Ease in the Self; Ease in the World
Step into your Personal Power.
Your journey into the underworld begins with a written application form, providing space for you to detail your vision/goals, emotional patterns, and any energetic blocks as you understand them. Once your application is reviewed and approved based on alignment with the program's objectives, you will be invited to select a time for a video interview via Zoom. This interview is an opportunity to connect and assess compatibility, discuss the content of your application in greater depth, and explore potential coaching processes and tools that could be utilized in your personalized program. I will also answer any questions you may have about the different program options available.
Due to the deep and personal nature of my coaching program, my practice is structured to engage with only a select number of clients concurrently. Access to individually purchased 1:1 sessions is exclusively granted through a private link, which becomes available upon the completion of a minimum engagement in a 10-session package.
sliding scale payment options are available on a selective basis, prioritizing support for under-resourced communities.
For inquiries, please contact hello@rachaelbesser.com after completing the application process.
For more information on what a session might look like, keep scrolling!
Body-Based Shadow Work Coaching:
What actually happens in a session?
Depending on the nature of the specific block we are working with, the session will typically contain a few key elements:
(Click the arrows below to expand on each topic)
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This portion tends to look very similar to motivational interviewing, where I will ask you questions about your experiences so that we can understand and begin to separate...
→ the events surrounding the block you want to process,
→ your mind's interpretation of related circumstances,
→ your awareness and understanding of the block and how it functions relative to your goals,
→ your desired outcome, and
→ any additional interpretations (relating to the block) that we may find even more juicy Shadow content in. -
Sequences tend to set themselves up to occur naturally out of coaching conversation. I may pause and ask how you're feeling about something you just shared, and then ask if you're ready to move into a sequence, where (upon receiving your consent) I will then ask you to close your eyes and we will begin.
Most sequences begin with identifying how an emotion or thought manifests in the body as sensations, and then we will expand into more ‘psychic’ content from there. Through the process, we will continuously tie in somatic awareness as your imagination naturally unfolds into its own vast world — your mind is a psychic realm, after all!
These sequences are largely informed by Parts Work, so we treat each and every aspect of the mind and body as their own 'part,' inviting them into a dialogue, or instructing them to follow certain guidance when appropriate ("go over there," "stay with another Part," "show me what this means," "take us to a separate scene," etc).
Sequences can feel somewhat like day dreaming or lucid dreaming, wherein the content can be surprising, or even feel like a scene from Alice in Wonderland. Sequences can last anywhere from 5 minutes to beyond 45 minutes, and (depending on the client) an average session can contain 1-3 sequences. -
This could be anything from a simple grounding exercise before/during/after a sequence, to having you switch to sitting on the floor against a wall instead of in a chair. The idea of keeping nervous system regulation at the forefront of my practice is to establish safety in the body so that it can safely hold, and adequately process, all psychic and somatic content that may come up during the active imagination sequences.
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After we have finished with any sequences and regulation exercises, we'll take some time at the end of the session to reflect on what was discovered and felt. Reflections help us solidify what we've learned and noticed, and begin the process of integrating that knowledge into daily life. During this time, I'll ask you to share your thoughts, feelings, and insights about the session, and you'll also be free to ask me any additional questions about what came up.
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Depending on what came up during the session, I may suggest some additional exercises for you to try on your own following the session. These could be anything from writing prompts, mindfulness exercises, nervous system support, rituals, or even creative projects, to watching a movie or tv show.
The purpose of these assignments is to further your understanding of your experience, and to help you begin to integrate any of the Shadow aspects (aka, "Parts") we worked with into your conscious mind. -
My Shadow Work practice is largely informed by Jung's Model of the Psyche, so in this context, "psychic" content simply refers to sensations that the mind produces that aren’t also perceived using the traditional 5 senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).
Have you ever felt a feeling or sensation as a color or shape? Can you "see" sounds? (Synesthesia) Ever had a weird dream? Or suddenly had a memory, thought, or feeling combust out of [seemingly] thin air? Congrats, you're super psychic as far as my program goes!
In Jung's works, "psychic" does not primarily refer to extrasensory abilities or phenomena, but rather, to the totality of the human mind and its processes. His conceptualization of the "psychic" includes elements such as thoughts, memories, dreams, and beyond. He uses it to describe the inner world of a person, including material within both conscious and unconscious minds.
So by this definition.... your mind is an innately psychic space.
[Source: Jung, C.G. (1960) The Structure of the Psyche. In: Read, H., Fordham, M., Adler, G. (eds.) The Structure and Dynamics of the Psyche. Collected Works of C.G. Jung, Vol.8, Princeton University Press.]
Not ready to work 1:1? Try a workbook instead!
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Codependency & Reconnecting With Our Emotions
If you’ve stumbled upon this page, chances are that 1) you’re on a deeply transformative journey, and 2) you struggle with Codependency or Codependent traits. Well personally, I’m so glad you’re here! The Codependency to Interdependency journey is not an unfamiliar one to me, and I’m so excited to share the tools I’ve learned along the way with as many people as I can.
Some of you may already know that Codependency is a complex emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual's ability to have healthy, mutually satisfying relationships. However, one of the hallmark traits of codependency is the disconnection from our own emotions. This disconnection is not innate but is a learned behavior, often rooted in dynamics related to our family of origin. Growing up in an environment where emotions were not acknowledged (and in extreme cases, something many of us were punished for), many of us learned to detach from our feelings as a defense mechanism. This was our way of protecting ourselves from overwhelming feelings of helplessness, fear, rejection, or abandonment.
The "How to Feel Your Feelings" worksheet is not just about understanding emotions but also about beginning to unlearn the codependent traits that have kept us distant from our true Selves. By practicing the art of feeling our feelings, we take the first critical steps towards the wholeness of Self and achieving security in our own identity — the very antithesis of codependency.
As we delve deeper into our inner world and begin to speak the language of our emotions, we can empower ourselves in profound ways. We become adept at advocating for our own needs, voicing our concerns, setting clear boundaries, and reconnecting to our childlike sense of joy. This newfound emotional fluency also means that we no longer feel the compulsion to control or overly accommodate others. Instead, we can respect and allow them their own experiences, understanding that their journey is separate from ours.
Introducing the "Shadow Work for Codependency Healing Workbook" – a powerful, printable 25 page PDF workbook designed to help you transform codependent patterns, and reclaim your personal power in relationships. This comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step approach to identifying, understanding, and healing the codependent Shadow Aspects that may be holding you back from the relationships you desire (and deserve).
The "Shadow Work for Codependency Healing Workbook" is perfect for anyone on their journey to secure, whether they are just beginning or have been on the path for some time. It combines depth psychology, somatic practices, and deconstruction tools & techniques that you can use time and time again to explore the root causes of the codependent behaviors that show up across different areas of your life. The workbook also gives you a tools and strategies for integrating them, fostering healthier relationships with yourself and others.
Key features of this printable PDF workbook include:
An exploration of codependency and its impact on relationships
Introduction to Shadow Work and its relevance to codependency
Guided exercises for identifying and exploring your codependent Shadow Aspects
Exercises and prompts for uncovering the roles, motivations, and characteristics of your Shadow Aspects
Step-by-step guide for creating a personalized healing ritual, inspired by the work of Jungian analyst, Robert A. Johnson
Self-assessment tools, reflective exercises, and spaces to take notes to track your progress and deepen your understanding of your patterns and Shadow aspects
Embrace the opportunity to heal and grow with the "Shadow Work for Codependency Healing Workbook." By working through the exercises and reflections in this printable PDF guide, you'll develop a deeper understanding of yourself, foster greater self-compassion, and ultimately, cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Transform your life – download your copy of the "Shadow Work for Codependency Healing Workbook" today!
*** Disclaimer ***
I am not a licensed therapist or mental health professional, and my work is not a substitute for therapy or any other medical treatment. The worksheets and resources provided are for educational and self-help purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
While the worksheets may be helpful for some individuals, they are not suitable for everyone, specifically those experiencing ongoing trauma or abuse.
If you are struggling with ongoing trauma, crisis, or need more support, I encourage you to seek help from a licensed mental health professional. You can contact your local mental health clinic or visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website (https://www.nami.org/findsupport) for more information and resources, or utilize any of the resources below.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 (24/7)
Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741 (24/7)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-6264 (Monday through Friday, 10 am to 8 pm EST)American
Psychological Association (APA) Psychologist Locator: https://locator.apa.org/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (24/7)
Mental Health America (MHA) Screening Tools: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1) or Text 838255 (24/7)
LGBTQ+ National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564 (Monday through Friday, 4 pm to midnight EST, Saturday noon to 5 pm EST)
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth Hotline): 1-866-488-7386 (24/7)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7)
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (24/7)