Ilene Smith

Moving Beyond Trauma

Ilene holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology. In addition to licensure as a Mental Health Counselor in Arizona, she is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) through the GROW Training Institute, Inc. and a Somatic Experiencing Professional (SEP) who completed a 3-year training with the Somatic Experiencing Institute founded by Peter Levine.

After years of seeing clients with failed attempts at resolving mental health issues including addiction, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and chronic pain, Ilene was determined to find solutions to bring about real change for her clients. Ilene’s extensive experience, trainings and observation allowed her to cultivate Somastasis Theory for healing trauma. Ilene believes psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual discomfort can only be resolved when we incorporate the body into the process of healing. Through teaching the body to trust its language of sensation one gains greater capacity for resilience. “When we are safe in our bodies we have the foundation for developing a synergy between the body and mind and no longer sense danger when danger is not present”. Ilene Smith

Ilene’s work is rooted in the principles of Somatic Experiencing (SE), Attachment Theory, and Polyvagal Theory By working with the body tissue, muscle memory and nervous system she safely brings traumatized individuals back into a new and empowered body. Her work supports clients in developing a deeper and more meaningful relationship within and ultimately greater capacity for resilience and joy. Clients move from states of fixity and fragmentation to a life of fluidity, ease and vitality. The result of this process is freedom and expansion which allowing clients to experience autonomy and self-respect.

Ilene is passionate about assisting clients in healing and living a life with exuberance and curiosity. Ilene has lived in Arizona for 20 years. She loves to travel, collect art, cycle, and practice yoga in her spare time.