Kia ora, my name is Ellen, I’m a somatic yoga therapist and teacher, singer and writer of songs, living in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa.

 

I have over 25 years of working with my body in multi-disciplinary movement and creative awareness practices and have a somatic (body centred) approach to what I offer. I whole heartedly believe that our body’s keep the score, tell the story of our life and also hold the medicine.

 

I see myself as a guide and way-finder; comfortable and capable of sitting alongside people who are bridging new thresholds within themselves, whether it’s a health challenge asking for rest and support with symptoms, a new project calling for creative courage, or life transition needing space and guidance.

 

I have a person centred approach to my work, meaning the intention is to guide you towards the intelligence of your own wisdom and lived experience. 

 

Over the past few years I have offered therapy and group spaces to support people experiencing chronic pain & fatigue, transitions into and through menopause, painful endometriosis, pre and post-natal bodies, grief from the loss of a loved one, womb and baby loss, insomnia, anxiety and mild depression.

 

I also hold space for people wanting to go deeper into their own personal practice and safety or pleasure in their body. I have offered classes and events both independently and for studio spaces, charities for the blind, as well as populations with chronic fatigue and long covid.

 

I often feel drawn into the edge of things, am drawn to marginality, love gently unpicking taboo subjects and am forever longing to deepen my understanding of what it is about them that has them split apart from cultural norms. I am invested in un-shaming shame as a doorway into greater aliveness and more liberated spaces for both individuals and community.

 

I am invested in de-colonising the wellness and self care industry and tend to find teachers and mentors these days who can keep me growing my own practice and awareness in a way feels more inclusive and anti-oppressive.

 

I live and breathe poetry and increasingly can’t stop writing songs and words on a page.

I love to dance and I am obsessed with water, dogs, excellent boots and black coffee.

I am also an advocate for menstrual wisdom, cyclicality and seasonal living.

 

I believe every person is creative, love working with established artists as well as people who believe they don’t have a creative bone in their body because it just isn’t true!

 

If I could sum up the way I offer and share in a few words I would say, self aware, intuitive, playful and quietly direct.