Testimonials

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Coaching Testimonials

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    AR | Psychotherapist, California

    “Ash has been an absolute godsend in my life. I first encountered her empathic and grounded presence at her Embodied Authentic Relating Training, and I was just floored by her compassionate, engaged facilitation. I knew I had to work with her one-on-one.

    Our coaching sessions have been game-changing. Ash's deep empathy, wisdom, and resilient centeredness have been such a pillar of comfort. She has this amazing ability to create structure and space - it's like the perfect balance of support and freedom. I felt so motivated to push beyond my original goals, and in just 10 weeks, I went from feeling despairing about my path as a psychotherapist to confidently seeing clients again.

    Ash's guidance has been transformative. I've cultivated a sense of inner strength and purpose that I honestly never imagined possible. Her joy and passion for this work are so infectious - it's really rubbed off on me. I'm just filled with this buoyant self-assurance now. It's like she helped me remember parts of myself I'd forgotten.

    I'm endlessly grateful for Ash's mentorship. She's had such a profound impact, not just on my career, but on my whole way of being. I can't recommend working with her enough. If you get the chance, jump on it - your life will probably be about to change in the best way.”

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    CK | Physiotherapist, Canada

    If you are seeking greater connection with yourself, in relationships, or with the world, coaching with Ash will bring you closer and more in alignment with that.

    Ash holds a safe, connected, open space.  I felt supported to "go there", to explore, to allow, and to be.  I was able to explore new practices, embody them, and check in with my coach along the way.  The sessions were wonderfully tailored and set up in a way that gave space for me to both lead and be lead.  

    At first I was not sure about having weekly sessions, I thought maybe I only "need" monthly sessions, but I found that committing to the 6 month container of weekly sessions is what truly allowed for the growth and transformation that occurred.  I was able to get clear on commitments, actions, and practices that made more space for me in my life, I was able to clear out the clutter and focus in on me! Which was the goal.

    I am now looking forward to continuing to work with Ash and I don't think I could ask for a better coach.  Not only does Ash understand the soma and the material they share, but I can feel the embodiment of it all within them.   

    Thank you Ash!!  Looking forward to our continued journey!!

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    James | Manager - North Carolina

    "Ash is fucking awesome. She helped me discover scrolls of truth and access more self compassion. I no longer see the situation as so black and white, and feel able to choose a third way that honors my desire to help others while also honoring my boundaries. I feel more able to navigate my workplace and relationship.

    I really trust her instincts and ability to cut through the fluff in a way that feels supportive."

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    Alex | Coach & Facilitator - USA

    “Working with Ash has been a huge upgrade to my self-love.

    Her empowered vulnerability and natural embodiment of the energy of “welcome everything” opens a gentle, inviting space to bring my whole self into. In this space, I was able to access and explore those deeper, unexamined layers that have been tucked away behind years of protective strategies.

    She also guided me into direct experiences of working with these layers to forge new, more healthy and integrated ways of relating to myself. Following sessions I noticed lasting effects in how I engaged with my inner and outer world, including a deeper sense of self-acceptance and empowerment.

    I highly recommend her work.”

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    Sat | Teacher, Speaker, Coach - California

    Ash is an amazing teacher, coach, and space holder. The palpable integrity paired with impeccable modeling of being a grounded & present human is a profound combination. Working with Ash in any capacity is a true gift.

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    Laurel | CEO - Florida

    “Ash is an astute listener, thoughtful, pensive, compassionate and personable.

    I immediately felt safe and comfortable to divulge deeper parts of myself and my life. It is not often that you find someone that understands the needs for even disclosure to build immediate rapport, however, this was what made me feel like I could credit trust towards this new life counselor as I prefer to call them.

    It was wonderful that they had experience with the complexity of what I was challenged with facing, and their deep knowledge, insight and feedback moved me emotionally during our session.

    They were able to meet me fully each time I dropped into a deeper part of my story and deftly responded with reflections, options and questions to help to unearth my next steps and ultimate resolve. A lot can happen in a session when you have someone who is naturally adept at circumnavigating difficult circumstances and conversations.

    Do yourself a favor, book a session with Ash today to experience being deeply felt, understood and met.”

Leadership & Team Testimonials

  • Savannah | Senior People Operations Manager

    “Our leadership team still talks and implements the trainings Ash shared with us during the offsite months ago—it was so great!

    We want to offer her trainings to our entire company.”

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    Dakota | Founder, Orange County

    “Working with Ash has been a real blessing. I can be more on the quiet side which makes healthy, constructive communication difficult at times.

    Ash’s astute coherence yet playful energy was a balance that helped me to challenge myself and ultimately reach new capacities.

    In her workshops, I was drawn to her passion and overall drive to be of service. And appreciated that everything was broken down step by step.

    Love what you do Ash. Thanks again.”

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    Patches | Manager, California

    “Ash is a powerful space holder. She provided our team with useful tools we immediately utilized, and set the bar for our conflict resolution strategies.

    She held a solid container for us to explore some of the frustrations our team was feeling and helped us to realign when we began to veer off course or lose focus.”

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    Gabby | Co-Founder, Costa Rica

    “Ash is someone that walks the talk. She is an embodied example.

    Ash navigates the space between professional and personal support with consciousness. I’d recommend anyone to work with her directly.”

  • Laurie | Executive Director

    “Ash truly has a beautiful way of leading that feels so good to me: clear, real, and emergent.”

Retreat Testimonials

  • David | Economist

    “Soma & Soul was joyful growth!

    Ash is clear, warm, wise. She provided an environment that allowed every soul to step out and connect. No time lost in our heads, but plenty of space for our hearts and bodies.

    The lessons stayed with me long after, and thinking back to the weekend centers me with gratitude — 10/10.”

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    Sascha | Ayurvedic Therapist, Los Angeles, CA

    “This combination was really genius. The whole thing together was like psycho-emotional surgery. I felt like I was on aya for 6 days! It was just masterful—the way this was combined felt so safe despite any lack that I felt exploring certain things personally. The way everything was held and facilitated felt really good.I am so grateful—like major major.

    My entire life is changing now. In a way that's been long hoped… I'm noticing a greater saturation of myself in my own body. And I have internalized a big bag of new tools. This retreat even clicked some things into place for the work that I want to do in the world!”

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    Dan | Therapist & Coach, Boulder, CO

    “This retreat was a wonderful time. The care put into the container was palpable and in service of opening. And the permission, ohhh so much permission to be and feel and open and experience and grow.

    Ash’s facilitation was refined and inclusive and beautiful. I left this experience with new lasting connections, and I feel lucky to have said yes to this unique moment in time!”

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    Brian | Naturopathic Doctor, Orange County, CA

    I had such a nourishing, balancing experience.

    The setting was beautiful, the people were emotionally mature, and I got to walk away with a clearer sense of my purpose and how that shows up in my body through movement and connection… the 6-days flew by!

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    Olivia | Actress, Los Angeles, CA

    “This retreat was a life changing experience for me. I had been to other Authentic Relating events before but this one was by far the most profound, healing, and meaningful—thanks to the people who were there, the skillful facilitation, the pairing with Contact Improv, and the time spent in Nature.

    The facilitators created such a strong container that allowed for so much vulnerability and deep connection, and the pairing with Contact Improv, which is naturally so regulating and also encourages connection to one's body, brought a beautiful balance of mental and physical engagement. I can't say enough about how beautiful and profound the connection between Contact Improv and Authentic Relating is, with both encouraging and teaching such a strong connection to self and other. 

    And because naturally intense emotions can arise when you are living and relating closely to 20 something people, it was so beautiful and healing to be able to co-regulate through platonic physical touch and dance and connection from 20 something amazing humans, and learn tools to honor self and other in the midst of those emotions.

    I grew so much, experienced more joy and connection than I thought possible in a week, and made life long friends.  It is an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

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    Adriana | Therapist, Los Angeles, CA

    I got in contact with a part of myself that needed to be found. I had so many wonderful, profound moments.

    I really got to see how I relate to myself and others… and as a therapist, I would recommend anyone to come to this retreat—there will be a profound shift in your soul.

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    Daniel | Engineer, Santa Cruz, CA

    “What a life changing retreat—by far my favorite.

    It felt so good to be part of this group. This well-networked, healthy group. I felt more comfortable there from day 1 than any other retreat. And I felt like the best version of myself: I was self-expressed and seen and accepted and appreciated and loved—and I loved myself.

    It was easeful and enjoyable to be present and embodied. The way the space was held from the beginning: humble, respectful, open. Following and honoring what's alive when needed and not always adhering to the schedule. Transparency over hiding. Empowering individuals and the group…

    Most importantly, loving the people there helped me love aspects of myself. The one who is quiet, shy, suspicious. The one who speaks slowly. The one who struggles to take up space. The one who wants connection but doesn't know how to initiate. The one who is lonely. The one who doesn't know how to be vulnerable. The one who is insecure about being a beginner. The one who doesn't smile often, but shines so beautifully when they do smile.

    I loved them all, and learned that all in me is lovable too.”

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    Benjamin | Senior Capture Director, Los Angeles, CA

    I am leaving feeling nourished and deeply grounded… I feel more confident taking up space. And more confident being close with others.

    The 6-day time frame allowed for going deep and integrating everything this retreat offers—which is so much!

    I had an idea of what I thought I would get out of this—and I got so much more.

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    Marie | Dance Teacher & Artist, Los Angeles, CA

    “This retreat was a unique, magical, holistic movement and relating experience unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.I came in with CI experience and no AR experience, and instantly felt welcomed. The facilitators created such a generous sharing space, and navigated between vulnerability, joy, laughter, grief, deep feeling, and celebration with grace and consideration for the whole collective. I rejoiced in each dance, and can say with 100% confidence that I experienced a profound shift in my connection to myself, as well as a clarity around the kind of relationships I desire in my life.

    Ash’s facilitation was honest and empathetic, and I felt that they were simultaneously a leader I could depend on and a peer I could relate to. That kind of generous leadership is rare, and Ash has that balanced capability in abundance.”

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    Tracy | Physician, Lafayette, CA

    The space was held for personal transformational AND group connection. I felt so deeply held and seen by this group and the process. Highly recommend.

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    Kevin | Facilitator, Las Vegas, Nevada

    “My experience of this retreat was beautiful and deep. The practices and facilitation offered allowed for a felt sense of connection in the group, and this helped my body to feel relaxed and open, which brought a feeling of belonging. I whole heartedly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to feel more at home and welcome in their body, and I would Love to be immersed in this container again.”

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    Katie | Natural Chef, Sebastopol, CA

    “I attended this retreat at a crucial transition time in my life. I had NO idea what I was getting myself into, but when I signed up, I KNEW I had to be there. A friend at the time mentioned I should look into Authentic Relating, that I was already practicing it on my own. I didn't know what I was practicing was "a thing" until I stumbled upon this retreat. And while I had a dance practice too, I was very new to Contact Improv.

    When I saw the unique combination of of this retreat, I trusted my gut YES and applied immediately. I returned home from the retreat with my heart blasted open, a deepening and thriving relationship with AR & CI, and heartfelt relationships that I continue to tend.”

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    Teri | Actress, Los Angeles, CA

    “This retreat was more than I could’ve ever hoped for. Participating alongside my partner was the cherry on top, and SO valuable to the future of our relationship. It truly solidified our union. Thank you.”

  • Tara K. | New York, NY

    “I came away with a clearer acceptance of how I retreat into my self as a way of living and presence that is so independent — at best, solitary and restorative and on the flip side, walled off and alone, and that — there is a wholly different stage of inhabiting presence that I can step into that allows an unfolding of walking in the world and being—with others.

    Ash provided an invitation to explore modes of being in centered presence while moving through disruption or flow, dancing or shaking or being still, with yourself, with others, alone, and together.

    As a facilitator, Ash is incredibly skilled in the art of creating space, drawing the lines of respect and safety and compassion for all to pick up and move within, allowing for freedom of movement, play, and utterances bold or quiet deeply heard and held.”

  • Jessica Steely | Atascadero, CA

    “Ash's grounded presence makes leaning in feel right. The clarity of my outcomes make the work worth while.

    I would recommend this experience to anyone looking to ground and center for a more impactful life.”

  • Lyndsey D. | Marriage and Family Therapist, Bay Area, California

    “I’ve spent much of my life as the person who holds space for others, so being on the receiving end of that dynamic was a refreshing change. Ash is a skilled facilitator who held the group closely enough that I felt safe, but never so tightly that the spontaneity got squeezed out.

    It was purposeful without feeling contrived, and moments were allowed to unfold on their own. Experiencing that balance firsthand reminded me that safety and freedom don’t have to compete; often they make each other possible.

    I expect this to ripple into my work and relationships in quiet, practical ways. I’m listening more fully, rushing to fill silences less, and thinking about how to offer others the same mix of structure and openness that Ash modeled.

    If you’re on the fence, I would absolutely recommend both the workshop and Ash. It was an excellent use of time and resources, and you’ll be in capable hands.”

  • Anna | Los Angeles, CA

    “If you’re curious, befuddled, or frustrated about what happens energetically between you and others, and ready to look at your part, I cannot recommend Ash’s workshops more strongly. Weaving together somatics, breathwork, communication philosophies and other magical arts,

    Ash introduces new skills and most importantly fun, insightful experiments for us to apply these approaches in the everyday, for an experience that comes alive beyond the sum of its parts.

    Their facilitation is ego-less, playful and inviting, so they meet people where they are at, and every aspect of the experience is intentionally considered (elite playlists, come ready to dance). I always leave feeling cared for, connected to myself and the group, and expanded.”

  • BW | Los Angeles, CA

    “Ash is an amazing facilitator. The Soma & Soul workshop is done with so much care; you’re supported to engage comfortably and courageously wherever you are in your life’s journey.”

  • Jensen A. | Los Angeles

    “Ash lets the teaching teach.”

  • A.B. | Paso Robles, CA

    “Thank you for this weekend. I didn't know really what I was walking into and even when I was uncomfortable and stretched, you created a supportive attuned space that could hold it. And whoa did that discomfort being highlighted and fully felt make me evaluate some things.

    This weekend was like a mirror being held up in which others gently shared things that I had no awareness of. And hearing others struggles and joys made me feel seen and a part of. The level of honesty and connection forged between strangers in a relatively short period of time was only possible because of your presence, skills, and openness to create that supportive energy.

    Thank you and the two big things I will take home are that I will pay attention to the inherent wisdom and signaling in my body more, and that I want to create this level of connection and presence in my established relationships.

    Dance with life itself!”

  • Jessica K | San Francisco, CA

    “As someone who has served in the retreat space, I can affirm that Ash is a skilled facilitator. She brings compassion, inspiration, playfulness, and patience into her offering. There’s a beautiful way that she invites you to step more fully into yourself while nudging you towards your tender edge.

    I attended this workshop with my partner and I know the ripple of this weekend together in this work will bring profound joy and peace to our relationship and our home.”

  • Rachel | San Francisco, CA

    “As someone who has been overwhelmed by empathy, tried to take on the burdens of others, and generally been responsible for what isn’t mine: the exercise about mutual connection was radical for me.

    I have intellectually been learning how and why to hold on to myself when connecting with others, but this taught me how it felt.

    Now I know what it feels like. Thank you. Many things were valuable, but this was the transformative skill I needed.”

Workshop & Training Testimonials

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    Reva | CEO - Canada

    “Ash is a powerful, badass facilitator, balancing precision while fiercely inviting the aliveness of participants. Paired with soft acceptance, Ash creates a powerful space for recognition and transformation. Hands down a person I want to learn everything I can from.”

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    Alex | Writer & Facilitator - LA

    “Ash is a powerful facilitator.

    She teaches and holds space for others from her heart, which imbues the whole container with a palpable sense of care and tenderness.

    I felt her grace yet could also feel the power underneath that is necessary for leadership.

    Overall she is just a badass!”

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    Sarah | Encinitas, CA

    “Ash created a container for me to feel safe, heard, and seen.

    She has a true gift for connecting with people and offering the opportunity for others to connect with each other. I am so grateful for this experience.

    Ash is an extraordinary facilitator.

    I left the course feeling hopeful for the possibility of deeper, more compassionate connections with everyone in my life and anyone who I meet along my journey.

    The exercises were extremely impactful and allowed me to really embody the content that we were learning.

    Thank you so much for providing this work.”

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    Laurie Lazar | Executive Director, Colorado

    "Ash truly has a beautiful way of leading that feels so good to me: clear, real, and emergent.”

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    ART LVL 1 Participant, Guatemala

    “Ash is highly sensitive professional and smart. She managed any question and situation in a relevant way, took brave care for safety and boundaries of the space, and treated us with caring love.”

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    Emanuele | Senior Analyst & Strategic Analytics, LA

    “I deeply appreciated Ash’s presence and dedication during our weekend together. She modeled with candor and raw authenticity all of the practices she presented. Never claiming the title of expert or role model, but exemplifying it with her actions and words. She gently redirected all of the off-topic questions back to the present moment with grace and comprehension for whoever was drifting away from the core of the experience.

    Throughout most of the weekend, it seemed to me she took so very responsibly the role of facilitator, making herself as available and responsible as possible, focused and present to answer all questions in the most effective and relevant way.

    She made me ponder how to walk the very fine line between uncompromising, unapologetic self-expression and devoted attention and care to whoever entrusts a facilitator with their healing.”

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    Natasha | Program Manager for Facilitator Training & Senior Course Leader, Denmark

    “I love her command of language and the concise turn of phrase she shares.  I imagine she could explain a complex idea to me and I would grasp it.”

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    Sam | International Performing Artist, LA

    “I learned a lot from my first Authentic Relating workshop with Ash.  I was able to get more comfortable with being vulnerable in a group setting, and learned how to check in with myself before entering into controversial discussions. It has been two

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    Santi | Co-Founder - Nomadic

    “Ash showed up as her authentic self, which I really admired. I felt safe to approach her with conflict, which was really helpful. Her patience, vulnerability, and embodied reflections held a beautiful container for us for the weekend and I enjoyed her presence and insights throughout.”

Group Course Testimonials

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    Todd | CEO - San Luis Obispo, CA

    “They walked us through clearly demonstrating explorations of shadow with compassion and gentleness, yet with a firm willingness to welcome all: the good, the bad, and the ugly—without judgement.

    Through this course, I am radically changing the way I show up in life, and also how much I am absolutely in love with life.”

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    Bridget | Mexico

    “Ash holds space with compassion, integrity, humor, and grounded wisdom. This course provided a safe space for me to not only gain valuable insight into my light and shadow but—more importantly—offered tangible, embodied practices through which to actually integrate the information.

    I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to understand themselves better and gain a greater sense of self-compassion and wholeness.”

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    Emily | Musician - Switzerland

    “Super well-structured and organized. I loved the intimacy of the container, such a safe space to explore and go deep together.

    Powerful work that will for sure keep being digested for a while.

    The length of the sessions was perfect in my opinion, great balance between theory and exercises.”

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    Kelly | Embodied Self-Leadership Mentor - Boulder, CO

    “This course with Ash was an approachable, welcoming, supporting, and nurturing space to do some very important and potent inner work.

    I deeply appreciated the variety of exercises, some of which were surprising in their results, and the homework that nudged me gently out of my comfort zone.

    The facilitation was excellent, creating a container that allowed us all to explore with freedom and support. I feel more prepared now to continue my own shadow work as well as help clients with theirs.”

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    AB | Business Owner - Santa Cruz, CA

    “What an avenue for growth for all. I left feeling really inspired by the group's shared experience and grateful for the facilitation, guidance, and support along the way.

    I feel bigger and more complete, it's amazing.”

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    Tim | Life Coach, Antwerp - Belgium

    “I really feel more alive—parts of me that were hidden and stagnant are now rising and integrating.

    I became a fuller expression of me, because I have had the loving witnessing of others while gently exploring my shadow-sides.”

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    Roy | Participant - California

    “The course gave me insight into who I truly am.”

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    Teri | Actress - LA

    “I feel safe, held, heard, and understood with Ash and the containers that she creates.

    Because of this, I'm able to more ease-fully lower my walls and let people in. And me, out.”