The Underwater Therapist

04/12/2025

Part 3 is out! 👇🏼

This is Part 3 of a 4-part series on trauma-informed freediving and the nervous system. In this installment, we explore how we mask…

03/31/2025

It's live!

In Part 2 of my trauma-informed freediving series, I explore how the MDR reveals hidden survival patterns, teaches interoception, and offers a surprisingly accessible pathway to self-regulation—whether or not you dive.

🫧 Based on a qualitative study of 120 freedivers
🧠 With insights into trauma recovery, interoception, and nervous system flexibility
🌊 And a hint into practical tools for activating the MDR on land

“I didn’t know it at the time, but the water was teaching me how to regulate.”
–Participant 42

Check it out here:
https://medium.com//0e81f657bef9

Can't wait to continue the journey with you!

An ancient reflex may be key to restoring calm and rewiring our stress responses.

03/26/2025

The topic near and dear to my heart and one I have been studying for the last 3 years. This is part one of a four-part series. I hope you enjoyed as much as I enjoyed writing it!

A first look at how freediving can support nervous system regulation, adaptive responses, and emotional relief — even when words fall…

03/24/2025

🤿Freediving’s Hidden Language:
Breath-hold diving isn’t just physical—it’s how we speak to the nervous system without words.

I just published the first in a 4-part series on Medium exploring how freediving offers a unique path for regulation, connection, and internal safety.

🩵This piece is for anyone who has ever felt something shift underwater—without knowing how or why.

It’s also for the coaches, clinicians, and curious divers who are ready to see breath-holding in a whole new light.

Read it here:medium.com/
Link in bio too!

Drop a comment below 👇🏼 if this resonates with you!
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03/10/2025

Feeling pretty humbled to have been on this podcast where I'm talking about how give people the benefits of freediving without touching the water.

Sound a little off the wall? Not really... Listen and you'll learn some techniques that can help you manage stress and reduce pain!

https://go.juliemichelson.com/c/s/Opq/6iZi/U/7y/vE/64Iq4f/z624QDDJwG/sF0/6iZT/v9/bXU9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZpbnNwaXJlZGxpdmluZy5zaG93JTJGMTgyJm1oPTczZTI4ZTU5YTVmOThl/Z

02/25/2025

Freediving gives us a way to speak the language of the body—no words needed.

When we explore our physical and psychological edges in a safe, structured environment, we’re not just pushing limits—we’re learning to listen in a way that’s free from stigma, pressure, or expectation.

This isn’t about forcing breakthroughs. It’s about discovering a physiological language that helps us process, integrate, and move forward—without having to explain or justify.

When we stop fighting ourselves and start understanding, we unlock something powerful: a deep sense of safety and agency.

Your body has been speaking to you all along. Freediving just teaches you how to listen.

02/19/2025

Very excited to launch trauma informed freediving courses starting in March.

This is for you if:
✔️ You want to learn freediving skills with a focus on nervous system awareness
✔️ You’ve experienced high-stress environments (military, first responder, trauma history, or high-performance settings)
✔️ You’re ready to train your body for recovery, not just survival
🔹 Why Train With a Licensed Clinician & Freedive Instructor?
✔️ Beyond breath-holding—this course isn’t just about freediving; it’s about rewiring your stress response.
✔️ Expert guidance—you’ll be learning from a clinician who understands the science of breathwork, the nervous system, and trauma recovery.
✔️ Post-Dive Recovery & Support—because surfacing is just the beginning. You’ll leave knowing how to process what comes up, regulate your system, and integrate the experience.

🔹 Who This Is For:
✔️ Veterans, first responders, and high-performance professionals
✔️ Anyone carrying stress or trauma long after the moment has passed
✔️ Those looking for a science-backed, non-pharmaceutical reset

Next course is set for March 15-16 on Oahu.

DM for more information or sign up 👇🏼

https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/affinitydive/items/447480/calendar/2025/03/?full-items=yes

02/11/2025

Don't forget, lots of resources are available for freedivers and others at https://linktr.ee/theunderwatertherapist
Nice assortment of articles and resources!

View theunderwatertherapist’s Linktree to discover and stream music from top platforms like Spotify here. Your next favorite track is just a click away!

02/11/2025

Freedivers, Therapists & Digital Nomads

There are plenty of great freediving communities out there, but sometimes, you need more personal support and a space to truly integrate nervous system training, interoception skills, and breathwork—not just for diving, but for emotional resilience and trauma recovery too.

Therapists and freedive instructors need this in so many ways, a safe space just for you!

So, I’m opening up a semi-private coaching series for people who want to explore:

✔️ Breath control & CO2 tolerance (for freediving & stress resilience)
✔️ Nervous system mastery (regulate better under pressure)
✔️ Emotional regulation & embodiment (for diving, healing & daily life)
✔️ Processing stored stress & trauma through body-based awareness
✔️ A practical, portable system you can use anywhere

👥 Two Ways to Join:
💙 Semi-Private (2 People) → Small, intimate support & deep dives
💙 Small Group (3-4 People) → Shared learning & community vibes

(Options for private coaching/teletherapy are available too!)

🌱 Plus: Ongoing support through a private WhatsApp group, where you’ll get access to:
🔹 The latest research & articles on breathwork, interoception & trauma recovery
🔹 Updates on app development & exclusive course content
🔹 A community space for shared experiences, insights & encouragement

This isn’t a big membership group—it’s a focused, interactive space where we dive deep into nervous system work, breathwork, and trauma-informed self-regulation with personal guidance.

If this sounds like your kind of space, drop a comment or DM me! Would love to hear what you’d want to get out of it. 😊 Find me on messenger or IG

01/31/2025

If freediving (or another practice) hasn’t felt like a solution, you’re not alone. Healing is about
finding what works for you.

Sometimes when I post the research I'm doing and the trauma-informed freediving program that I'm creating (getting closer to finishing the comprehensive manual) people reach out and tell me their traumatic experiences from diving and how they don't want treat it with more of the same. Of course we don't go back to the trauma or the cause of it.

Unless you want to talk about it, work through it, process it, learn how to overcome, untangle it... Find resolution... And get back to the sport you love, then I'm here for it.
I'm helped so many freedivers get back to their passion by helping them process key events with this unique method that I've created.

I'm not trying to sell you on anything right now. Somebody reached out to me on Instagram after I posted about an experience that happened during a dive. And he was very angry that I was selling something that was not healthy. He said he was triggered from watching my videos and going to my web page... And from viewing the free resources on my linktree.

I didn't meet him with resistance or anger but compassion and empathy. He must really miss being able to feel safe in the ocean or on the free diving line. So I sent him what I'm sharing below.

Before you leave comments or criticisms. This sport is not for everyone. But that's up to you to decide not someone like me or a freedive instructor. We can only encourage and support you, And importantly, let you know if you're in danger.

Believe me, I have been around enough folks in the freediving community who thought I never belonged and they made sure I knew it time and time again. But, yet. Here I am. A safe, sound instructor.

Freediving, Trauma, and the Path to Healing
Not every tool for healing works the same for everyone. Freediving, while transformative for
many, can sometimes resurface challenges instead of resolving them. This doesn’t mean
healing isn’t possible—it means the right approach matters.

The Realities of Trauma and Healing
If a sport or practice has been a source of pain, the question of whether to return to it is deeplypersonal and worth exploring. Healing isn’t about forcing a solution; it’s about finding safety,connection, and tools that work for you.

Why Finding the Right Fit Matters
Therapy, coaching, and self-exploration require trust, the right support, and approaches tailored
to your experience.

What helps one person heal might feel overwhelming for someone else.
That’s okay.

You deserve to work with someone who understands your unique story and helps
you navigate it with compassion.

A Trauma-Informed Perspective
As a freediving instructor and therapist, I’ve guided many individuals who’ve struggled with theSame questions.

Together, we’ve reframed relationships with freediving, creating safety and
self-trust in and out of the water. Whether freediving remains part of your path or not, yourhealing journey is valid.

If You’re Exploring Healing:
Trust your instincts about what feels safe and supportive.

Seek out professionals who prioritize your unique needs and experiences.

Remember: You don’t have to return to what hurt you to find peace—you can choose new tools,new paths, and new opportunities for healing.

You’re Not Alone.
Healing is a journey, and it’s okay to take your time finding what works for you.
Whether it’sfreediving, therapy, or another path entirely, what matters is that you’re supported, seen, and
empowered every step of the way.

Much ✌🏼 🩵

01/29/2025

Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in survival mode? Whether you're managing chronic or complex PTSD, stress, burnout, or life transitions, in addition to talk therapy, I offer a movement-based approach to therapy, helping you regulate your nervous system and regain control of your life in a way that feels natural and effective. We create a plan that makes sense for you and your life. Our online sessions include various modalities such as CPT, MBSR, PVT, CBT, and more. What matters is the connection and therapeutic alliance. After all, evidence suggests this is the most important aspect of healing.
I specialize in nervous system regulation using the Hicks DIVE Method (Direct Impact on Vagus Engagement)—a cutting-edge framework that blends trauma-informed therapy with practical, tech-free strategies for deep nervous system reset. Instead of relying on apps, screens, or traditional talk therapy alone.
Therapy isn't just sitting in an office talking for an hour. My services integrate our online work, movement, nervous system mapping techniques to help you experience regulation in a dynamic, experiential way. We’re engaging in somatic techniques, guided breathwork, or body-based exercises, use science-backed tools that go beyond talking.

I have openings in my private practice for Hawaii-based folks with health plans and digital nomad services for those abroad. We create a plan that makes sense for you and I have subscriptions available.

Questions? Feel free to DM me.