Happy New Year!
Newsletter No. 17 - January 3,2026
Though we're already a week into January, it truly feels like the year began with the full moon on the third. Here in Italy, the holiday season just concluded yesterday with Befana—a tradition celebrating a kindly witch who searches for baby Jesus on Epiphany.
Italy has so many holidays. This culture seems to seek out every reason to celebrate with food and family, to slow down and savor each other's company. After two years of living here, I'm finally strengthening my relaxation muscles and allowing myself the gift of rest without the guilt that once accompanied it.
It's been a long break since I last connected with all of you. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing clients and friends during my three-week trip back to Vermont, though I found myself busier than expected and could have used another week or two! I was grateful to provide hands-on bodywork, Somatic Experiencing® sessions, and introduce some clients to my Somatic Intimacy Coaching work.
I left Vermont comforted by how much it still feels like home and how deep my roots run there. I bumped into many important people who shaped my life and felt the magic that drew me to stay in the first place. I also realized how accessible Vermont is from here, and I've decided to make it a practice to visit once or twice a year to stay connected with clients and loved ones. Most importantly, I recognized that as difficult as the transition to Italy has been, it feels like the right step in my evolution. This time has stretched my capacity while providing the space to dig deep and harvest the treasures waiting for me.
December brought challenges—illness followed by a few frightening days when I worried Harlow, my dog, was nearing the end of his life. He couldn't walk, and I spent days carrying him in and out of the house, cleaning up accidents, and watching the light fade from his eyes. Suspecting a mechanical issue, we found an osteopath on the coast who could see us right away. He was amazing, taught me techniques, and insisted I already had the skills to care for Harlow myself. We carried Harlow in, and he walked out. I left with renewed confidence in my ability to care for him. It was a powerful lesson.
In my next newsletter, I'll be releasing new programs starting in early spring. For now, I'm still incubating and dreaming about what's possible for the coming year. I believe it will be an exciting one!
It was sweet to see Harlow and Derby awaiting my arrival after three weeks away.
Opportunity: Somatic Experiencing® Sessions at a Reduced Rate
I'm looking for two clients interested in trying Somatic Experiencing® (SE) sessions at a reduced rate. As part of my three-year training program, I need to provide sessions to meet graduation requirements. SE is a body-centered approach to stress and trauma resolution developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine that supports clearing trauma imprints stored in the body. Rather than focusing solely on the cognitive aspects of traumatic events, it guides individuals to pay attention to the present moment, their physical sensations, allowing the nervous system to complete interrupted survival responses (fight, flight, or freeze) and restore the capacity for self-regulation.
Please reach out with any questions about SE or my somatic-based intimacy and power coaching.
Save the Date: Women's Retreat in Italy
Details for my upcoming women's retreat in the Maiella Mountains will be released soon. I'm planning for late October, around the Hunter's Full Moon. Space will be limited, as I already have significant interest. If this calls to you, please let me know so I can ensure you receive all the information.
Until next time, enjoy the slow and dark winter. Rest, restore, and prepare for what lies ahead.
