Hummingbird & Crow
Somatic Mentoring & Creative Facilitation. A place for remembering who we are.
About
I'm a.rae. I offer certified trauma-informed embodiment coaching, intuitive somatic mentorship & creative facilitation as pathways to empower individuals and community. Together, we cultivate embodied presence and creative exploration for reconnecting to ourselves, the Earth and others, through deeper awareness & authentic expression. I work 1:1 via Zoom (and in-person with established clients, as my schedule allows) and offer workshops & group experiences both virtually and in-person in the western North Carolina region.
Packages
Free Exploration Call
Curious about this work...but not sure if it's a fit, how it works, or if it could help you? Let's chat.
If you want to discuss a workshop, experience or training for your group, business or organization, this is a perfect starting point, as well.
If you want to discuss a workshop, experience or training for your group, business or organization, this is a perfect starting point, as well.
Testimonials
"In somatic work with a.rae, I learned tools to observe and experience sensations and emotions in my body, and at my level of capacity. I sharpened my ability to recognize when my boundaries are crossed, and when my intuition signals something is right -or wrong. If you're looking to take your healing to the next level, a.rae can empower you beyond what you can imagine."
- Celine
"a.rae brings a combination of playfulness, authenticity and deep presence to her embodiment work. Her offering…was a powerful invitation into freedom- of movement, expression and inner truth. I witnessed healing and connection unfold in the space she held so gracefully, as people softened into themselves and with each other.”
- Aditi Sethi, M.D. Founder & Director, EmberLight (formerly Center for Conscious Living & Dying)
"Ashley Rae is connected to a deep river of light and love, and she holds that space for us to enter."
- Dr. Rhonda Egidio, author of 365 Days of Ayurveda for Lifelong Radiant Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your training?
I hold degrees and certifications through many programs, including a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling & Consulting, a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts & Psychology, certifications in therapeutic massage & bodywork, yoga teaching, trauma-informed embodiment coaching, somatic facilitation and creative facilitation; and have training in expressive arts therapies, ancestral healing, healing through nutrition and in multiple healing arts modalities.
The truest "answers" or wisdom don't come from outside of us- they're within. Embodiment helps us to create the inner safety and skills to actually be able to go there; to know how to navigate and to integrate. The creative aspect of my work is about the understanding that when we can feel free enough to access our own creativity, we can know honest expression and joy. To be human is to be creative. And that doesn't mean artistic skill. We (collectively) are inherently creative, in a myriad of ways, as human beings.
For me, this somatic & creative work has been like a set of keys that have opened doors back to myself. After so much trauma and struggle, I didn't know if I'd ever really find my way back to me, no matter how much I knew, tried or learned. But I've found a way to come back to myself, to return to the essence of who I truly am. And I'm continuing to discover, become- and express- who I was truly designed to be. In all the kinds of work I've done, this is truly the most empowering.
Ultimately, I am a witness and guide. You are the healer and the sage. Together, we help you remember.
NOTE: I am not practicing or licensed to provide counseling or psychotherapy. I am a certified somatic coach & creative facilitator.
The truest "answers" or wisdom don't come from outside of us- they're within. Embodiment helps us to create the inner safety and skills to actually be able to go there; to know how to navigate and to integrate. The creative aspect of my work is about the understanding that when we can feel free enough to access our own creativity, we can know honest expression and joy. To be human is to be creative. And that doesn't mean artistic skill. We (collectively) are inherently creative, in a myriad of ways, as human beings.
For me, this somatic & creative work has been like a set of keys that have opened doors back to myself. After so much trauma and struggle, I didn't know if I'd ever really find my way back to me, no matter how much I knew, tried or learned. But I've found a way to come back to myself, to return to the essence of who I truly am. And I'm continuing to discover, become- and express- who I was truly designed to be. In all the kinds of work I've done, this is truly the most empowering.
Ultimately, I am a witness and guide. You are the healer and the sage. Together, we help you remember.
NOTE: I am not practicing or licensed to provide counseling or psychotherapy. I am a certified somatic coach & creative facilitator.
What's a session like?
One-on-one coaching sessions are primarily offered over Zoom (there are a very limited number of in-person 1:1 sessions available in Asheville, North Carolina as well, with established clients). I'll share words from a client below, so you can have a better idea of what to expect:
"A session with a.rae begins with a warm welcome. We engage in a brief check-in chat, and then usually she guides me through breathwork or some other practice to ground into the session. From the beginning, she creates a safe, non-judgmental space.
"A session with a.rae begins with a warm welcome. We engage in a brief check-in chat, and then usually she guides me through breathwork or some other practice to ground into the session. From the beginning, she creates a safe, non-judgmental space.
During our time together she compassionately observes my body language, words and facial expressions. Sometimes, she gently pauses me to help me notice how my body is reacting to what I’m saying. From there, we might explore the sensation- sometimes by moving, sometimes by simply feeling the emotion in the body, and occasionally through guided meditation or simple art making. Sessions flow naturally. We end with another short grounding or centering exercise.
Movement practices and a.rae's kind, periodic reminders during session to stay attuned (or come back) to my bodily sensations have been the most valuable parts of the work. They've taught me to notice, honor, and release feelings as they arise. Since working with her, I've developed the skills to move energy through and out of my body, set clearer boundaries in my relationships, and practice greater grace and self-love."
How do I find out about group somatic work or creative workshops with a.rae?
Join my mailing list at the bottom of this page! I'll share occasional updates, let you in on local & regional events, relatable shares from my own journey, and offer somatic tips and inspiring bits. I WON'T clog up your inbox or ever sell or misuse your info (SERIOUSLY). You can unsubscribe anytime.
If you'd like to inquire about a custom creative workshop, in-service embodiment training (such as for non-profit staff or business leadership), group somatic coaching at your facility or organization, or other offering, please schedule an exploration call with me. I'd be delighted to discuss it.
You can schedule here: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/bookings/new?package_id=209775
If you'd like to inquire about a custom creative workshop, in-service embodiment training (such as for non-profit staff or business leadership), group somatic coaching at your facility or organization, or other offering, please schedule an exploration call with me. I'd be delighted to discuss it.
You can schedule here: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/bookings/new?package_id=209775
Who is this work NOT for?
This work is not for those seeking psychotherapy, professional counseling, medical advice or diagnoses, treatment for any disease or "disorder." This work is not for people seeking a quick fix, or who are unwilling to explore beyond the thinking mind & logic for better self-awareness.
This work is also not for those who are currently actively chemically dependent on any substance or substances, or inside of active PTS(D) without other supports.
This work is also not for those who are currently actively chemically dependent on any substance or substances, or inside of active PTS(D) without other supports.
Let's Connect