Somatic Experiencing Faculty & Staff
Berns Galloway
SE Faculty Member
My first professional incarnation was as an elementary teacher in New Brunswick and Northwest Territories, Canada. After 12 years of being in front of the classroom my focus shifted to psychotherapeutic group work. I studied various humanistic approaches and bodywork at PD Seminars, then earned a Master’s degree from the University of Victoria in 1995. I have worked as a mental health therapist for a non-profit community agency, providing short term therapy to adults, training and supervising volunteers, and supervising graduate students. I also have a private practice.
Somatic Experiencing® entered my life in 2000 and has since been a major focus in my professional orientation. Incorporating SE® bodywork/touch has deepened my experience and strengthened the impact of the therapeutic process. Early in this learning process I was privileged to be part of a gifted training team working with First Nations peoples here on Vancouver Island. The depth of the trauma and commitment to change foreshadowed the transformation through the healing process. I am grateful and humbled to have witnessed this. They reinforced how organic somatic work is, the power of connection, and the necessity of embodying the full range of life’s energy. Collaboration and connection are key. We are not meant to go-it alone.
I continue to marvel at, and be awed by, the continuous richness Somatic Experiencing® offers…
Patricia Berendsen
SE Coordinator, Advanced Consultant, Personal Session Provider
As the owner of Patricia Berendsen & Associates Trauma Healing Centre of London Counselling and Psychotherapy Services, Patricia says, “Every interaction is an opportunity for healing! I want to serve people in a way that honours the whole person: body, mind and spirit.”
With over 25 years of experience in the counseling field, Patricia Berendsen is a Certified Couple and Family Therapist (CCFT), Registered Social Worker (RSW), Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and Somatic Sex Educator (SSE).
“I specialize in trauma and the body, developmental trauma and attachment issues, as well as relationship challenges.”
Regarding SE? This is what she says. “Best training ever! Finding Somatic Experiencing in 2006 was finding my professional home! Somatic Experiencing has totally changed the way I support clients and myself. SE has helped me stay healthy and passionate in my role as a therapist. Actually…it has impacted every area of my life. By far, Somatic Experiencing is my recommendation if you want to take your helping work to the next level!”
Patricia singlehandedly brought Somatic Experiencing from the USA to Ontario. “Now I have the privilege of bringing the SE training to other professionals.”
From the first cohort in London ON, Somatic Experiencing trainings have spread to include Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax.
Patricia is an Advanced Consultant and Lead Assistant with the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute. She is sought after to provide clinical supervision and trauma training by therapists and organizations both locally and globally. “Helping the helper is such important work. Bringing out the best in therapists and supporting them in their effort to heal others is essential.
I absolutely love what I do!” Patricia’s experience and achievements, including over 30 publications in peer-reviewed and professional journals, as well as individual chapters in three edited books in Canada and the United States, has earned her the reputation as an expert in her field.
A two-time cancer survivor, Patricia has been in a warm and wonderful relationship for the past 25 years. Patricia is the mother of four children. She can be found picking up trash with her gloved hands and a garbage bag in tow during her walks in the nearby woods or neighbourhood.
John Fuller
Administrative Program Coordinator
John is the man behind the screen. If you have emailed (or called) and asked a question, you have spoken with John.
John is a dual graduate of Fanshawe College with diplomas in Theatre Arts Performance and as a Social Service Worker. Outside of his administrative prowess for the SE Training, he is also the Practice Admin for the Trauma Healing Centre. He is also an associate of the Centre offering Holistic Wellness Services like: Reiki, Indian head Massage, Meditation and Group Facilitation within our loft space.