Somatic Yoga facilitates embodiment practices through gentle yoga in a supportive group setting. Somatic Yoga is designed to slowly and gently facilitate the mind/body connection, while also engaging in evidence based practices to support the menopause transition. 

Why yoga? Yoga, particularly trauma-informed yoga, can be a powerful tool to help regulate the nervous system, reconnect individuals with their bodies, and foster a sense of safety and self-awareness. Through mindful movement, breathing techniques, and somatic awareness, yoga can help release physical tension, reduce stress, and promote emotional regulation.

This series is designed to offer a space of support and community. Evidence supports that connecting with peers who share the same journey—ranging from perimenopause to post-menopause—provides a safe space to validate symptoms, share coping strategies, and navigate life transitions together. (National Menopause Foundation)

During this 8 week series participants will engage in weekly 90 minute sessions which include:

  • Journaling to engage the mind and set intentions for your experience

  • Slow, gentle yoga, chair yoga, and restorative yoga incorporating props for support

  • Gentle art therapy

  • Gentle breath work

  • Options for reflection in a supportive group setting

WHEN: Thursdays at 10am - 11:30am beginning July 23

WHERE: Alchemy Healing Arts located inside Portage Place: 908-910 Portage Ave, South Bend, IN 46616

WHO: This 8 weeks series is ideal for anyone that is experiencing the menopause transition (perimenopause or menopause) or anyone experiencing medical menopause as a part of cancer treatment.

COST: $350 for the series, $45 drop-in; however, if these prices feel like a barrier, please contact healinglabsomatics@gmail.com for sliding scale options.

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Your facilitator: Dena woods, LMT/CYT/TTT

Dena Woods is a Trauma Touch Therapist, licensed massage therapist and certified yoga and meditation teacher and has worked with clients since 2014.

Using a strengths based approach, Dena facilitates somatic sessions to meet clients where they are in their healing journey, knowing that each part of the journey is necessary for healing integration. She encourages you to show up as you are, knowing that showing up is sometimes the hardest part, and to trust that simply showing up as you are is enough.

Dena holds a Bachelor's degree in Art History from Indiana University and is an artist and musician. She also deeply loves plants and being in nature, and incorporates nature into somatic sessions when clients are ready for the healing support of nature.

As a survivor of complex trauma and cancer, Dena has utilized massage therapy, yoga, and Trauma Touch Therapy through her own journey in trauma recovery. These modalities have offered her the deepest healing and support in her own journey and she now offers these services to help others in their trauma recovery.  Dena specializes in working with clients that experience PTSD/C-PTSD, survivors of cancer, survivors of religious trauma, survivors of sexual violence, and survivors of childhood abuse and neglect. Clients that work with Dena can expect to be heard, to be validated, to move at their own pace, and to participate in evidence-based services to help support the nervous system.