Somatic Experiencing

About Ilene

I believe…

that 80% of mental health issues are the result of unresolved trauma trapped in the body. I believe that everyone has the potential to heal. I believe that when an individual can find safety in themselves, they develop a more meaningful relationship with themselves and with others.

A world with less trauma…

is a world with more connection. It is a world in which each interaction is more meaningful and vital. A world with less trauma is a world with more freedom.

Ilene is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) through the GROW Training Institute, Inc. and holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology.  Ilene has passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) qualifying her for licensure in Arizona. Ilene is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and completed a 3-year training with the Somatic Experiencing Institute founded by Peter Levine.

Ilene’s work is rooted in the principles of Somatic Experiencing (SE) and attachment theory. Her training in trauma healing provides the foundation to help clients resolve trauma symptoms and relieve chronic stress and pain in the body. Integrating several modalities into her practice including talking, touch work and movement, Ilene is able to support the body tissue memory and nervous system to create synergy between the body and mind. Her work supports clients in developing a deeper and safer relationship within and ultimately greater capacity for resilience and joy.  Clients move from states of fixity to a life of fluidity, ease and vitality. Through her extensive studies in physiology and nervous system regulation she has developed techniques and methods to safely bring clients from trauma states back into a new and empowered body. The result of this process is freedom and expansion allowing clients to experience autonomy and self-respect.

Ilene is currently writing a book called Stop Asking Why? What To Do When Talk Therapy Is Not Working.  The intention is to help the reader understand how talk therapy can get in the way of resolving issues related to trauma and the importance of bringing the body into the healing process.  Ilene takes the reader through a series of assessments to help develop a deeper understanding of one’s nervous system functioning. With this deeper understanding, the reader is guided to a series of exercises to build resilience and homeostasis in the nervous system through sensory awareness, movement and self-observation.

Ilene is passionate about assisting clients in healing and living a life with exuberance and curiosity. In addition to her private practice, Ilene has developed a series of trauma healing workshops and has lecture in South Africa. Ilene has successfully completed a 10-week pilot study using Somatic Experiencing with eating disordered patients and is intending to extend the program to other populations.

 Ilene has lived in Arizona for 15 years. She loves to travel, collect art, cycle, practice yoga and spend time with friends in her kitchen cooking in her spare time.