Episode 7: Exploring the Body as Anchor - Somatic Healing & Parts Work with Jen Saunders

Anna is joined by her first guest — and close friend — Jen Saunders, a registered clinical counsellor specializing in Somatic Experiencing and Internal Family Systems. Jen shares her journey from a fast-paced corporate career into counselling, and the path she had to take to come home to her body and health. Together they explore how emotions carry wisdom, why relationships are central to repair, and the importance of developing an inner dialogue with our body sensations. Their conversation weaves through intuition, self-awareness, decision-making, and the role of community support in creating lasting personal change. At its heart, this episode is about remembering the body as an anchor in our lives — a guide into learning how to meet life's challenges with more presence, depth, and resilience.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Somatic Experiencing and Internal Family Systems 03:51 Jen's Journey into Counseling and Somatic Work 10:29 The Courage to Change: Trusting Your Inner Voice 15:52 Anchoring in Self: Understanding Regulation 21:23 The Power of Somatic Work: Feeling to Heal 29:06 Internal Family Systems: Understanding Our Parts 36:13 The Complexity of Emotions: Navigating Shame and Anger 43:21 The Role of Relationships in Healing 49:56 The Nuance of Intuition and Decision Making 56:09 The Disconnect Between Body and Mind 01:00:59 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Acceptance 01:07:19 The Importance of Community in Healing 01:12:01 The Dance of Regulation and Healing 01:17:16 Exploring Sexuality and Body Connection