TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS: I have a Masters of Education in Counselling from Acadia University, as well as a Masters of Environmental Studies from York University. I am a Certified Focusing Practitioner and a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist (RSMT) with the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA). APPROACHES: I have participated in 500+ hours of training and supervision in: generative somatics, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Transpersonal Psychology, Focusing, NeuroAffective Touch, Internal Family Systems, and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, amongst other modalities. I’m an integrative somatic practitioner, which means that I weave these approaches together throughout my work, informed by best practices and what makes the most sense for each person. Consent for a particular approach or type of therapy is an ongoing process and can be revoked at any time. I ground my work in anti-oppressive, anti-racist, queer and trans affirming therapy, and am committed to continuous dialogue and learning around how I approach my work with clients. I will go over my approach and training with you in detail in our first session, and continue to negotiate informed consent with my clients throughout the course of our work together. CONSULTATION:
 As part of my professional practice, I may seek clinical consultation from other practitioners and also participate in peer supervision. As part of ongoing consultation, training and education, no identifying information about clients is shared. COLLECTION, USE AND STORAGE OF YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION: By law and in accordance with professional standards, I am required to keep a record of services provided and contacts with you. Your record includes information you provide or authorize me to receive, your service plan, consent forms, contact notes, progress summaries, billing information, and correspondence that I have sent or received related to your service. The primary use of your personal health information is to carry out the functions necessary to provide service to you, such as treatment planning, monitoring progress and billing. I collect only information from you that I believe is needed to provide you with the services you have requested, to maintain contact with you and to prevent or offset harm. I take all reasonable precautions to ensure that your information is kept safe from loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. I am required to retain personal health information for no less than 3 years, after which point it will be destroyed. RISKS AND BENEFITS OF SOMATIC BODYWORK: While bodywork is a gentle and titrated approach to trauma resolution that is based on gradual exposure, attunement and nervous system regulation, it may involve the risk of remembering unpleasant events, feeling unfamiliar sensations, or arouse strong or unanticipated feelings or memories. Benefits may include increased capacity to tolerate and embody unpleasant sensations and emotions, increased capacity to experience joy, pleasure, and aliveness, decreased activation associated with certain issues, topics or events, and a greater sense of regulation, wellness, empowerment, agency, present-moment awareness and resiliency in the face of stressors, triggers and relationship challenges. Like with any approach, outcomes are difficult to predict or guarantee and depend on a number of factors. RISKS + BENEFITS OF SAFE AND SOUND PROTOCOL: The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening therapy with the potential to create meaningful, positive shifts in the autonomic nervous system, including in sensory, autonomic, physiological, emotional and cognitive domains. However, no warranty or guarantee of specific results can be made. Completion of this from indicates you understand and agree to the following: - I understand that a temporary increase in arousal or symptoms may occur. I agree to notify Marika if I experience any of the following: increased auditory or other sensory sensitivities, ear discomfort, pressure or “ringing" in the ears, emotional dysregulation (changes in nervous system arousal), gastrointestinal discomfort, fatigue, or headaches. -I have had the opportunity to have my questions answered, understand the process for listening, and have access to the needed equipment. I understand that I may pause or discontinue listening at any time. I consent to using the SSP and accept all associated risks. SCOPE OF PRACTICE: The purpose of somatic movement education and therapy is to enhance human function and body-mind integration through movement awareness. The practice of somatic movement therapy includes: postural and movement evaluation, experiential anatomy and imagery, neuro-somatic patterning and re-patterning, communication and guidance through touch and verbal cues. I am not a psychotherapist and our work is not meant to be a substitute for an ongoing relationship with a therapist or other healing practitioner. You're encouraged to bring pieces of our work to your personal therapy and other places where you receive support and care. If I am concerned for your safety, or believe that you require support that falls beyond my scope of practice I will provide with you suitable referrals for additional care. FEES AND PAYMENT: Payment is due at the time of each scheduled appointment and can be made by cash, credit, or e-transfer. I am happy to provide you with receipts at your request. Fee increases may be required from time to time with at least one month’s notice. A credit card is kept on file to secure appointment bookings. If payment is not received within 48 hours of an appointment your credit card will be automatically charged for the session + a 5% processing fee. CANCELLATION AND MISSED APPOINTMENTS: My cancellation policy is 48 hours notice; with less than 48 hours notice, your full session payment is due. If I’m able to fill your spot within the same calendar week then we can reschedule without charge. Please note: If you regularly cancel sessions so that I am regularly holding space for you that goes un-used, even if those cancellations are all with minimum 48 hours notice, I will check in with you about renegotiating the rhythm of our work together. If regular cancellations continue, I may offer your space to someone in need who can use it regularly, offer you less frequent or more sporadic availability, or, as a last resort, end our working relationship altogether. CORRESPONDANCE: 
 I respond to phone calls and e-mails usually within 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on weekends. I am not available to respond to crisis calls and situations. I reserve e-mail contact for making appointments, scheduling etc. CONCERNS AND FURTHER INFORMATION: If you have any questions or concerns regarding your information or my policy regarding collection and use of personal health information please ask me. This policy has been developed in accordance with the ISMETA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. More information can be found at the website: https://ismeta.org/