M.A., MFT, SEP.
Yuri Zelez, is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice in Eugene, Oregon. He teaches internationally and blends Somatic Psychology with intuitive touch to facilitate his work.
A trauma specialist, he is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and a writer and educator in the field of shock and developmental trauma. "In recent years, it has become clearer that treatment of catastrophic events that affect an individual must include the body as an essential part of the healing process." Somatic therapy uses touch in supporting the body systems to integrate and regulate.
"I have been a licensed psychotherapist for 32 years and a body-worker for 30 years. Practicing separate disciplines, I searched for ways to bring relief to my clients symptoms while allowing the natural healing aspects of the body to return. Working with thoughts and feelings was not enough. I knew I had to find a way to include the body in treatment. That exploration led me to study Bio-energetics and Somatic Experiencing to create a synthesis with the Somatic therapy I was already doing. This combined treatment has proved successful and my clients have begun to get their lives back."
"As our society struggles in dealing with war, disease and a financial crisis, there is an imperative to “heal ourselves.” With 7 billion people in the world, many of whom live disconnected from their bodies, I realized how important it is to create a context for healing. My aim is to share my ideas through themed articles, providing sessions and case consultations and doing trainings for practitioners in order to reach as many people as possible. Joy is our birthright and when we experience ourselves as an organic whole we can live more fully present. Ultimately, one candle passes its light to another, one healthy body and mind to another. This is how I want to make a difference."