In this episode, Joe and Dr. Megan interview Iveth who is a BCBA practicing as a woman's empowerment coach. Iveth explains her journey with Somatic Movement and how it can affect how we understand ourselves and our clients.

Follow Iveth on Instagram:

@empowerwithiveth

@emotionawareaba

Links Shared in the Show:

Youtube Video on Healing Trauma: https://youtu.be/FKrCe9fHsSc?si=o-njPb_t8Gwhc8jk

Body Keeps the Score Book: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748

It Didn't Start with You Book: https://www.amazon.com/Didnt-Start-You-Inherited-Family/dp/

YouTube Video on Somatic Therapy TedX Talk: https://youtu.be/UU7eSxcBhpM?si=54rjTfOfmJvivOjg

Social Emotional Resources Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18UcU8OXFwyEEjRGAXvxxaxSu_cIriMJIUs4QqYegqqs/edit?usp=drive_link

Emotional Regulation Website: www.gozen.com

Summary of Podcast from Fathom:

Somatic movement focuses on internal bodily experiences rather than just external movement.
Ignoring body signals starts early in childhood and continues into adulthood.
Connecting with your own body helps you better understand client needs.
Emotions drive behavior, so addressing emotions prevents problem behavior.
There is fear around incorporating new practices into ABA, but we must be open to grow.

Somatic means relating to the body. Somatic movement is moving in a way where the intention is on internal bodily experiences rather than just external movement.
Our bodies hold wisdom for how to heal and regulate, but we are trained to ignore internal signals from a young age.
Somatic movement can be any movement motivated by an internal experience, even just using the bathroom when needed.

Iveth has been a BCBA since 2020 but experienced burnout from constant stress.
She took a break to travel and discovered somatic movement and nervous system regulation.
This was the missing piece - connecting her mind and body. She uses somatic practices daily now.

As a coach, Iveth identifies "can't do vs won't do" problems. If it's a "won't do" due to fear, she helps clients connect with their body to release the fear.
With clients with autism, she gets curious about the function of behaviors like tantrums. She explores what feelings drive the behaviors and teaches coping skills through movement.

Books like The Body Keeps the Score and It Didn't Start With You.
Connecting with your own body is the best resource.

Emotions drive behavior but are often ignored in ABA. We should teach body awareness and movement for regulation.
There is fear of incorporating new practices into ABA, but we must have cultural humility and synthesize knowledge.

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