I spent years exploring self-development techniques, many of which I became certified to teach. I studied Ho’Oponopono, Avatar, Brain Gym, Voice Dialogue, the work of Byron Katie, EFT, 5Rhythms Dance and many more. Although I found the concepts fascinating, I didn’t feel equipped to translate them into the real world and helping others. I was still trapped within the net of my own wounds.
In my early 40’s my childhood trauma began to manifest physically with a knee pain that would flare up for weeks at a time, leaving me unable to walk, and then would disappear just as suddenly.
I saw doctors, physiotherapists, and many other practitioners but none of them could tell me the root cause of the pain. Eventually, my doctor advised me I needed a knee replacement as the constant inflammation had caused so much damage to the cartilage.
This seemed such a drastic and outrageous course of action for someone of my age. And besides, if my own knee couldn’t handle whatever I was doing to it – how would a false one?
My partner suggested I see a Feldenkrais practitioner and finally everything fell into place.
My teacher identified two vertebrae in my upper back that had no movement. They were literally frozen in place, beginning to calcify from being immobile for so long. I realised this place was where I held my anxiety – freezing up when I felt fearful and overwhelmed (which was often).
Because my upper back was no longer able to twist and rotate, my knee was compensating for those movements by trying to move in a way that knees are not designed to.
I was astonished to discover that the lack of movement in just two vertebrae between the shoulder blades were instrumental in bringing me to the brink of knee surgery. As I learned to bring movement back to my spine, my knee pain disappeared, and I began to work through the many layers of my emotional pain.
By learning to slow down and notice my old habits and patterns of movement, I was able to consciously create new neural pathways which allowed healthier, easier movements to become my new normal. If I began to switch back to those old habits, I could notice and catch myself before it happened (and before my knee needed to get involved again). As my body healed, I was also able to release my emotional wounds as they arose.
One day, as I was leaving my Awareness Through Movement class, I looked up and realized my eyes were seeing differently. I could see the light shining through the leaves of the trees. Upon investigation, I discovered this is a possible side effect of the Feldenkrais method. The neural pathways in my brain were changing, creating new connections, and allowing new ways of seeing the world.
Enrolling in the four-year training to become a Feldenkrais teacher seemed like a no-brainer. For the first time, I felt I was on the right track with all the pieces of the puzzle falling into place.
I followed this training with learning Applied Neuroplasticity and Brain-Based Coaching which has increased my fascination with neuroplasticity and beautifully complements the science behind the conscious movements of the Feldenkrais Method.
Embodied Awareness Coaching
is a holistic melding of Feldenkrais and the many mind-body techniques I’ve learned over the decades. It helps you identify obstacles that are holding you back as you learn to bring joy and confidence back to your movements. This combination of working directly with the body as well as the mind creates a deep, integrative, and lasting healing.
I’m so grateful for this glorious, jumbled, rainbow of a journey that allows me to share my knowledge with you as you learn to heal your own traumas in a meaningful, lasting way.
Whatever healing means to you – whether it’s reducing physical pain, self-enquiry, or birthing the deepest, realest you, I can’t wait to support you on your journey!
Izabella Siodmak
Somatic Psychotherapist
‘I went to see Liz with the intention of working on a specific trauma that I sensed was trapped subconsciously in a part of my body. Each session reveals more parts of this to me and helps me become more whole and healed in this regard. Liz works so gently and thoroughly in a way where my body feels safe to release and let go of armoured, tense patterns of holding, moving and breathing. I love the transformation that I can feel taking place in my nervous system as the old anxiety progressively diminishes. I always look forward to my sessions with Liz and appreciate her patience, compassion, wisdom and passion for the biomechanics and neurobiology of the body.’
What if you could dissolve all those niggling pains and fears that hinder you from reaching your true potential?
“In order to change our mode of action, we must change the image of ourselves that we carry within us.”
Moshe Feldenkrais
