workshops and masterclasses taught by the leading experts in somatic trauma healing. This includes SE Case Consultations & Demonstrations with Peter Levine offered through Ergos Institute of Somatic Education.
Additional specialty trainings:
Integral Somatic Psychology
Pre/Perinatal Trauma and Developmental Trauma
ISP method of emotional embodiment for early childhood trauma with Dr. Raja Selvam
The University of Queensland, Australia
Introduction to Developmental Psychology
human attachment + social, cognitive, emotional and moral development from infancy to adulthood
The Embody Lab
Somatic Attachment Healing Summits
with Dr. Peter Levine, Dr. Diane Poole Heller, Dr. Maureen Gallagher, Manuela Mischke-Reeds, Dr. Sue Johnson etc.
* Please note that I’m not a psychologist, psychotherapist, trauma therapist, physician, or other licensed health care provider. So I do not provide any medical or psychological advice, opinion, treatments or diagnosis. Also, I don’t offer counselling support as this is beyond the scope of my practice.
Work with me
I work with women offering Somatic Experiencing sessions online and in person in Chiang Mai, Thailand
You can schedule your first short session online to see if it’s a good fit. I’ll be happy to connect and find the best way I can support you. In this online session you’ll get to experience the somatic process and ask any questions you may have!
I’m currently out of Chiang Mai and will be available for both online and in-person sessions from July 2023 onward.