What happens after I submit my application?

After you submit, Shannon reviews your application personally and reaches out within 2–3 business days with her assessment and a recommended next step. If you have questions in the meantime, you're welcome to email shannon@theintegrativepractitioner.com.

How long before I notice a difference?

Most clients notice a meaningful shift in their nervous system baseline within the first 3–5 sessions -less reactivity, better sleep, clearer thinking. Deep pattern resolution (trauma loops, chronic burnout) typically takes a full container (10–20 sessions).

Is this covered by insurance?

Shannon's work is integrative coaching -not licensed psychotherapy -and is not covered by health insurance. Many clients use HSA/FSA accounts or treat it as an investment in their capacity to lead and perform. Payment plans are available on request.

What does 'integrative' actually mean?

Integrative means the work spans multiple domains simultaneously: somatic (body-based) regulation, trauma resolution, strategic life design, and spiritual integration. Rather than siloing your healing from your career or your body from your mind, all dimensions are addressed in a single container.

How is this different from regular therapy or coaching?

Traditional talk therapy often stays in the cognitive mind -rehashing the story without changing the physiology. Traditional coaching pushes for mindset shifts while bypassing the nervous system. Shannon's method works bottom-up (body regulation first) AND top-down (strategy second), which is why results are lasting rather than temporary.

What if I'm not sure which service path is right for me?

Start with the Nervous System Assessment at the top of the page next to 'Begin Application'. This helps Shannon recommend the right path for your specific situation.

Are you currently taking new clients?

Shannon maintains a limited client roster to ensure each person receives full attention. If she's at capacity, your application goes on a priority waitlist and you're contacted as soon as a spot opens.

What if I can't afford the full package?

Shannon offers payment plans across all package tiers. Single sessions are also available as an entry point, though packages produce substantially better outcomes due to the neuroplasticity required for lasting change.

What happens during a somatic experiencing session?

A somatic experiencing session begins with a check-in on your current nervous system state. Shannon guides you to notice body sensations rather than retelling your story. Using titration (small, manageable doses of activation), trapped survival energy is slowly discharged through the body's natural completion responses: trembling, deep breaths, warmth, or spontaneous movement. Sessions are 50 minutes, conducted via secure video, and most clients describe the experience as surprisingly gentle.

What is nervous system dysregulation and what are the signs?

Nervous system dysregulation occurs when your body's stress response system gets stuck in survival mode even when there is no current threat. Common signs include chronic anxiety, insomnia, emotional reactivity, brain fog, chronic fatigue despite adequate rest, digestive issues, and feeling wired but tired. High-performing leaders often mask dysregulation through overwork, which compounds the problem.

What is polyvagal theory and how does it apply to healing?

Polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explains how the vagus nerve governs three distinct nervous system states: ventral vagal (safe, social, connected), sympathetic (fight or flight), and dorsal vagal (shutdown, freeze, collapse). Healing trauma requires understanding which state your nervous system defaults to under stress. Shannon uses polyvagal mapping to help clients return to ventral vagal safety, where clear thinking, genuine connection, and sustainable performance are possible.

How is somatic experiencing different from EMDR or CBT?

CBT works top-down, changing thoughts to change feelings. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic memories. Somatic Experiencing works bottom-up, directly addressing the physiology of the nervous system where trauma is stored. SE does not require you to retell your trauma story. Instead, it tracks body sensations to safely discharge survival energy that got trapped during overwhelming experiences.

What causes burnout in high-performing leaders?

Executive burnout originates in the nervous system running on chronic sympathetic activation -adrenaline and cortisol loops that drive overperformance, hypervigilance, and eventual collapse. Common root causes include unresolved developmental trauma driving perfectionism, a nervous system conditioned to equate rest with danger, and identity structures built entirely around achievement. Sustainable recovery requires addressing the physiology, not just the schedule.

Is somatic experiencing evidence-based?

Yes. Somatic Experiencing has a growing body of peer-reviewed research. Studies in the Journal of Traumatic Stress and Frontiers in Psychology have shown SE reduces PTSD symptoms, with randomized controlled trials demonstrating significant improvements. SE is grounded in neuroscience, specifically polyvagal theory and the biology of the stress response. It was developed by Dr. Peter Levine after decades of studying how animals discharge survival energy without developing trauma symptoms.

What qualifications does Shannon have for psychedelic integration?

Shannon holds MAPS-approved training (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) for integrating non-ordinary states of consciousness. She is a member of the American Center for the Integration of Spiritually Transformative Experiences. Combined with her Somatic Experiencing certification, she brings both the neurobiological framework and transpersonal training needed to safely support clients processing psychedelic, mystical, or spiritual experiences. Shannon does not facilitate substance use -her role is integration.

Can I work with Shannon if I'm outside the United States?

Yes. Shannon's practice is entirely virtual and she works with clients worldwide, regularly serving clients across North America, Europe, and beyond. All sessions are conducted via secure video. As an integrative coach and somatic educator, her services are not restricted by state or country-specific therapy licensing requirements.

Somatic Trauma Healing & Nervous System Regulation

Shannon Myers, MS, SEP, offers somatic trauma healing and nervous system regulation for high-performing adults. 15+ years of experience helping clients recover from burnout and complex trauma.

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