JOURNEY TO SELF

Priscilla Cortes photo by Megan Posein

Welcome

Hi, I’m Priscilla!

I am a somatic and embodiment practitioner, a relationship and connection coach, a clinical hypnotherapist and Andean medicine woman.

I offer a trauma-sensitive, culturally-informed, therapeutic inclusive space. Inter-weaving the wisdom of my traditional Andean healing modalities, with somatic and embodiment approaches to healing stress or trauma.

I am here to hold space for your healing and growth, as you traverse the souls journey, and human experience, by sharing tools/resources for nervous system wellness, somatic bodywork, and energy healing with a focus on body-centered, engagement framework.

I engage clients in creative exploration to journey deep within themselves, to connect to their roots, their body and their intentions on this earth; to bring their bodies back into wholeness and aliveness.

 

  • I came to Priscilla with a history of chiropractors, physiotherapists, and RMT's, who had identified chronic physical pain that I was experiencing as emotion stored in my body. For more than 15 years I had been unable to resolve chronic neck and back pain, as well as a "chronic migraine" diagnosis that endured for more than a year. Within a short time of working with Priscilla, the chronic pain was entirely gone. I had seen various counsellors and psychologists for many years, all of which were helpful to a degree, but never seemed to fully reach toward what I was reaching for. Priscilla changed my life in ways I would never have known possible. She provided me with a challenge to dive deep into my family history to examine patterns of behaviour that perpetuated through generations, causing pain within each generation that moved into the next. I came to understand my own way of "being" as was impressed upon me and programmed into me, unconsciously, from my family lineage and the world at large. At a point I acknowledged I had lived the better part of my life dissociated and in a chronic state of survival. I still remember coming out of this in my work with Priscilla - seeing things and feelings things as I had never before- connecting deeply to nature, music, and people. what is left of my life, I owe to Priscilla. There has been no person in my life who has more positively influenced the trajectory of my life than she has.

    Lara: Teacher

  • My partner and I went to Priscilla for a couples session and thoroughly enjoyed our time with her. She brought up many great thinking points for me, and helped me to expand my scope of thinking outside of what I was typically stuck within, which really helped me to see from a clearer space where my partner was sitting in our relationship together . I valued her ability to listen and express thoughts and ideas for us as she saw them in a positive manner. I would recommend her services highly, as a past client!

    Jeff: Teacher

  • I didn't expect to have my entire outlook on life change so profoundly! Priscilla has inspired and motivated my healing journey! I have learned to hold space for myself and grow exponentially . She is the epitome of what a great facilitator /teacher should be! Her kindness, wisdom, and compassion has impacted my personal life and professional practice . I will always be grateful for her teachings and in specific, the "Ancestral healing" knowledge she shard with me, as it was the stepping stone to my inter-generational healing journey ..

    Jessica B: Holistic Practitioner

  • Priscilla is a very much gifted and a knowledgeable therapist. I had been seeing her for a good year to heal my trauma. She offered concrete tools and ways to approach healing, relationships and so much more. My sessions were infused with her knowledge of Andean traditional spiritual healing and somatic approaches to healing. Aside from her professional repertoire, she is a caring and mindful individual who truly cares for the wellness and healing for all folx.

    Litzy: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant

  • I highly recommend Priscilla if you are seeking emotional support and somatic guidance! In our work together, I've learned to connect with myself and feel embodied. I have absolutely loved my sessions with Priscilla! Working with her this past year (2023). I've grown to understand the importance of listening to the wisdom of my body, and acknowledging the difference between intellectualizing my emotions vs processing emotions, somatically. I've built a relationship with myself and can trust what my body is telling me and I listen. She taught me regulation strategies to hold space for my triggers, which has helped me to be conscious of my nervous system states. Our bodywork sessions are co-regulating, giving me so much relief. It has fostered mental/emotional clarity, and it has given me capacity to function daily in my life as a mother and business owner.

    Marlene P: Business Owner

  • I absolutely love Priscilla her wisdom, & her practice! I initially went into the sessions for myself, to become trauma-informed, to gain awareness, & to learn about the "self". I wasn’t a huge believer in therapy, however, I was drawn to Priscilla, she’s different & because of her I have been able to have a better understanding of my partner, & all the relationships in my life. I can't thank her enough! I feel embodied! I love our work together, it's so much fun, she's comforting & she's easy to talk to! I highly recommend her & I tell everyone about her & how special she is! Thank you again Priscilla, I appreciate you!

    Marley: Business owner

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SEEK OUT MY WELLNESS OFFERINGS?

Are you seeking a catalyst to break free from the constraints of routine, and delve into unexplored inner-landscapes of personal development?

Are you feeling disconnected from your body, a sense of emptiness?

Are you experiencing physical sensations , triggers, or discomforts that you notice when you're feeling stressed or emotionally overwhelmed?

You desire to feel a sense of ease and comfort in your own body on a daily basis?

Are you in a caring profession seeking enhanced support for your own well-being?

Are you longing for a holistic approach that integrates both your emotional, physical, spiritual well-being, orienting toward harmonious state of being?

Jasper Métis cabin photo by Priscilla Cortes

  • "Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; Safe connections are fundamental to meaningful & satisfying lives".

    Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk

  • "The attempt to escape from pain, is what creates more pain."

    Dr. Gabor Mate

  • "Trauma decontextualized in a person looks like personality. Trauma decontextualized in a family looks like family traits. Trauma decontextualized in people looks like culture."

    Resmaa Menakem

  • "If you transform yourself, you affect the consciousness of the rest of the world."

    Krishnamurti

  • "The growth of your consciousness weaves the story."

    Priscilla Cortes

  • "Trauma is a fact of life, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence."

    Dr. Peter A. Levine

  • Daring to set boundaries, is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.

    Brené Brown

Energy healing, Reiki, Shamanic healing, Priscilla Cortes, photo by Megan Posein

My Holistic Approach

  • The impacts of trauma are stored in our nervous system, and Understanding how mental health services and other services, can cause harm if they aren't trauma-aware, can cause re-triggering of trauma, if not trained in this approach. This allows therapists and practitioners to be responsible when holding space for trauma victims. Trauma-Informed Care recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms, and acknowledges the role trauma may play in an individual's behaviour and life. Trauma-trained practitioners can identify these symptoms and have the tools/resources to support their client.

    As someone who is attuned to the effects of trauma, I am dedicated to assessing whether I have the necessary expertise to support you as a client. If I find that a mental health professional is better equipped to meet your needs, I will make a recommendation to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.

  • The Polyvagal Theory provides insight into how previous experiences and trauma can manifest in the body, influencing an individual's feelings of safety and connection. By acknowledging the vagus nerve's role in regulating both our physical and emotional well-being, somatic therapists can assist their clients in developing increased awareness of their bodily sensations and levels of arousal.

    Within the framework of the Polyvagal Theory, somatic therapy interventions strive to help clients fortify their resilience and widen their capacity to handle stress and emotional stimulation.

    The theory categorizes the "4 F's" as the four adaptive survival tactics governed by the vagus nerve, namely Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn. According to Dr. Stephen Porges' theory, the autonomic nervous system interprets environmental cues and triggers these physiological and behavioural responses in order to ensure survival.

    Each of the "4 F's" represents a distinct manner in which an individual might react to perceived threats or stressors in their surroundings.

  • Embodied, bottom-up healing:

    This approach focuses on the body, starting from the foundational level of the body to the mind, encouraging individuals to explore sensory cues from their nervous system rather than solely relying on their thoughts. This shift in focus aims to enhance comprehension of cognitive and emotional obstacles or stress factors.

    Through this method, individuals can engage in deep, real-time processing of triggers and emotional responses. By working with the nervous system and fostering a sense of safety within the body, this multidimensional healing approach acknowledges the intricate connection between the mind, body, and spirit, making it particularly appealing to those in pursuit of a comprehensive and personalized wellness journey . Many individuals seek somatic healing to address physical discomfort, whether stemming from chronic pain, tension, or physical and emotional trauma. Somatic practices such as bodywork, movement therapy, and breathwork provide avenues for individuals to reestablish a connection with their bodies, release pent-up tension, and promote physical relaxation and restoration.

  • Earth-Based Somatic Healing:

    Eco-somatics: A field of study relating to the interconnectedness of ecology, environment, and our inner ecology.

    Our bodies are intricately intertwined with the earth. We are inseparable from all that the earth provides, including the air we breathe, the water we consume, the nourishment we ingest, the remedies essential for our well-being, the flora and diverse ecosystems. This interdependence signifies that we rely on the earth just as much as it relies on us. Only through nurturing a harmonious coexistence with ourselves and the earth can we foster healing and restoration.

  • The Andean cosmovision is a deeply rooted belief system and philosophy that has been a focus to the cultural and spiritual identity of Andean indigenous communities for centuries. At its core, the Andean cosmovision embodies and emphasizes a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and the cosmos. Significant to this belief system is the concept of "Pachamama," which refers to Mother-Earth/nature. Pachamama is honoured as a provider and nurturer, and there is a profound sense of reciprocity and respect for the natural world. The Andean cosmovision is characterized by a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the environment. It recognizes the inherent spiritual essence of mountains, rivers, animals, and plants, viewing them as sentient beings with their own rights and significance in the cosmic order. Rituals, ceremonies, and offerings play a role in the practice of the Andean cosmovision, serving as expressions of gratitude, reverence, and the maintenance of balance and harmony within the natural and spiritual realms. These rituals are often linked to agricultural cycles, celestial events, and the honouring of ancestral wisdom. The Andean cosmovision encompasses a unique understanding of time and space, with a non-linear perception of reality that emphasizes the coexistence of past, present, and future in a continuous and cyclical fashion. In essence, the Andean cosmovision represents a profound fostering to a deep sense of connection to the earth, the cosmos, and the collective past , and that of the future of humanity.

    —The Andes mountains stretch majestically across South America, encompassing portions of the renowned Amazon rainforest.

  • My approach is centered on decolonizing therapy to establish a nurturing and inclusive and equitable environment for addressing intergenerational trauma.

    Interweaving emotional health and social justice, I advocate for collective healing and elevate the narratives of equity-deserving groups. I provide a culturally, and trauma informed space that places the healing of BIPOC and diverse gender identities at the forefront.

    I also provide equitable access to individuals with varying abilities and people with disabilities.