Cindy Brooks, LMFT, SEP, CATC IV

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I currently work in private practice in Mission Viejo, CA and Idyllwild, CA. In the mountains I facilitate retreats and day long workshops in nature and with my 4-legged colleagues through equine assisted therapy. I lecture to families and patients throughout Southern CA on addiction and trauma.

I was drawn to Somatic Experiencing during my Master’s practicum at a Behavioral health unit in Vista, CA. One of the therapists I was observing at the facility was an SEP and was using SE with the patients. I was drawn to the way in which she helped a patient with loving compassion and empathy by tapping into her body. I proceeded to ask what she was doing and was taken to an SE basics/intro a few months later. The rest is history…I began the training in the fall of 2009 and have been forever changed and blessed by this work.

I work with all forms of trauma but basically specialize in trauma and addiction. It is my opinion that individuals with a dysregulated nervous system (no matter what the cause) often use an outside “substance” to self-sooth or feel “okay” in their world. This outside substance can be anything from food, relationships, shopping, gambling etc. to drugs and alcohol. They learn to regulate through SE and their innate capacity to heal without the use of something outside to fill that void. I have found they have better success in their recoveries through their bodies rather than relying on their “head” to change their behavior. I love to observe the agency and empowerment my clients develop through SE. It is beautiful to witness and I am passionate about bringing this work to the world!!!

I facilitate outdoor workshops and equine assisted therapeutic groups in the mountains near Idyllwild. There are groups formed frequently on the weekends. I would love to share more information about the magic and power of the horse in this healing.

I currently assist and coordinate SE professional trainings and provide personal sessions at all levels of training. I am currently approved for individual consults at the Beginning level and willing to do them in person or online.

If I was to think of an SE phrase that has stayed with me from my training I would have to say “Shift Happens”.