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Qualifications

Ann Davis, Expressive Arts and Somatic Therapist, M.A., MPH, SEP

Ann is an Expressive Arts & Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with 30 years of experience in public health & education working with adolescents, children, and families in schools and community centers. Ann has expertise in understanding how our bodies and brains are impacted by, and carry the story of trauma, loss and grief, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Ann’s approach is positive and creative, utilizing arts, sculpting, music, writing, dance, and somatic therapy for the body to heal and bring forth our innate capacity for resilience. Any level of art experience is welcome as Ann gently guides her clients through a restorative creative process through mind and body for self care, self expression, coping, and healing.

With the foundational understanding that clients are trying to communicate a need that they may not yet have the language for and that we cannot heal alone, Ann creates a safe and secure environment for healing to occur. Anne’s additional specialty in somatic therapy compliments and enhances her expressive arts expertise by incorporating to help release how a physical body holds on to stress, tension, and trauma, grief, and anxiety, rather than only resolving problems verbally. As a somatic therapist, Ann guides clients to focus on their underlying physical sensations. From there, the mind-body exercises may include breath work, meditation, visualization, grounding, dance, and/or sensation awareness work.

Ann’s mission is to support children and families impacted by stress to reclaim their vitality and step into the fullest expression of themselves. Utilizing the power of the arts and the wisdom of our bodies, Ann demonstrates how what’s happening in our bodies directly impacts our behaviors. Together, she will find unique solutions to your particular challenges.

Treatment Approach

With the gentle foundation of a caring and trusting therapeutic relationship, Ann supports her clients to connect to their innate creativity.

Any level of art experience is welcome, as Ann gently guides you through the creative process for mind-body connections, personal reflection, self expression, coping, self-care, and healing.

Ann works closely and collaboratively with your providers and the Aspiring Families team to provide you with comprehensive and integrative interventions.