The SoulJourney

Marcela Urban, PhD

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1. Somatic and Trauma-Informed Grounding

My work is somatically based, meaning I actively include the body in the healing process. Our bodies carry our emotional wounds, but they also hold the truth of who we are. The body possesses an innate wisdom to heal; with the right guidance, we can safely integrate and "digest" painful experiences. By applying the principles of somatic trauma therapy, I work effectively with the body and the nervous system to facilitate lasting regulation.

2. Cultivating a Safe and Sacred Container

Whether working with individuals or groups, I place the utmost importance on creating an environment of deep safety and trust. A secure container is essential if we are to gently enter difficult terrain together and work through vulnerable, deep-seated issues.

3. Incorporating Imagination and Expressive Arts

I weave imagination, symbols, dreams, and Expressive Arts into the healing process. These creative modalities allow clients to bring deeper understanding to their experiences, connect to a "larger story," and make meaning of their lives. This approach builds a bridge between the body and mind, reconnects what has been fractured, and offers fresh, liberating perspectives.​​

4. Grounded in the "Here and Now"

I work directly with your subjective experience exactly as it shows up in the present moment. By honoring what is alive in the "here and now," we can meet your challenges where they actually live.

5. A Systemic Perspective

My work is deeply rooted in a systemic approach. Just as you belong to a larger family system, your individual body and psyche form a complex, interconnected system. Every system carries its own natural intelligence for self-organization and integration.

6. Uncovering and Building Resources

To navigate life’s challenges, we need stable resources. My goal is to find and bring forward the strengths and support systems you already have, or help you cultivate new ones so you can build lasting resilience, stability, and inner strength.

7. Empowering Your Innate Wisdom

I work entirely in service of your well-being and growth. My ultimate goal is to help you find an empowered place within yourself from which you can make your own choices, discover your own answers, and follow your own path. There is a deep wisdom inside every one of us; our work together is designed to help you reconnect with yours. ​

 

Principles of my work