I recently completed the six-month certification course offered by ShamanicKink.com, and I’m delighted to begin offering Somatic Kink Coaching sessions.
The course introduced me to the Inner Aspect Method, or I AM—a coaching approach grounded in the understanding that each of us contains many inner aspects, or parts of ourselves. These aspects are shaped by our life experiences, survival strategies, relationships, social conditioning, cultural expectations, and the many ways we have learned to navigate the world.
Our inner aspects often operate outside our conscious awareness. They may become activated during interactions with others, particularly in moments that feel emotionally charged, vulnerable, or challenging. When this happens, we may find ourselves reacting in ways that feel automatic or out of alignment with how we would prefer to respond.
At other times, we may feel conflicted or unable to make a decision without realizing that two or more inner aspects are pulling us in different directions. One part of us may long for connection while another seeks protection. One may want to take a risk while another is focused on safety. This internal tension can leave us feeling stuck, confused, or uncertain about how to move forward.
The I AM approach offers an opportunity to meet these inner aspects with curiosity rather than judgment. Instead of treating any part of ourselves as a problem to be eliminated, we can become curious about what each aspect is trying to communicate, what it may need, and how it may be attempting to support or protect us.
Reflective Listening
At the heart of this work is reflective listening. As your coach, I listen carefully to what you share and reflect back what I believe I’m hearing. You then have an opportunity to clarify, expand upon, or correct my understanding.
There is no pressure to perform, explain everything perfectly, or arrive with the “right” words. The experience of being genuinely heard, understood, and accepted can be deeply validating in itself.
Once we’ve established a shared understanding of your experience, we can begin exploring the inner aspects involved and considering what might best support them. Together, we can cultivate greater awareness, self-compassion, choice, and alignment—creating more room for you to respond to yourself, your relationships, and your desires with greater intention.
The PLISSIT Model
Throughout the coaching process, we may draw on the PLISSIT Model, a framework designed to meet you where you are:
- Permission: The opportunity to acknowledge and explore your experiences, desires, questions, and inner aspects—including the parts you may feel ashamed of, conflicted about, or less than proud of—in a space of warmth, respect, and unconditional positive regard.
- Limited Information: Relevant information to help you better understand concepts, patterns, and experiences.
- Specific Suggestions: Practical tools to support your learning, self-awareness, communication, boundaries, and personal growth.
- Intensive Therapy: When appropriate, referral to a qualified mental-health professional or other specialized provider who can offer the level of care you may need.
You do not need to have everything figured out before beginning. You are welcome to arrive with questions, uncertainty, curiosity, a specific challenge, or simply a sense that something within you is asking to be understood. We can begin wherever you are, at a pace that honors your capacity, boundaries, and goals.
What Somatic Kink Coaching Offers
Somatic Kink Coaching is not a replacement for psychotherapy, medical care, or mental-health treatment. Rather, it offers a supportive and affirming space to explore the ways your body, emotions, desires, boundaries, relationships, and inner experiences intersect.
My intention is to accompany you with compassion, curiosity, respect, and without judgment as you deepen your relationship with yourself and your sexuality.
If you’re curious about exploring this work together, I invite you to book a one-hour Reflective Listening Call. This introductory session is an opportunity to experience the process, share what is present for you, and discover whether working together feels supportive and aligned. There is no obligation to continue beyond this initial conversation.
If We Decide to Work Together
If we both feel that continued work would be supportive, we may begin with a two-hour session focused on reviewing your intake form in greater depth. Together, we can clarify your intentions, identify the areas you would like to explore, and consider possible pathways forward.
Depending on your goals and the scope of our work, sessions may include reflective listening, educational information, practical exercises, and between-session practices. We may also explore guided visualizations, journeys, inner-aspect meditation, inner-aspect council work, or other contemplative practices. These sessions may take place online or, when appropriate, in person at my Connecticut studio.
Any practice will be discussed and negotiated in advance. Nothing is required or expected, and you will always have the right to decline, pause, modify, or stop an activity. Your boundaries, limits, and ongoing consent will be respected throughout the process.
If we mutually determine that an in-person experiential session would be appropriate and within the scope of our work, it could potentially include elements such as psycho drama role-play, hypnotic or therapeutic-style suggestions, visualization, or consensual BDSM activities, which may or may not include things like flogging, spanking, or bondage. These activities are never assumed or automatic. They would be considered only with explicit, informed, ongoing consent and thorough negotiation.
You will retain your autonomy and the ability to stop or change the scene at any time. Any negotiated power exchange will remain subject to the boundaries and agreements established beforehand, including your right to withdraw consent.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to explore more deeply, you’re also welcome to complete the following documents:
To get started, copy and paste each document into a new file or email. Complete them when you feel ready, then share them with me at [email protected].
Please take the time you need. These forms are invitations to begin noticing what is alive within you—not tests you need to pass.
I’m honored to offer this space and excited to learn what is present for you right now. Together, we can explore what your inner aspects may be communicating and identify pathways toward greater self-understanding, wholeness, pleasure, and fulfillment.
With a heart full of compassionate empathy,
Mz Suzanne