Daniel Johnson

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I was born in London into a turbulent dysfunctional family. As a child I was fascinated by the super-natural, nature and anything electrical. School was not good for me but despite it's horrors, I managed to maintain a sense of wonder and awe and a yearning to explore the richness of the world. As a young man I spent much time travelling and discovering an inner landscape with the guidance of some teachers along the way. I also have enjoyed exploring my vision of a better world with other people. I have begun or been a part of starting housing and building co-operatives, alternative trading systems, a school and a variety of businesses. I have 5 fantastic children, all grown-up, 3 with my first partner and 2 step-children with my wife Kate who works along side me here. They are a continual source of joy to me - their unreasonable commitment to pursuing what they love is inspiring.

I love learning new skills, so along the way I have done some academic studies with degrees in Zoology and Computer Sciences and I have acquired other skills such as Tai Chi, meditation and a variety of therapies.

I have trained in Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Integral Somatic Psychology (ISP) with Dr Raja Selvam - both body-based psychotherapeutic approaches that help to relieve and resolve the symptoms of chronic and extreme stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental and physical trauma-related problems. SE works by helping our nervous systems to stabilise. This then expands our capacity to be with, and get closer to, difficult physical and emotional experiences. When we can meet these parts of ourselves from a resourced place, where we are solid and grounded, then a re-negotiation can happen. The energy that was bound-up in the body is freed-up bringing with it a sense of aliveness, relaxation, and wholeness. If you want to find out more start here.

I am continuing to deepen my exploration of body-based approaches, studying the Neuro-affective Relational Model (NARM) - an approach to working with developmental trauma, with Dr Larry Heller.

When I am not working at Sura, I work as a Somatic Therapist in Somerset, UK. For details see my website here. DanielJohnsonSomaticWork.com. My wife, Kate who used to work here at Sura too, and I work with couples. We work together as a couple with couples who want to explore and uncover the potential in their relating, or who have reached a point where their paths have diverged and they want to separate in a loving and supportive way. Find out more about what we offer here: ConsciousCouplesWork.com.

Writing a bio is interesting - compressing my life into a few paragraphs. What is revealing itself is a life-long commitment to exploration that has taken me down many nooks and crannies. I find myself with an expanding sense of calling to work with people and share some of the insights and skills I have picked up along the way. I am blessed to be supported and inspired in my journey by my spiritual teacher, Adam. He reminds me to be here, now, experiencing in this moment as it arises.