About Susan
My professional history includes 20 years as a coach, 25 years as a bodyworker and energy healer, 10 years developing education and training programs for an international qigong organization, and three decades combined as a yoga and qigong instructor. I have a masters degree in Energy Medicine and have completed a masters-level certificate program in Integral Philosopy. I am certified in Polarity Therapy and Somatic Experiencing, a trauma-renegotiation modality. I am published in the fields of energy medicine and qigong. You can see my full résumé here.
Below in my informal bio, you can learn more about me “behind-the-scenes” – how I’m crafting my own human-hood – my aspirations, some not-so-secret skill sets, things I want to learn, and a few of the many ways I love life.
My Ideal Job
Helping people create lives they love that heal themselves and heal the world. Researching, writing, and teaching about the interface of consciousness and matter. Maybe a Ph.D.? Coaching individuals and small groups. Speaking to large groups. Flexibility and the ability to work with clients in the USA, Australia, Zanzibar, Turkey, the UK, and Mexico, sometimes all in one day.
What I’m Good At
Listening to silence. Synthesizing and summarizing a lot of complex information. Creating hilarious bumper sticker slogans. Having difficult conversations. Proofreading. Dancing my prayers. Sitting with the dying.
(Some of) What I Love
Being outside. Rowing at sunrise with friends. Polar plunges. The sounds of children at a playground. Making snow angels. Growing calla lilies. Hosting dinner parties. Haiku. Tree frogs. Holiday lights still up in February. Górecki’s Symphony No. 3.
Things I Want to Learn
Icelandic. How to grow shiitakes. How to create more time for reading and movies. How to row a skinny racing shell without falling in.
What Clients Are Saying…
Susan brings presence, insight, humor and accountability to whatever arises in the self-discovery process. As a witness and guide, she offers a lovingly neutral yet curious and steadfast gaze, inviting me (as I’m able) to hold myself with the same unconditional regard. Throughout these often uncomfortable and humorous excavations, Susan reminds me that I am embodied and can stay connected and curious rather than unintentionally bypassing the powerful truths residing within. Our work has deepened my sense of rootedness, increased my capacity to manifest in the world and enhanced my ability to experience energy. I am deeply grateful to Susan for our time together.
Elizabeth Van Valkenburgh, Missouri, USA