Training Team

Ali Fassbender grew up in Saskatchewan and has lived on the West Coast for over 25 years. She has spent her early work life supporting people through dental transitions and, during that time, became a Counsellor and Yoga Therapist focusing on grief and loss. Somatic Experiencing has created the conditions for personal healing and growth that compelled her to become a somatic practitioner. For the last 8 years she has supported folks in the areas of addiction, grief, trauma, and bereavement. Ali volunteers at her local Hospice, the book club at FVI Women’s Prison, and a rape crisis line. 

Ali finds joy in spending time with her family and grandson, appreciating and connecting in nature and taking time to notice even the smallest of creatures.

I have worked as a body-oriented and expressive arts therapist in Vancouver for many years in private practice, and formerly as a school counsellor. I have studied Dance/Movement Therapy, Process Work, and other body-oriented modalities.

Currently in my practice, I focus on working with developmental trauma, attachment, illness, loss, and spiritual issues. I completed the SE training in 2004, and since then one of my greatest joys has been to assist at SE trainings in many different countries and communities in Canada, the U.S., Asia, India, Australia, and New Zealand, including Diane Poole Heller’s Somatic Attachment Training. I have taken Kathy Kain’s Touch Skills for Therapists, Somatic Resilience and Regulation, Somatics of Emotion, and several of Peter Levine’s Master Classes.

My most recent interest is in Collective Trauma, and working to bring awareness of how the legacy of historic and societal trauma interfaces with individual healing.

I keep myself grounded with both sitting and movement mindfulness practices, and love spending time in the mountains and the forest. I bring a spirit of curiosity and play to my sessions, and look forward to supporting your learning in whatever way I can.

Hi there! 

My name is Christie Meinema and I live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Here is a little about me. 

I began my career in the non-profit sector in 2001 as a counsellor and volunteer coordinator at a Sexual Assault Centre, then in 2006 I moved to another Community Based Organization and continued to work there for 13 years. These experiences were invaluable to my growth as a therapist. I am so very grateful that during that time I was introduced to SE through a supervisor who was an SEP. The more I learned about SE, the more it felt like the missing piece I needed to safely move people (and myself) through their stories towards healing. So, I started the exciting (and long but worth it) journey of becoming a SEP. So along with my SEP certificate, I hold an MA in Counselling and Psychology and I am a Registered Psychotherapist. I am currently moving into my 7th year of private practice.   

My other loves are my husband, my two girls and my cat, of course. I enjoy reading, I love coffee, and I have an unearned overconfidence in my karaoke abilities.   

I look forward to connecting to more of you in the SE community. 

I am a counselling therapist with a part-time private practice in Victoria, Canada. I am privileged to live and work on the traditional territories of the WSÁNEC’ people. My client population is largely composed of adults who have a history of early developmental trauma.

My previous training is grounded in the family constellation (Inherited Family Trauma) work of Mark Wolynn. I have also intensively studied the material of Dr. Gordon Neufeld of the Neufeld Institute in Vancouver, Canada, who is a world-renowned Developmental Psychologist. In addition to my SEP training, I have also trained with Kathy Kain and Stephen Terrell and have completed the Somatic Resilience and Regulation training and the Somatic Touch training. My training outlined above is underpinned by an M.A. and an M.Sc. in 2 different areas of Psychology. My personal and professional passion lies in strengthening relationships with self and with others, as I believe this is where we find access to both joy and ease. I am also a wife (my husband works in trauma recovery too!) and a mom of a busy family of 2 boys and 3 dogs. I look forward to meeting you during the training!

As a seasoned and compassionate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I bring over 20 years of dedicated experience to the field of psychotherapy, with a specialized focus on trauma-informed care. My therapeutic approach is grounded in Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, mindfulness, attachment theory, and Interpersonal Neurobiology, allowing me to offer a holistic and personalized healing journey to individuals and families.

I am deeply committed to fostering a safe and supportive space where clients can explore their unique paths to a life of fulfillment. My expertise extends beyond individual therapy, encompassing group processes that enhance communal support and connection. Within the recovery field, I have honed my skills to address diverse challenges and facilitate transformative growth.

Incorporating a trauma-informed lens into my practice, I guide clients in understanding the intricate interplay of mind, body, and emotions. My work is not just about alleviating symptoms but empowering individuals to reclaim agency over their lives. By integrating evidence-based modalities and staying attuned to the latest advancements in the field, I strive to provide the highest quality of care to those navigating the complexities of trauma and relationships.

With a deep respect for the resilience of the human spirit, I am honored to be a companion on the journey towards healing and self-discovery.

I work with groups and individuals, remotely and in-person, focusing on early surgical trauma, issues of self-worth, resilience, creativity-blocks, integration of plant-medicine experiences and life-meaning. Helping people to re-connect with their innate resilience and aliveness is vital to my own sense of wellbeing and meaning.

In my work, I use a variety of approaches (SE, IFS, Satir-Model, Psychodrama, Reichian bodywork, Focusing, etc.) all grounded in a ‘Bottom-up’, Body-Wisdom’ approach that is tailored for each client.

I’m a member of the core faculty at www.haven.ca and a Manitoba Satir Centre approved trainer / facilitator. I have worked cross-culturally in both North America and China and live on Gabriola Island, unceded territory of the Island Hul’qumi’num-speaking Snuneymuxw First Nation. I am approved to offer personal sessions at all levels.”

Jane is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Her educational background includes a BA in Social Work from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a MA in Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies.
Jane has worked in many different mental health settings including psychiatric inpatient units, partial hospitalization programs, intensive case management programs and mental health outpatient clinics. Throughout her years of practice as a psychotherapist, she has served clients with different levels of psychiatric and mental health needs.
Jane is fluent in English and Cantonese. She has over two decades of experience as a social worker and psychotherapist providing mental health treatment and services to clients in both Hong Kong and the United States.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING:
Completed SE Master Class – Chronic Pain, Syndromes, and Long COVID-19 with Dr. Peter Levine.

Completed Trauma Coupling Dynamics (TCD) class and multi-modules training of Touch Skills Training (TST) with Dr Kathy Kain, Ph.D.
Training Assistant for TCD and TST.

Currently participating in Somatic Resilience and Regulation training with Dr Kathy Kain, Ph.D. and Stephen Terrell, PsyD, SEP.

Completed four-level Certification in Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning experience (DARe).

Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

After a tumultuous and shocking youth, I joined the US Air Force. Upon completing four years of service, I earned a BS in English, math, and education. For the next five years, I taught alternative High School throughout North America and Hawaii.

At the age of 30 years, I set out on the road, spending extensive time in India, Europe, and North America. After completing a 4,500 km thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, I earned my MSW from the University of Washington, Seattle, with a focus in child/family social work and intergenerational trauma.

I have worked with multiple First Nations, urban homeless youth, low-income/first generation college students, K-12 students, and clients self-treating trauma with substance use.

Modalities I have practiced along the way include: Somatic Experiencing, Nonviolent Communication, Yoga, Vipassana Meditation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Wellbriety, and the 12 Step Recovery model.

I currently work as a counsellor in private practice  with a focus on trauma healing, substance use, and conflict resolution.

I was born in the magnificent province of Newfoundland, have lived all over Canada and ten years ago settled with my wonderful spouse of 38 years in Victoria, BC.  I am a Master in Social Work and, over the past 30 years, have practiced as a registered social worker in both Alberta and British Columbia. I currently have a private practice on the traditional territories of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations, through which I provide counselling and therapy to people who are experiencing the impacts of trauma, mental health challenges and problematic substance use as well as those experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss and/or relationship challenges. I completed SE Advanced II Part 1 training on November 21, 2021.  I love to ride my bicycle, kayak, hike, walk, sing, play guitar, harmonica, ukulele and bodhrán as well as read and enjoy film and quality TV dramas.

I have a private practice on the traditional territories of the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. I am passionate about exploring the intersections of creativity, healing, ecology and spirituality. I love having time alone to read, create, watch a good movie or play with various art mediums. I also find great joy in spending time with my spouse, sharing good coffee, going for hikes and just hanging out.

Training Post Somatic Experiencing Designation:

“Post-Advanced Touch Training for Psychotherapist” with Kathy Kain, Somatic Resilience and Regulation: Early Trauma training with Steve Terrell and Kathy Kain, SE Master Class: Healing Sexual Trauma with Dr. Peter Levine, and Diane Poole Heller, Phd., Sensorimotor Art Therapy: Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing by Cornelia Elbrecht, ATHR-SEP, BiLateral Stimulation and Sensorimotor Expressive Arts Therapy training with Cathy Malchiodi, Phd. and Dr. Elizabeth Warson.

I have been in love with movement since the moment I was conceived:) Somatic experiencing, being a somatic being, is a way of life, something that makes me more me. My educational history includes a B.SC in Rehab Medicine in 1984 (physiotherapy and occupational therapy) and a Master’s in Clinical Counselling with an emphasis in depth psychology in 2013. My play history includes constant exploration of the sacred space of my body container and how it moves and connects to the rest of the planet. I have been trained in craniosacral, visceral manipulation and other osteopathic techniques, working with a gentle hands-on approach for the past 35 years. My personal and professional journey led me to Self- Regulation training and then to Somatic Experiencing. Kathy Kain and Steve Terrell have inspired me through Touch Training, Somatic Regulation and Resilience, and the Somatics of Emotions(Tony Richardson). I have explored Continuum movement with Emilie Conrad, Susan Harper and others, Spatial Dynamics with Jaime Macmillan, Contact Improv, Authentic Movement, 5 Rhythms, and other movement practices. We are living at such an exciting, creative time when bringing our most whole expressive self is what the world is calling for. I look forward to holding a space where that can unfold.

Hello, I am Michelle Gallagher. I have over 20 years of experience as a therapist and have a private practice. I have a MAPC, with a specialty in Trauma, Abuse, & Deprivation, have 2 Independent licenses in Arizona as an LPC & LISAC, as well as a Certified Traumatologist (CT), am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), Certified Grief Recovery Specialist (CGRS), approved provider for Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning experience (DARe) sessions for DARe certification, am trained in EMDR and in Post Induction Therapy (PIT). I successfully completed a Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies through Bessel van der Kolk’s The Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute, as well as an eight-month Leadership Institute Training through the Pacific Southwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network.

I have been working in the behavioral health field since 1992, holding various positions in several companies, including Staff Training Coordinator, Program Manager, Clinical Supervisor, and Clinical Director. Prior to opening my private practice, I served as Family Therapist and Primary Therapist at the world-renowned Meadows Treatment Center, and then took on the role of Lead Therapist for The Meadows’ very first Intensive Outpatient Program where I was asked to create the clinical program with guidance and input from Senior Fellow Claudia Black, PhD, a pioneer in the treatment field. 

I am a lover of animals, the ocean, kayaking, photography, art, music, hiking, travel, and writing. I believe in the Universe and manifesting a blissful, abundant life, magnetizing all that we desire to us.

Mj grew up in various cities across Western Canada and has resided in the Edmonton area for the past 24 years.

Mj has spent her life healing leading her to become a Grief Recovery Counsellor in 2008.  Mj has been supporting others in Grief and Complicated Grief via Trauma ever since.

Somatic Experiencing changed her life, it supported a lot of integration of her 30 years of studies in Trauma and PTSD. Leading Mj to become a Somatic Practitioner.  Mj is currently studying Counselling that will be completed early May 2023.

Mj is a licensed Grief and Trauma Recovery Counsellor.

Mj has been the volunteer Facilitator for the Caring Friends Bereavement group in The town of Stony Plain AB since Nov 2021.

Mj’s number one hobby is learning and supporting people as they discover themselves through healing.  She loves reading, camping and being in Mexico.  She is a wife and a mother of 3 adult children and has 8 grandchildren ages 4 through 24.  Mj has two small dogs, a yorkie Pixie, and a silky Hazel.

Mj’s family is her heart and keep her young and motivated

’m grateful to be part of the S.E. learning process with you. A bit about me, I’m of Irish decent and respectfully acknowledge that the land I live, work, and play on is the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. I enjoy taking part in activities in the nature that surrounds Vancouver.

I am a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor- RTC and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner-SEP, in private practice in Vancouver, BC. My work integrates Somatic Experiencing® trauma healing (including early developmental trauma from pre-verbal periods), Therapeutic Counselling, Hakomi (a body-centered system of psychotherapy) and Biodynamic Breathwork & Trauma Release. My passion is leading group processes including facilitating a men’s group.

Hello! I’m Prema McKeever. After a 15-year career as an acupuncturist and herbalist I changed direction and dived into the world of understanding trauma’s impact on the mind and body. I obtained my SEP in 2018 and have assisted at beginner, intermediate and advanced SE trainings. I have taken additional advanced SE courses including Syndromes ~ Working with the Somatic Side of Trauma with Dr. Levine and Somatic Resilience and Regulation from Kathy Kain and Stephen Terrell. Touch work forms a large part of my private practice.

Today I facilitate transformational workshops and have a full-time practice on zoom and in-person from my home in East Van. My goal is to provide a safe, heart-centred place of openness and acceptance in which individuals are able to develop greater awareness of their body, feelings, strengths, and connect to their own wisdom and joy. I am client-centred and use approaches such as mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi, and BioDynamic Breathwork & Trauma Release System. In private sessions and groups, my focus is on releasing the trauma held in our bodies so that we can create healthier, more authentic and passion-filled lives.

I love Somatic Experiencing and am thrilled to be one of the organizers of the SE trainings in the Vancouver area! I look forward to working with you and being a part of building the SE community in Vancouver and across Canada.

I live in the territory now known now as New Jersey USA in the woods, originally home of the Lenni Lenape people, with my wife, grown sons, and two dogs Nahla and Marley (not necessarily in that order lol!).

I am a psychologist/psychotherapist/SEP, integrating all that with IFS informed parts work and mindfulness. I’m currently in private practice having also worked in university counseling centers, outpatient clinics, and with combat veterans and military sexual trauma survivors in the PTSD clinic at the VA hospital in Lyons, NJ. I specialize in working with childhood physical/sexual abuse and developmental trauma, as well as other adult trauma. My clients frequently deal with anxiety, PTSD, and dissociative disorders.

I love SE and look forward to supporting you all in your journey as SE practitioners!