Testimonials
Scroll through the sections below for testimonials on:
Workshops & Trainings, Somatic Coaching , Retreats, Workplace/Teams, and Shadow Academy
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 teaching container with a palpable sense of care and tenderness.
I felt cared for with her grace yet could sense the power underneath that is necessary for leadership. Overall she is just a badass!”
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Sarah | Embodied ART LVL 1 Participant, 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 was 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.”
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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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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Sat | Teacher, Healer, 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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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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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.”
Retreat Testimonials
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Sascha | Ayurvedic Therapist - Los Angeles, Ca
“This combination (AR+CI) 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. [ARCI] 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
“ARCI 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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OlivIa | Actress - Los angeles, CA
“ARCI 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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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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Marie | Dance Teacher & Artist - Los angeles, CA
“ARCI 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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Kevin | Facilitator - Las Vegas, Nevada
“My experience of ARCI 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 ARCI 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 ARCI. And while I had a dance practice too, I was very new to Contact Improv.
When I saw the unique combination of ARCI, 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
“ARCI 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.”
Workplace / Team Training Testimonials
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Gabby | Co-Founder - Costa Rica
“Ash is someone that walks the talk. She is an embodied example of what it looks like to practice and honor authentic relating. Being with her is a source of rich, safe and loving light. She navigates the space between professional and personal support for relating with consciousness. I’d recommend anyone to work with her directly.”
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Patches | Retreat & Residency Manager - CA
“Ash is a powerful space holder who embodies deep listening. She provided our team with useful authentic relating tools we immediately utilized, and set the bar for our conflict resolution strategies. She held a safe 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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Dakota | Founder & Musician - Orange County
“Working with Ash has been a real blessing. I can be more on the quiet shy side which makes it difficult sometimes for constructing ways of healthy, wholesome communication. In her workshops, I was drawn to her passion for authentic relating and overall drive to be of service. It helped break me out of my shyness seeing how easy she could make it. Breaking it down step by step. Her coherence and playful energy in balance to what she was offering really inspired me to challenge myself deeper and ultimately freed up a new fun practice that only helps myself and the people around me. Love what you do Ash. Thanks again.”
Shadow Academy 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 Shadow Academy, 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. Shadow Academy 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
“Shadow Academy 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
“Shadow Academy 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 container that she creates with Shadow Academy. Because of this, I'm able to more ease-fully lower my walls and let people in. And me, out.”