Daily Inspiration: Meet Kristin Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Smith.

Hi Kristin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Throughout my life I have had a difficult time experiencing presence because of my complex medical and mental health issues from a very young age. I tried many medical and mental health treatments that were minimally effective. Ultimately, true healing began once I figured out how much of my suffering was related to my complex trauma and how much it was due to complex medical conditions.

In the summer of 2022, I participated in a continuing education event called “Polyvagal Bites.” I learned about the mindful embodiment method called Chi for Two®, which is a Polyvagal-informed multi-generational trauma healing method. Gradually I was able to expand my capacity to handle stress and maintain healthier interpersonal boundaries through my training to become a Chi for Two® Embodiment Coach.

In November 2023, I had a very specialized surgery called an Endoscopically-Assisted Surgical Expansion (EASE) to widen my nasal cavity by expanding my upper palate. After decades of struggling to breathe through my nose, I can breathe much better and that has increased my ability to experience presence.

Also in May 2024, I left an emotionally heavy role as the mental health social worker for the Emory Transplant Center. Afterwards, I started working for Harbor of Dreams Art. My passion is helping people who have experienced complex trauma experience safety in their bodies and their relationships since that is deeply personal for me.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In yoga there is a saying that goes something like first “it’s your breath or Pranayama, then your gaze or Drishti” that guides you to the desired movement. However, I could not rely on my breath as meditators usually do to help me focus or relax. I had so many moments when I would be profoundly discouraged that another medical or mental health treatment had not helped me. But I often jokingly said “I danced out of the womb.” When it did not feel safe to say NO with my words early in life; dancing provided me with an outlet to say NO with my body.

I once heard a psychiatrist specializing in trauma say the two ingredients you need to ride the waves of life are a sense of “gratitude and agency.” Meeting with a somatic experiencing therapist and then becoming a Chi for Two® Embodiment Coach helped me appreciate the struggles I have moved through and most importantly has enabled me to feel I have a choice in each moment and each interaction.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a somatic therapist and Chi for Two® Embodiment Coach. I see clients in Roswell, Stone Mountain, and online. Many of my clients see me through their employee assistance program (EAP) and are new to somatic therapy. I specialize in helping clients with complex trauma who often have been diagnosed with several mental health conditions. Many of my clients have previously tried talk therapy and/or psychotropic medication without experiencing their desired degree of improvement.

My approach focuses on helping clients re-pattern their nervous system functioning through inviting somatic movement practices that are grounded in relational and developmental rhythms. Several of my clients have experienced complex intergenerational trauma that so many families pass down. My personal journey has helped me understand the mind-body-spirit connection and make meaning out of individual and collective suffering that helps me support clients from all walks of life.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I shared one of my favorite quotes with one of the developers of Chi for Two®, Mary Lou Davidson, who is a long-time bodyworker. Michael Meade, the mythologist and author said “Rather than the need to heroically save the whole world, the real work of humanity at this time may be to awaken the unique spark and inner resiliency of genius within each person.” She responded: “To finish the quote with within ourselves would be so much more satisfying for me…. After all, he is saying rather than the need to heroically save the whole world.” I experienced many positive shifts in my life after I accepted I get to focus on MY healing first. I know so many of us, especially in the helping professions, prioritize helping others and the collective but we deserve to fill our own cup first.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://somatictherapyandhealing.com/

Image Credits
Kyle Cahall