FAQs

    • You are exploring your sense of yes and no (within yourself and others)

    • You are eager to live a life that feels like your own

    • You are exploring your sexuality and sensuality

    • You are exploring your neurotype

    • You are exploring your gender and gender expression

    • You are curious about what making friends with your body might be like

    • You want to develop more self understanding, self compassion and confidence

    • You are curious about somatic work (or if this is a brand new idea, you might feel curious about how this idea could fit into the topics mentioned above)

    • You want to blend the “why” (think education, science and infographics) with the “felt sense” (think how it feels and your body’s reaction)

    • You are looking for clinical therapeutic support

    • You are looking for in-person support outside of Chicago (I work virtually world-wide and in-office in Chicago, IL, USA)

    • You need a letter from a clinician to support gender affirming care (I will absolutely collaborate on letters, but do not hold a licensure that is relevant in insurance approvals)

  • Welcome to my practice, Rainbow Willows! I’m happy you’re here and asking these questions. I provide joy infused and yes-focused somatic coaching for queer and neurodivergent folks. Working together means we will lead with curiosity as we get to know you and your nervous system, and walk together to a place with more ease and joy.

    I am trauma informed and what I lovingly call “nervous system respectful”. My approach to coaching includes talking about joy as much as we talk about despair, using your strengths to connect more with your body’s innate wisdom, and laughing a lot. I endeavor to honor all the many weird, silly, and downright beautiful parts of you.

  • Somatic work is a holistic approach to mind and body connection, which seeks to understand your nervous system. In other words, we work to link your mind and your body and merge them onto one team.

    Somatic work can feel different than other modalities - which is expected and totally normal! My sessions include psychoeducation about the nervous system, its states, and the “why” behind the work we do together.

    Somatic work often helps us understand ourselves with more ease and depth, and can help us navigate big life choices with more certainty and less stress.

    Still have questions? I love the curiosity you have! Let’s schedule a time to meet and talk more about how this might match your own goals

  • Who is the coach at Rainbow Willows?

    Hey! Bella here (they/she). You can read more about me, my philosophy and my background here. I can’t wait to get to know you.

  • It depends! Many people choose to see their coaches on a consistent basis (typically weekly or bi-weekly) to build a space in their schedule that is just for them and keeps them on track with their vision and goals.

    At the start of working together, I require a minimum of 2 sessions per month to ensure we get to know each other and can introduce key somatic principles.

    When we discuss your goals and what kind of support you are looking for, we will decide together what kind of a schedule makes sense for you.

  • Coaching sessions are 50 minutes long, at a flat rate of $175. Accessibility to support is important to me, and I offer a fixed number of sliding scale spots (starting at $80) to allow people to access services in a way that is more equitable in relationship to their personal financial experience. Please reach out via the contact form and note your interest in accessing sliding scale services.

  • I do not accept insurance. Payments are processed securely via Stripe.

  • Nope! I work with diverse neurotypes and queer, questioning and queer-allied folks. You are welcomed as you are.

  • Sessions take place world-wide virtually, as well as in my office in Chicago (Ravenswood area)

  • Fill out my quick interest form, and I will reach out to schedule an introductory call to see if we both feel we’re a good fit. I am so excited to meet you!

Office Specific FAQs

Parking:

Street parking is available for free in front of the office. It is restricted during Cubs games - on those days, I will give you a permit to place in your dashboard which will still allow you to park for free.

Entering the Office:

I will come down to the front door and walk you up into my office when you arrive.

Accessibility:

Location: The office has a single step up into the main front door. There is an elevator to access the office once inside. An accessible bathroom is located just a few doors down from the office. The office space itself supports mobility devices of all kinds.

Noise: The office is a large private office with exterior facing windows. Sometimes, the Metra train comes by the track - visible from the window. This produces mild train track sounds.

Regulation: In the office I have a variety of opportunities to support regulation, including sensory toys, the ability to control the temperature in the room, and all the many somatic tools we practice and utilize regularly in session.