TRANSFORMATION
EMBODIED
somatic coaching × somatic bodywork
Welcome, dear! I'm glad you're here.
I'm Joelle Marcelle Antson (she/her), an Autistic ADHD trans woman from Estonia.
I'm a Strozzi Institute for Somatics-trained somatic coach and somatic bodyworker. By coming home to my body, I've been growing into the fullness of my femininity as well as my neuneurodivergent experience. That's why I am a commitment to the embodied transformation of my peoples and I long to hold space for other Autistic and ADHD, queer and trans people, and anyone who desires to be more liberated in their body and expression.
My work is grounded in inviting people into the richness that is life lived through the body. So, in our work together, you will be invited to connect with your deepest longings and move towards them in actionable ways. Let's explore what that will look like for you.
For that, please fill out the intake form below.
With curiosity and care,
Joelle
our work may include increasing the ability to
feel and tolerate more ● live a life with more presence and increased pleasure
stay centered under pressure ● take new actions aligned with your values
set boundaries while staying connected ● create genuine connections
i have worked with people experiencing complex challenges like
gender expression and transition ● supporting trans family members
(un)masking Autism and ADHD ● chronic illnesses and pains (migraine, fibromyalgia)
depression, anxiety, and suicidality ● compulsive behaviors and addictions
eating disorders and body image ● sexual and physical abuse
SOMA [ˈsəʊmə] (noun, Greek)
the living organism in its wholeness (including sensing, feeling, relating, thinking, and beliefs)
somatic coaching
Somatic coaching is a holistic coaching methodology that uses somatic awareness, somatic practices, and somatic opening - all the while taking into account social context - to support somatic transformation.
We define transformation as the ability to take actions that are aligned with our values even under old pressures.
Practically, this means weaving together conversational coaching with questions aimed to increase somatic awareness and practices derived from martial arts to make new competencies embodied and sustainable.
We can adapt all practices to online coaching sessions.
somatic bodywork
Somatic bodywork is a hands-on approach, using skilled touch, breath patterns, supportive phrases, and conversation to elicit somatic opening. Practically, this means working with and through the body while the person is lying on a massage table on their back and fully clothed.
While massage can temporarily relax a muscular armoring, somatic bodywork aims to support the concerns (safety, belonging, dignity, etc.) of which the armoring has been taking care of. Unless that happens, the armoring will only soften momentarily. Without somatic opening, new somatic practices won't take root.
We can adapt somatic bodywork also for online sessions.
lineage, trainings, and qualifications
I am deeply grateful for the shaping of my trans, queer, neurodivergent, and BIPOC friends and partners, Dr. Rebecca Sears and the 19' Imago Relationship Therapy cohort, the Vanderbilt Divinity School's 19' cohort and teachers, the Divinity Friendship House and its Friends, Erin C. Law and Dr. Roberto Che Espinoza, Staci K. Haines, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, Stephanie Meux, Beck Beverage, Anela Barboza, the teachers, mentors, and students of the Strozzi Institute for Somatics' 22' Embodied Transformation, 23' Somatic Coaching, and 24' Somatic Bodywork level 1 & 2 cohorts, the healing hands of Lennon Molofsky, Hanna-Liis Lao, and Gail Michelle Forman. I have also been shaped by the work of Hillary L. McBride and Mike McHargue, Prentis Hemphill, adrienne maree brown, Daria Garina, and Kai Cheng Thom, Dr. Devon Price and Heather Morgan, as well as Abigail Thorne and Natalie Wynn. I rest on the Estonian embodied wisdom of saunaing, singing, and dancing, crystallized in the Song Festival tradition and the Singing Revolution. I am humbled by all the people who have entrusted themselves into my care as clients.
Thank you for being my teachers. I am who I am because of you.
somatics
60+ 1:1 ongoing sessions received from Somatic Coaches and Bodyworkers, and Alexander's Technique teachers
Somatic Bodywork (Level 1 and Level 2), Somatic Bodyworker in-training, Strozzi Institute for Somatics
Somatic Coaching Program, Somatic Coach (in process to be certified), Strozzi Institute for Somatics
Embodied Transformation, Strozzi Institute for Somatics
Centered Accountability, Daria Garina (Accountability Mapping)
Unraveling Our Whiteness, Erin C. Law (The Activist Theology Project)
The Embodiment Basics, Prentis Hemphill (The Embodiment Institute)
autism and ADHD
Unmasking Autism coaching training: Values-Based Integration Process, Powered by Love
Understanding and Supporting Autistic and ADHD Children, Ivica Mägi Autismikool
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults, University of Tartu
relationship and family therapy
Introduction to Systemic Family Psychology and Therapy (Level 1), Kiira Järv's Family Therapy School
Imago Relationship Therapy Clinical Training (Level 1), Certified Imago Educator, Dr. Rebecca Sears
restorative justice
Shining the Light on Our Blind Spots, European Forum for Restorative Justice
The Voice of Children in a Restorative Justice Process, European Forum for Restorative Justice
Restorative Justice conflict mediator training, Belinda Hopkins' 5:5:5 model, Social Insurance Board and Ministry of Justice, Republic of Estonia
higher education
MA in Theological Studies with the certificate in Religion in the Arts and Culture, concentration in Spirituality and Social Activism, Vanderbilt University Divinity School
BA in Theology and Religious Studies (cum laude), University of Tartu, University of North Carolina, Greensboro
transformation embodied © 2024