Hello, I'm Skates, the mind and heart behind SKA Synergy. My journey as a Somatic Psychotherapeutic Coach, Sexological body worker, NLP Coach, Addiction and Trauma therapist, CBT and RTM Therapist, Psychiatric Social Worker and Mental health practitioner has led me to a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

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Living with a genetic connective tissue disorder known as EDS, along with being AuDHD and dyslexic, has provided me with first-hand insight into the unique challenges these conditions can bring. This personal understanding forms the bedrock of my approach, fostering a space that embraces individuality and celebrates the strength within diversity.

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Discovering my purpose:

In 1999 grounded in the language of dance and somatic movement, I pursued a BA in dance and visual art practice with a profound purpose—to evolve into a Somatic Movement Therapist. My journey is fuelled by a deep-seated commitment to assist individuals, particularly those navigating the realms of chronic pain conditions, a journey I'm intimately familiar with.

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Somatic exercises have been integral to my self-care routine for nearly 30 years, and I find immense fulfilment in guiding others through somatic healing practices. It's a transformative journey, helping individuals manage a spectrum of physical and nervous system-based challenges.

 

NHS Experience

In 2006 my path led me to the National Health Service (NHS), where I played a crucial role in acute psychiatry. Working on the front lines, I assessed individuals presenting acute mental health and addiction issues, collaborating with prisons, probation, police, and other emergency services. My focus in the NHS was predominantly addiction, dual diagnosis, complex personality disorders as well as intergenerational and systemic trauma. Exploring the efficacy of treatment approaches from a systemic perspective, in my MSc thesis on Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder treatment in the prison system.

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The Call Back to Holistic Roots

Working in acute psychiatric teams, on wards and in the prisons, I witnessed a top-down approach to healing, often with clients presenting systemic trauma as a compounding factor. This sparked a deeper desire for a holistic approach, rooted in the belief that true healing involves mind, body, and spirit.

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A Holistic Philosophy

Raised by an academic mother with a strong view on the system, I embraced esoteric realms and holistic practices introduced in my youth. My mother's fascination with ancient esoteric wisdom, passed down in folklore, myths, and legends, became a guiding force towards an interest psychospiritual development. The return to more esoteric realms marked a profound shift, infusing my work with an understanding of ourselves through the stories hidden in the artistic and esoteric rituals of the past. 

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I draw inspiration from a rich tapestry of knowledge, weaving together the wisdom of Kundalini Yoga, shamanic practices, energetic and ancestral healing, Reiki, human behavioural biology, philosophy, and insights from contemporary thinkers. Rooted in a foundation of somatic healing practice, my work is centred on the profound belief that by lovingly embracing our shadow, unravelling ancestral narratives, and unlocking erotic intelligence, we can experience profound and holistic healing.

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Deep Dive into Purpose

Delving into my true purpose and nature, I have spent the last few years integrating learnings from my own journey with shadow work, chronic pain, and grief, along with my experience in systemic approaches to acute psychiatric services and addiction services. This exploration pulled together the threads of my holistic, philosophical upbringing and my mother's teachings on radical empowerment.

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Empowering Transformation

The heart of my work lies in guiding individuals through the concept of being triggered—a moment often associated with reactivity and vulnerability. Rather than viewing triggers as obstacles, we explore them as activations and gateways to empowerment and healing. This process involves delving into shadow work, recognising and rewriting shame and trauma patterns, and unconditionaly embracing all the parts of ourselves as a powerful catalyst for connection.