In this episode, Joe and Dr. Megan interview Iveth who is a BCBA practicing as a woman's empowerment coach. Iveth explains her journey with Somatic Movement and how it can affect how we understand ourselves and our clients.
Follow Iveth on Instagram:
@empowerwithiveth
@emotionawareaba
Links Shared in the Show:
Youtube Video on Healing Trauma: https://youtu.be/FKrCe9fHsSc?si=o-njPb_t8Gwhc8jk
Body Keeps the Score Book: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748
It Didn't Start with You Book: https://www.amazon.com/Didnt-Start-You-Inherited-Family/dp/
YouTube Video on Somatic Therapy TedX Talk: https://youtu.be/UU7eSxcBhpM?si=54rjTfOfmJvivOjg
Social Emotional Resources Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18UcU8OXFwyEEjRGAXvxxaxSu_cIriMJIUs4QqYegqqs/edit?usp=drive_link
Emotional Regulation Website: www.gozen.com
Summary of Podcast from Fathom:
- Somatic movement focuses on internal bodily experiences rather than just external movement.
- Ignoring body signals starts early in childhood and continues into adulthood.
- Connecting with your own body helps you better understand client needs.
- Emotions drive behavior, so addressing emotions prevents problem behavior.
- There is fear around incorporating new practices into ABA, but we must be open to grow.
- Somatic means relating to the body. Somatic movement is moving in a way where the intention is on internal bodily experiences rather than just external movement.
- Our bodies hold wisdom for how to heal and regulate, but we are trained to ignore internal signals from a young age.
- Somatic movement can be any movement motivated by an internal experience, even just using the bathroom when needed.
- Iveth has been a BCBA since 2020 but experienced burnout from constant stress.
- She took a break to travel and discovered somatic movement and nervous system regulation.
- This was the missing piece - connecting her mind and body. She uses somatic practices daily now.
- As a coach, Iveth identifies "can't do vs won't do" problems. If it's a "won't do" due to fear, she helps clients connect with their body to release the fear.
- With clients with autism, she gets curious about the function of behaviors like tantrums. She explores what feelings drive the behaviors and teaches coping skills through movement.
- Books like The Body Keeps the Score and It Didn't Start With You.
- Connecting with your own body is the best resource.
- Emotions drive behavior but are often ignored in ABA. We should teach body awareness and movement for regulation.
- There is fear of incorporating new practices into ABA, but we must have cultural humility and synthesize knowledge.
