About

Suzanne Snijder van Wissenkerke, new to California in 1990, followed a basic massage therapy course for fun, and discovered her passion in bodywork.  Continuing studies lead to certification in Neuromuscular Therapy (St John) in 1998, craniosacral therapy, and Visceral Manipulation (Barral Institute). 

Since 2000, Suzanne has integrated Somatic Experiencing into her practice.  She attained SEP in 2002, and continues to assist teaching, and offering approved provider sessions for SE students at all levels in the three-year professional training program of the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute.  In 2009, Suzanne served in Sichuan, China, as part of an outreach team post-earthquake, training professionals in trauma stabilization tools with Trauma Resource Institute.

Suzanne holds a BA in Biology and East Asian Studies from St Olaf College, Northfield, MN.

Professional Associations:

Claremont Wellness Professionals, bringing together holistic-oriented professionals in the greater Claremont area for support, education, and community service since 2000.  Founding member.

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, national level professional organization.  Member since 1991.

Participant in Daniel Siegel's study groups, 2004 - 2005; member of the resulting Global Assn for Interpersonal Neurobiology Studies (GAINS).

Bio

"I played piano since age five, giving me a twenty-five-year head start on skills vital to bodywork.  Listening with hands and ears, moving to match my dynamics and tempo in response to the big picture, were all in my musician's toolkit.  When I shifted gears at age 30 to first try massage, applying these skills toward this healing modality came naturally.  Growing up,  I lived in the American Midwest  –  canoeing every summer in the Boundary Waters, grounded in nature, in spirit.   The science behind massage, the axioms of structural balancing resonated most strongly until, years later, discovering somatic therapy, I grew to embrace the freedom of “not knowing.”  

Playing only what's written?  Not anymore.  My current practice is full of improvisation, rewarding me with daily discovery, inspiration and challenge --- and yes, benefiting my clients!  My steps from keyboard, to science and nature, to integrative bodywork, connect me in a theme of moving notes.  Now, sitting with a client, I continue to listen for the notes between:  the ones that, in relationship with the others, create harmony or dissonance, and can lead on to the next notes."