Megan Fitz-Hamilton (she/her)
After studying art in college, I found myself fascinated by processes of growth, transformation and the human capacity for change and healing. I pursued a Masters Degree from the California Institute of Integral Studies in Counseling Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy— which allowed me to combine my love of the arts (visual, music, drama, writing, and dance/movement) and my love of supporting and working closely with people. Some of my work has included supporting parents as a doula before and during labor and birth of a child, as a private practice psychotherapist, and at a hospital providing somatic and art therapy for patients in ICU and med-surgical units.
During my work as a psychotherapist, I became increasingly interested in and personally supported by somatic psychology. It became clear that the body is the vehicle through which we shape and are shaped by our experience. The body is the place where unhelpful patterns and imprints from our past can stay lodged, and where a wellspring of life-giving energy resides. By working directly with and becoming conscious of our own body’s process, so much is possible. After studying Swedish massage and Craniosacral Therapy I went on to pursue a license in massage and bodywork in order to help people more directly find health and resourcing in their own bodies.
I think that the healing process includes science, art, and something of an undefinable nature related to spirit or soul. Living in a body is a creative process that we can engage with, and yet there are structures and systems that function regardless of our will or influence. With this in mind, I bring an understanding (and life-long curiosity) of anatomical structures and systems, and a willingness to trust what my hands and intuition perceive as I work in the present moment with a client.
I grew up in Maine and am so excited to have recently returned to the area. In my free time I love exploring outside, hiking, swimming, gardening, skiing, dancing and making art.
Training and influences:
California Institute of Integral Studies San Francisco, CA: MA Counseling Psychology, 2013
McKinnon Massage Institute Oakland, CA: Craniosacral Therapy 150 hours, 2014
Cornerstone Doula San Francisco, CA: Birth Doula Certification, 2014
Somatic Psychology including: Formative Psychology (Stanley Keleman), Polyvagal Theory (Stephen Porges), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Pat Ogden)
Somatic Approaches to Trauma and PTSD: 30 hours, CIIS graduate level class
Conscious Movement Practices including: 5 Rhythms, Authentic Movement
Ecopsychology: Ecology of Awakening weekend course with Kerry Brady Bolinas, CA 2013
Carolina Massage Institute Hillsborough, NC: Massage Therapy Program 537 hours, 2021
Modalities included: Swedish Massage, Myofascial Release, Acupressure, Prenatal Massage
Reiki I and II Certification with Libby Barnett, 2022
Sovereign Vagina, course with Jen Aliz Lokajickova, 2020
Holistic Pelvic Care Certification with Tami Lynn Kent Portland, OR, 35 hours 2022