OUR STORY

We offer somatic psychotherapy to individuals in Grass Valley and Sacramento, CA

Founded in 2022 by Chandra Michelle Tracy, LMFT and Åsa Woodman, LMFT, Innerlight therapy is a haven for those seeking to heal through somatic psychotherapy, Gestalt therapy, depth psychology, equine therapy, mindfulness practices and expressive arts. We serve clients in person in Nevada County, CA, and via Telehealth, remote in California. We have opened our private practice group to serve associates in California who are learning the tenets of somatic embodiment, EMDR, and equine therapy and add these to their tool box, to assist clients in building resiliency, resolving past trauma and fostering growth

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Our Mission

Embodiment is our birthright. The connection between the body, mind and breath, is a natural one. But living in the material world, even when we take time to be in nature, we do not always notice our breath or our body. We become fragmented. Our thoughts overpower us, our bodies become our victim- we push our bodies to get things done, to be productive, to keep up, to keep going. We have forgotten how to listen to our bodies, to slow down and notice what our bodies are telling us. or overwhelmed with our lives. Instead we keep moving , doing, producing, numbing out, until something shakes us up and forces us to stop- whether it be an illness, a break up, a loss of a job, or of someone dear to u; or we simply become overwhelmed by our lives. When we are at our lowest point, we finally stop and make the time to listen.


Innerlight is about taking that time to listen NOW. The world will not change. Our daily lives will not become less stressful, less full, less productive, but our minds are our own, and it is time for us to take charge of our own mind, and learn how to slow down, to prioritize our own self, health and well being, and to LISTEN.


When the heart and the mind are synchronistic, in unison, in balance with Self, there is harmony. There is possibility. Heart-Mind is Wholeness and it all begins with you, and the Will, the Desire, to walk in the Light.

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Chandra Tracy, M.A., LMFT

Co-founder 

My work is a blend of Somatic Psychotherapy, Imaginal, Mindfulness, and Yoga Psychology.

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    I also offer EMDR for trauma processing. I am also a Consultant in Training with EMDRIA and offer consultation for those seeking Certification. I see a variety of clients experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions and grief. 


    It takes courage to look within. When we are ready to take that step, we make space for growth, for self-acceptance and for more love and hope in our lives. You have already taken the first step.

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Åsa Woodman, M.A., LMFT

Co-founder 

Åsa is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Gestalt Equine Psychotherapist, Centered Riding Level I Instructor and Harmony Horsemanship Level III clinician and holds certificates in Conscious Nutrition, and Sivananda Yoga.

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    She has dedicated the past 20 years to working with adolescents and adults who suffer from anxiety, trauma, addiction and eating disorders. 


    Åsa is the founder of The Institute for Equine Assisted Practices INC and is currently seeing clients and offering trainings at her barn in Auburn, CA.  She has developed her own treatment modality called Embodied Equine Psychotherapy™, and holds certification courses yearly. 


    Embodied Equine Psychotherapy, was created to help clients reconnect with the truth of who they are. Sessions guide clients through the layers of old beliefs, traumas and protective barriers to find - who you are now. From this place, clients make choices that are aligned in the moment feeling both powerful and soft, free and connected.


    Åsa is passionate about using her training and personal experience to help others move beyond fear and limitations to a life of freedom and trust.  She believes that we all have unique gifts and talents. “Dream big and do what you love”, is her motto, which often becomes a goal for her clients.


    Åsa has had many equine partners who have assisted her in her growth as a human and as a horse woman. She is committed to her own continued inward journey, utilizing yoga, meditation and her time with her horses to guide her to a deep, authentic place, and connect to her InnerLight. 


    "I love seeing the change in people and horses when they experience true connection through vulnerability" - Åsa Woodman

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Erin Smith

Therapist

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a background in depth psychology.

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    I specialize in treating relationship issues and self-esteem failures often connected to early childhood trauma. My approach to working with clients is collaborative and holistic. I am here to support your inner exploration and help you connect more fully to yourself and others.

    I typically use a combination of attachment repair methods, mindfulness based interventions, and parts work, to reveal and integrate aspects of the self that inhibit meaningful connection.


    My personal therapeutic journey has given me insight into many forms of healing. In addition to 12-step models of recovery and regular spiritual practice, trusted therapists have been instrumental in developing inner resources to process grief around childhood trauma and work through the wreckage of substance use issues. I understand the importance of feeling seen and understood in the therapeutic relationship. It is my goal to offer insight and guidance through periods of life that feel too overwhelming to handle alone.

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Akasha Heinzig

Therapist

Akasha is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California.

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    She graduated from Pacifica Graduate Institute with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling, and Depth Psychology. Her educational and professional training was rooted in psychodynamic and humanistic approaches; from that foundation, Akasha utilizes an integrative, holistic approach to her practice of psychotherapy–employing various modalities and interventions based on the specific needs of each client and of the therapeutic relationship. In addition to her work as an AMFT, she is currently in the process of becoming an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist–with speciality certifications in both Kink-Informed and Consensual Non-Monogamy work–as well as a CCE Board Certified Coach.


    Akasha identifies as a Caucasian, Malaysian, and Native American cis-gendered, queer woman. The life experience supporting her work includes previous careers in both the tech industry and corporate world, being a single mother, a sexual assault and domestic violence survivor, and struggles with obesity. Further, Akasha holds the task of expanding awareness of other identities, cultures, and orientations to the human experience as a top priority in both her personal and professional life. As such, Akasha remains open to working with all people, issues, and circumstances. However, her expertise is developing primarily in the areas of LGBTQ+, kink, and alternative relationship dynamics.

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Ellen Hair

Therapist

Ellen began dreaming about becoming a therapist from a young age.

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    What started in childhood as a love for listening expanded into a passion for trauma-informed modalities and advocacy. Ellen received her Master of Arts in Counseling and is licensed as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). Ellen is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting. Additionally, Ellen incorporates somatic elements to further strengthen the mind/body connection. Above all, Ellen meets her clients with empathy, compassion, and respect

Therapist

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Ayya Elzarka

Therapist

Knowing one's true self ~ While this concept may appear to be a distant or mystical reality, it is not only within reach, but a possibility that awaits each of us.

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    In our work together, we will create space for parts of ourselves we might typically push away and welcome any and all thoughts, emotions, or sensations that arise as a means of accessing a lived experience of your true essence. Whether you feel overtaken by depression, anxiety, overwhelm, or trauma, this inner knowledge awaits as a path to healing. I offer a somatic and heart-centered approach and am honored to join the journey you have already started to come to know your true self.


    I completed my Master's in Social Work at Temple University and trained in somatic therapy through the Somatic Experience Institute.

Dayna Brockman

Therapist

Dayna attended Antioch University Los Angeles and received her Master of Art in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Spiritual and Depth Psychology.

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    She uses the modalities of Mindfulness, Existential theory, Depth Psychology, and Yoga & Ayurvedic Psychology.  Her education and certifications in Ayurveda and Yoga for Addiction & Addiction-Related Ailments, provides a foundation for her holistic approach.  Her psychotherapy practice is an integration of Eastern and Western psychology that emphasizes the body-mind-spirit connection.


    She likens the process of psychotherapy as a journey to your Self.  Dayna joins you on this journey as your guide. She truly believes that you can manifest the life you want to live.  In her practice, Dayna prioritizes the therapeutic relationship between you, the client, and herself, the therapist.


    Dayna is influenced by her life experiences which include being raised on an island in Alaska, which has cultivated her relationship with the nature and the outdoors; being a single mom; and she identifies as Caucasian and Native Alaskan (Alutiiq).  She is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California.I typically use a combination of attachment repair methods, mindfulness based interventions, and parts work, to reveal and integrate aspects of the self that inhibit meaningful connection.


    My personal therapeutic journey has given me insight into many forms of healing. In addition to 12-step models of recovery and regular spiritual practice, trusted therapists have been instrumental in developing inner resources to process grief around childhood trauma and work through the wreckage of substance use issues. I understand the importance of feeling seen and understood in the therapeutic relationship. It is my goal to offer insight and guidance through periods of life that feel too overwhelming to handle alone.