Certified Hypnotherapist (CH); Certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy
Licensed Massage Therapist (Illinois & San Diego, CA) & Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCTMB)
Certified Massage Doula
Certified Prenatal Massage Therapist
Certified Infant Massage Instructor
In addition to what is listed above, I also have a vast and varied background in movement, bodywork and alternative health; I hold a B.A. in Dance, have studied modalities such as neuromuscular massage therapy, acupuncture/acupressure, Oriental medicine, yoga, tai chi and holistic nutrition. Although I have spent many years working in the massage field, I chose to specialize in pregnancy in 2003. After discovering the joy of working with women during this enlightening time, I then began attending the births of my clients--and soon became certified as a doula and a HypnoBirthing practitioner. I have recently attained an additional credential as a Lamaze-Certified Childbirth Educator.
I feel that I possess both a calming presence and an insatiable passion for interpreting the research and truths about childbirth. I believe that most parents want the safest, healthiest birthing experience possible. Sifting through the conflicting messages provided by medical staff (who are often trained to deal with emergencies or crises) can be confusing. In addition, parents often have many fears about the process. Both HypnoBirthing & Lamaze help moms & dads to see birth as a natural, normal process; while providing skills for relaxation, visualization, and advocacy that can be used in all areas of life--and last longer than just a CD or book.
Academically, I am currently pursuing graduate studies in Clinical Psychology, where my concentration is in prenatal and perinatal mental health.
With HypnoBirthing founder, Marie Mongan (August 2006)
