ABOUT LAURA
"We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit." -e.e. cummings
"I know how you feel...because I was there.
Today I'm in a thriving relationship, happily married to the love of my life. But a dozen years ago I was burnt out and depressed, exhausted from a relationship that left me emptier with each passing year. I didn't know what to do--I only knew my spirit couldn't survive another day. So, downhearted, I gave up and left.
Fast forward to Santa Cruz, CA, where I received my professional certification as an integrated energy medicine practitioner. Now I had the skills to support my clients and their emotional needs and well-being, but I was still in the dark about my heart. For over a decade I dated just about every type of man, bruising my heart with break-up after break-up, but determined that I would learn what I needed to find true love.
It wasn't until I got the heartbreak of my life--even worse than my divorce--that I got the insight I needed. Then I was able to heal myself and only now am I able to compassionately help others avoid my mistakes and navigate the often turbulent waters of the heart."
Laura
CREDENTIALS:
Laura Bishop holds a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and an MBA in International Management from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. After a first career in sales and management, commencing as sommelier for Ritz-Carlton hotels in Atlanta and culminating with the ownership of her international consulting firm, Laura left the corporate world to enter the healing arts. She received a professional certification in Integrated Energy Management from Luminous Body Integrated School of Energy Medicine. She is an Approved Provider Emeritus for the NCBTMB, the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.
Laura received advanced training in Non-Violent Communication and has practiced Soul Motion moving meditation for over a decade. Laura includes Hakomi body-centered psychotherapy, Byron Katie's 'Loving What Is' inquiry practice, and the Enneagram system of personality analysis among her notable influences. Vinn Arjuna Marti, founder of Soul Motion, and Raina De Lear, co-founder of Luminous Body, are two of her favorite teachers and mentors. Laura founded Soul Sanctuary conscious dance practice, a weekly event featuring DJ'd and live music healing jams. She leads Fearless Salons, a group practice in embodied intimacy and physical presence.
Laura serves as Executive Director of The 418 Project non-profit movement arts center in Santa Cruz, CA. The 418 Project serves over 1,000 users weekly and builds community through creating safety for personal and artistic expression. Over her dozen years of service, Laura has worked with hundreds of artists and community members, supporting them in their growth. She is Artistic Director for What Is Erotic?, performance art project, bringing sexuality and sensuality to the stage respectfully and safely. She is married, and enjoys cooking, reading, yoga, and being in nature.