Paloma Mckenna
Hello
My work is a reflection of a journey I have been on for over 20 years. I want to help people connect better and reclaim their right to a sex life they love, to understand more about their sexuality and process the emotions that often go with conflict, trauma, and abuse, because I know that it is a rich and rewarding journey to do so.
I have a MA degree in Counseling/Marriage and Family Therapy and other advanced trainings in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Hakomi Method, the Somatica Method, the Comprehensive Resource Method, and other relevant trainings that connect mind-body.
I identify as sex-positive, meaning I believe sexuality can be a path to learn more about yourself, enhance self-expression and initiate change. I also believe in the need for a safe and non-judgmental place for individuals and couples to learn about themselves and that when provided this space, people can access answers and deeper truths in themselves. I support individuals and couples to consciously open to their desires, fears and boundaries so they can heal from pain related to sexuality, understand and accept each other more.
My Approach
As an Associate Therapist, I bring a distillation of healing tools, including trauma-informed care, relational and somatic practices and a loving, compassionate and curious presence. ​
Therapy is experiential; we follow and focus, particularly on experience and emotion, to evoke change. It is also client-centered; while the therapist may present ideas or avenues of exploration, relevant to goals; ultimately, the clients are given choice every step of the way. Additionally, attached-based therapy pays particular attention to how one's attachment history shapes client needs and action tendencies helping you to understand yourself more fully and those around you. In attachment-based and experiential approaches, the safety of the therapist-client relationship is prioritized and tended to, as it is known to affect treatment outcome.
Academia/Education:
BA in Sociology, minor in Environmental Studies, Dec 2005
MA Counseling/Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy, March 2024
2 year Hakomi Method's Somatic Comprehensive Training 2021-2022
Supervised Practice Sessions with Hakomi Lead Trainers 2022-present
Somatic Trauma Treatment Certification Training w Janina Fischer, 2022
Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples Externship and Core Skills 1-4- November 2023-Dec 2024
​Integrative Sex and Couples Therapy w Tammy Nelson, 2024
Other Relatable Studies:
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The Somatica Method Coaching Training, 2017
Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training -200 hrs, 2009
Mind and Meditation Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training-50 hrs, 2010
Tantra-Shakti Hatha Yoga Teacher Training, w Brook Sullivan @ Wild Temple 200 hours, 2017-2019
Ayurveda Self-care Program, 6 months, 2022 w Anna Welle​​
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SkyDancing Tantra Level 1 Teacher Training with Steve and Lokita Carter: 50 hours
Neo-Tantra Training with Evaleana Rose-6 months
Love Coach Training and Mentorship- Compassionate Communication and Relationship Coaching- with Scott Catamas and the Love Coach Academy- 2 years
Tantra and Taoist Arts Studies with Halo Seronka, 2021-2022
Emotional Balance Program w/Acupressure Institute: 179 hours
Pelvic Heart Integration w/Taj Anapol: 40 hours +
Energy Therapy Certification with HCH Institute- 60 hours
Totality Therapy Training w/Shakti Malan: 24 hours+
Before we begin
Before we begin session, I invite you to tell me about yourself and your situation. I offer a 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit for each other.
During the consultation, I will give you an opportunity to share with me what is calling you to therapy. I will then share some things about me, how I work and times I'm available. If there is a desire to move forward with the therapy-client relationship, an informed consent form will be sent to you.